Drug Ratings for ACTONELAverage Rating: 1.4 (1356 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Date Rating Was Added Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 |
Charts & graphs: Reviews Summary for ACTONEL | Top 10 Adverse Effects (reported to FDA)
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR ACTONEL | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 2 | osteopenia | started fosamax for 1 year at age 45 per dr. instructions. Stopped for 2 years per another dr. instructions. Now seeing Osteo specialist (I am a 52 yrs old female) and he has me on Actinol and have been for one year. I am experiencing severe gastrointestinal problems, rapid heartbeat and esophageal spasms. After reading this site I am concerned that these are being brought on by the medication and I was blaming it on stress! Also have some unexplained right leg pain. May go off the medication now! | F | 52 | 1 years | 5/4/2007 | 5 | osteoporosis severe | NO SIDE EFFECTS | I HAVE BEEN TAKING ACTONEL FOR 6 MONTHS WITH NO UNPLEASANT SIDE EFFECTS. I ALWAYS WAIT ONE HOUR OR MORE TO BREAKFAST AND STAY UP OR SITTING NEVER LAY DOWN--- I HAVE SVERE OSTEOPOROSIS AND CANNOT TAKE FORTEO BECAUSE OF THE CANCER RISK I HAD DOUBTS ABOUT ACTONEL BUT I HAD NO CHOICE AND FOSAMAX I DONT TRUST SO FAR I HAVE NEVER HAD A SIDE EFFECT I HOPE IT WILL BE LIKE THIS AND MY NEXT BONE DENSITY BE BETTER I AM ALSO TAKING TESTOSTERONE SUPP AND EXTRA CALCIUM OSCAL | M | 57 | 6 months | 5/1/2007 | 5 | OSTEOPOROSIS | NONE... ALTHOUGH IT IS VERY EARLY TO FIND OUT IF ACTONEL WORKED IN INCREASING MY BONE DENSITY... IF IT DOES THEN I WILL GIVE IT A FIVE... I KEEP MY FINGER CROSSED BUT TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH IN THESE FIVE MONTHS OF ACTONEL I HAVE NO UPSET STOMACH, NO PAIN, NOTHING OF AN UMPLEASANT SIDE EFFECT.... AT LEAST FOR NOW... | I BEGAN TAKING ACTONEL FIVE MONTHS AGO. FORTUNATELY I HAVE NEVER EVER EXPERIENCED THOSE SIDE EFFECTS I WAS SO AFRAID... I HOPE THEY WILL NOT SHOW IN THE FUTURE.. I HAVE ALSO SPOKEN WITH RELATIVES THAT ARE ON ACTONEL AND FOSAMAX AND SO FAR THEY HAVE HAD NO SIDE EFFECTS... I HOPE IT WILL WORK ON MY OSTEOPOROSIS BECAUSE I HAVE NO OTHER OPTION... NO MATTER HOW MUCH CALCIUM INTAKE I TAKE IF MY BONES DO NOT INCORPORATE IT IN THEIR STRUCTURE... I HOPE IT WILL WORK I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MY NEXT BONE DENSITY | M | 70 | 5 months | 4/29/2007 | 1 | -3.5 DEXA | Digestive pain in lower intestine, bloating and distension, skin reaction, 2 severe heartburn attacks, swollen and painful breasts after taking for 2 months | F | 60 | 3 months | 4/29/2007 | 5 | Osteoperosis | I occasionally had some mild fatigue. | I took this for a long time (until my insurance stopped paying for it) and have tolerated it well. And my latest bone scan showed significant improvement in bone density. | F | 51 | 4 years | 4/27/2007 | 5 | SEVERE OSTEOPOROSIS | NONE---- so far NONE AT ALL!!!! | to the lady who said she was going to take calcium supplements etc... IF she has a hormone related problem no matter how much calcium she takes it WONT be absorbed and osteoporosis will keep even if she takes extra dosis of calcium I myself have ALWAYS taken calcium supplements and calcium rich foods... being from a Mediterranean country I have plenty of cheese, yogurt, milk products, spinach green etc etc BUT i have SEVERE OSTEOPOROSIS and if I do not take a medication for that unfortunately it wont work Exercise, calcium intake etc is necessary and extremely important but if there is nothing to help the bone absorb the calcium it is like taking calcium and throwing it in the trash as garbage O have been 4 months on Actonel I have had NO side effect all organisms are not alike I know people who have been in actonel for years with no side effect... I hope I will be one of them.... | M | 60 | 4 months | 4/26/2007 | 1 | osteopenia | I got the results of my bone denity test today. 5 years ago, my spine was -1.6 and today was -2.0. Legs were 1.6 today. My doctor prescribed actonel and insisted I take it. After reading all of your posts, I am scared to death to take any of the three osteporosis medicines. I am going to treat my osteopenia with additional calcium, minerals, weight-bearing exercise and more prayer! Please tell me what is the best brand of calcium to take. I have done much research, such as the Green Willow Tree calcium that boasts it can rebuild bone density. Please advise! Thanks! | Scared to take it!!! | F | 57 | 0 days | 4/26/2007 | 1 | moderate osteroporosis | I posted earlier about taking actonel for 3 months and ending up in ER with horrible pain, chills etc. I have been off the actonel now for almost two weeks. I still have the cough and the burning in my throat. My neck actually hurts. I am nervous about my bone density but there is no way even if I wanted to that I could take that stuff again. It was the worse pain I have ever experienced. | F | 54 | | 4/25/2007 | 1 | yes | Back of neck,shoulder, arms and hand. Constant aching. Only a hot shower would alleviate it temporarily. | Initially, I though the problem was arthritis. But after viewing this site, I can read all of my symptoms. I wish I had viewed this site sooner. I just got curious because the aching seemed to go from the arm to the back of the neck, then hand. Also, initially I thought it was my chair since I work on a computer all day. I just want to say I hope people keep writing down their experiences. | F | 58 | 8 months | 4/25/2007 | 5 | OSTEOPOROSIS | SO FAR SO GOOD NO SIDE EFFECTS WHATSOEVER | IF IT IMPROVES MY BONE DENSITY IT WILL BE WORTH THE TRY THE ONLY CONCERN IS LONG TIME SIDE EFFECTS BUT OTHER PATIENTS HERE SAY THEY HAVE UNPLEASANT SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE VERY BEGINNING AND I HAVE BEEN TAKING IT FOR THREE MONTHS WITH NO SIDE EFFECT AT ALL I KEEP MY FINGERS CROSSED AND WAIT FOR MY NEXT BONE DENSITY IN NINE MONTHS | M | 64 | 12 weeks | 4/24/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | Severe acid reflux, dysphagia (inability to swallow - a terrifying sensation) | I TOOK ACTONEL FOR LESS THAN A WEEK 6 YEARS AGO. THE SIDE EFFECTS NEVER WENT AWAY! THIS DRUG CAUSES PERMANENT DAMAGE. In all that time I have had trouble swallowing, severe bloating, heartburn, indigestion - the works. I finally had an endoscopy and was found to have severe gastritis, esophagitis and achalasia (pinched esophagus). I also have laryngeal-pharyngeal reflux with post nasal drip, sore throat, hoarseness, inability to talk or sing for any length of time and decay of back teeth. I am now on prescription strength meds. Who knows if I'll ever recover? For those who don't know what to take for osteoporosis, I would like to put in a plug for Myacalcin, a nasal spray derived from salmon taken once a day. I also take 600 mg calcium carbonate with Vitamin D with breakfast and dinner. It did wonders for my loose teeth almost immediately and appears to have no side effects. | F | 54 | 5 days | 4/24/2007 | 5 | OSTEOPOROSIS | NONE SO FAR ABSOLUTELY NONE! | I AM AFRAID BECAUSE THEY SAY SOME SYMPTOMS APPEAR LATER IN THE TREATMENT BUT I HAVE READ HERE PATIENTS HAVING PROBLEMS FROM THE VERY BEGINNING AND TO TELL THE TRUTH I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED THE LEAST OF DISCONFORT | M | 67 | 8 weeks | 4/21/2007 | 3 | osteoporosis | none but Oh I am surprised to see so many MEN here... I always thought osteoporosis was a postmenopausal disease of women! | cannot tell too soon but so far no side effects | F | 50 | 3 weeks | 4/21/2007 | 1 | osteopenia | I HAVE BEEN IN PHYSICAL THERAPY AND HAVE SEEN AN ORTHOPEDIC MD-SPINE SPECIALIST AND A CHRIOPRACTOR OVER THE PAST 1 1/2 YREARS FOR BURSITIS IN MY HIPS AND LOW BACK PAIN. I HAD SOME RELIEF FROM INJECTIONS AND PHYSICAL THERAPY, BUT WOULD HAVE FLARE UPS DURING THIS TIME. I HAVE TO ADMIT I WAS NOT TAKING ACTONEL EVERY WEEK, BUT DID BEGIN TO TAKE IT ONCE A WEEK 4 WEEKS AGO. WITHIN THE PAST 3 WEEKS MY HIP PAIN AND LOW BACK PAIN HAVE INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY! THE CHRIOPRACTOR IS AT A LOSS AS TO WHY I AM GETTING SO MUCH WORSE DUE TO THE FACT HE HAS NOT BEEN AGGRESSIVE. I AM TO THE POINT I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A PAIN CLINIC TODAY BECAUSE I CANNOT STAND THE PAIN ANYMORE. I TAKE 200MG OF CELEBREX EVERYDAY PLUS HAVE HAD TO ADD IBUPROFIN, BUT AM NO LONGER GETTING ANY RELIEF AS I WAS PRIOR TO THE ACTONEL. I AM STOPPING THE ACTONEL TODAY IN HOPES THAT I CAN FIND SOME RELIEF AND WILL HAVE A CAUSE FOR MY PAIN. NOT ONLY WAS THE PAIN IN MY HIPS AND BACK I HAVE EXPERIENCED PAIN IN MY NECK, SHOULDERS, AN | F | 55 | 4 weeks | 4/20/2007 | 2 | osteoporosis | chest pain, esophageal gastritis | 60 | 8 weeks | 4/19/2007 | 5 | OSTEOPOROSIS | NONE SO FAR BUT I AM TERRIFIED READING THIS FORTUNATELY I FOUND TWO PAGES WHICH ARE TELLING OTHER STORIES CHECK THEM | I HAVE READ HORROR STORIES HERE BUT IN THESE AUSTRALIAN WEB SITES AND SUPPORT GROUPS THEY HAVE THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ACTONEL STORY VERY POSSITIVE AND IT IS ENCOURAGING ME PLEAS VISITM COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSERS http://www.omnus.com.au/uploadfiles/PC_Act_Now_5.pdf www.ostex.com/GIMS/Content/image/other/osteomark/ostuk2k4pdf/BoneTherapy.pdf | M | 62 | 2 months | 4/17/2007 | 1 | moderate osteroporosis | I have been taking actonel for 3 months. Experienced some bone pain, muscle ache, not a big deal. Last week I started the cough, sweating,chills and a sore throat. Well, my last dose sent me to the ER. I had the most incredible stomach pain I have ever experienced. 9 hours later I was given a clean bill of health. | I am done with this stuff. Where can we complain about this product? I won't take HRT. I need an alternative as dr said increased calcium isn't enough. I need to have a tooth filling changed out but I am waiting for a couple weeks to get that actonel out of my system as much as possible | F | 54 | 3 months | 4/16/2007 | 1 | OSTEOPOROSIS | OK THE DRUG IS HELL BUT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SOMEBODY TELL ME WHAT DO I DO THEN???? I HAVE A VERY SEVERE OSTEOPOROSIS AND CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS DO NOT DO THE TRICK NOT EVEN VITAMIN D ETC I NEED TO RECOVER MY BONE DENSITY AND THOSE DAMNED MEDICATIONS SEEM TO BE THE ONLY THING IS THERE ANY ALTERNATIVE? PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME TO NATURAL MEDICINE OR HERBAL REMEDIES AND ACUPUNTURE--- TO THE EXTENT OF MY OSTEOPOROSIS I NEED SOMETGHIN AGGRESIVE I HAVE BEEN TAKING THIS DRUG FOR EGITH WEEKS SO FAR NOTHING HAS HAPPENED BUT IT MIGHT!!! AND THAT POSSIBILITY SCARES ME SO SOMEBODY TELL ME PLEASE WHAT CAN A 65 MALE WITH OSTEOPOROSIS DO?????? THANK YOU UNFORTUNATELY ALL EXPERIMENTS SEEM TO BE DONE ON FEMALE | READ COMMENT PLEASE | M | 65 | 2 weeks | 4/16/2007 | 1 | Checking out the site, after having taken 1 Boniva, with horrid results. Endocrinologist wants me to take Actonel next, followed by Fosimax...confirming that they are all part of the same drug family; the endocrinologist must think me a dolt! | Response to the gentleman who needs agressive help with osteoporosis. Make your own calcium citrate. Follow instructions exactly. Note this is not herbal; it is calcium without using heat, which provides calcium that the body can absorb. Take 3 fresh eggs from the store, examine the shells and use only those eggs with perfect shells. Place in a GLASS container; I use a pitcher. Squeeze the juice of about 6 FRESH lemons (or ?10-15? limes)to cover the eggs. I find it tastes better without any pulp. "Brew" in the refrigerator for no more than 48 hours, swishing gently on occasion. Gently remove the eggs. NOTE: If an egg breaks, toss the entire batch out & start all over again. (I am not in the mood to be taken to court because somebody ate raw eggs.) Take 1-2 tablespoons of your fresh calcium citrate at least twice a day; keep refrigerated. Do not use anything other than FRESH lemon/lime juice. The bottled/containerized varieties from the store are Pasteurized; | F | 55 | | 4/16/2007 | 1 | osteo | i had all the side effects mentioned in the #1 ratings in this website, and since then my health has never been the same,,,,and fosamax is just as bad which i was first on..thank the Lord i was only on two or three months,,,and wised up,,,Boniva must be just as bad if you read their web site...So my advice ladies and gents,,,DO NOT TAKE rip up your prescriptions or just SAY NO to your dr. It is your body..not theirs....and I hope i one day see these garbage poison pills taken off the shelves so to speak and that someone sues the pants off the drug company who is in it just for the money. nuff said | see above | M | 70 | 90 days | 4/15/2007 | 5 | SEVERE OSTEOPOROSIS | NONE AT ALL BUT I FEAR THAT MAYBE IN ONE YEAR THEY WILL APPEAR! | I BEGAN TAKING ACTONEL 8 WEEKS AGO, NO SIDE EFFECTS WHATSOEVER NOTHING BUT I HAVE READ SOME PEOPLE BEGIN TO EXPERIENCE SIDE EFFECTS AFTER ONE OR TWO YEARS AND IT FRIGHTENS ME BUT TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH IN THESE TWO MONTHS I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEM, NO UPSET STOMACH, NO PAIN NOTHING IF... THIS MEDICATION SOLVES MY SEVERE OSTEORPOOSIS SOME DISCONFORT WILL BE OK QUESTION WHY HAVE NOT THIS DRUG TESTED ON MALE PATIENTS!!!!! | M | 50 | 8 weeks | 4/14/2007 | 1 | Osteoporosis and Osteopenia | Pain everywhere, head, neck, left shoulder, ribs right side, hurt to breath, lower back, burning in my left knee, flu like symptoms, low grade fever, upper and lower jaw pain left side, swollen painful lymph glands mostly right side, watery eyes, fatigue, leg cramping, last dose felt burning in chest, sunburned look on face. | The pain was over the top, If I could have found a ride to the hospital, I would have gone, but then what? Hard to get help if E.R. doctors cannot see the pain. I took actonel for 1 month, two days after last dose It hit. I tried to find the source on sites unrelated to actonel as the thought never occured to me something that is supposed to help could cause such debilitating pain, then I got a popup on my computer that said "are you taking actonel" I said "yes". Then I started to research and found the answers I was looking for as frightening as they are. Needless to say I quit taking actonel and I am taking supplements and eating calcium rich foods. I took my last actonel 2 weeks ago missed 3 days of work the week before last and 3 days this week, how long does this stay in your system? I am grateful for this site as we can fight this battle together, and encourage eachother. I was told the age of my bones now are 80 yrs. old. | F | 52 | 1 months | 4/14/2007 | 1 | SLOWING OF FINGER NODAL ARTHRITUS | Dizzyness, joint pain in elbows dry moth, constipation, fatigue the day of taking medication. | I have been on the drug for 1 year and my finger arthritus has not stopped it's advancement. Now I am getting prominent side affexts from the drug. the dizzyness/light headedness if now prominent. | F | 48 | 1 years | 4/14/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | severe hip pain, headaches, stomach pains so severe considered going to the ER, fatigue to the point had to lie down most of the time, acid reflux worsened | do not believe the side effects are worth the benefits (if there are any benefits) | F | 57 | 2 weeks | 4/14/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | severe bloating,severebelching&rectalgas 3weeks of diaharea,extreme fatigue,joint aches felt like I had the flu, depression&anxiety runny eyes lots of ganglions started to appearalso headaches | I would not recomend it to anyone | F | 59 | 6 months | 4/14/2007 | 1 | Doctor recommended for Bone density | Severe lower back and hip pain..vertigo..unable to sleep in any position without pain | Have stopped taking this insidious medication for over a year and still have ongoing pain..have constant pain every day it is only the intensity of pain that changes from moderate to severe..why is it still being prescribed..?? | M | 65 | 7 months | 4/13/2007 | 5 | OSTEOPOROSIS | NO SIDE EFFECTS AT ALL | I HAVE OSTEOPOROSIS AND ALTHOUGH I HAVE ALWAYS INGESTED PLENTY OF CALCIUM AND CALCIUM RICH FOODS MY PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO A LOW TESTOSTERONE LEVEL... I AM RECEIVING TESTOSTERONE INJECTIONS AND ACTONEL SO FAR NO SIDE EFFECTS | M | 55 | 4 months | 4/12/2007 | 1 | osteopenia | painful swollen fingers(joints)I was very aware of my heart beating (I would not call it palpitations) increasing heartburn. I was always hungry, weight gain, low energy, pain in neck and hip. Difficulty sleeping, cloudy urine. | After reading this web side I took my self off actonel. My symptoms got slowly but steadily worse over the years. I have been tested for arthritis (negative) The Doc has changed my thyroid medication. I have taken thyroid meds for more than 30 years after surgery for thyroid cancer. I took my last actonel on March 28. After 2 weeks it is too early to say if things will improve and if all the symptoms are the result of actonel. I like to warn people who have taken actonel for a short time to be aware that it may take a long time for side effect to become apparent. | F | 62 | 3 years | 4/12/2007 | 5 | OSTEOPOROSIS | NO SIDE EFFECTS AT ALL | WELL AFTER READING THIS I AM REALLY REALLY SCARED BUT FORTUNATELY I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY BAD SIDE EFFECTS I TAKE MY 35 MG SATURDAYS AND DO NOT TAKE BREAKFAST UNTIL ONE HOUR LATER DO NOT LIE DOWN NOR EVEN BND MY HEAD AND SO FAR I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS AT ALL BY THE WAY!!! I AM SURPRISED TO SEE HOW MANY MEN HAVE THIS DISEASE!!! THEY USED TO SAY ONLY WOMEN HAVE THAT I FEEL RELIEVED SINCE I AM MALE WITH OSTEOPOROSIS | M | 50 | 8 weeks | 4/11/2007 | 3 | QUESTION.... WELL I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN CALCIUM, YOGURT, CHEESE, SUPPLEMENTS, KEFIR, VITAMIN D ETC... BUT MY PROBLEM IS RELATED TO LOW TESTOSTERONE LEVELS... SO DO NOT MATTER HOW MUCH EXCERCIES OR CALCIUM INTAKE I TAKE FOR OSTEOPOROSIS THAT IS BECAUSE TESTOSTERONE HELPS THE ABSORPTION OF CALCIUM AND I NEEDED THAT AND ALSO A DRUG TO STOP THE LOSS DUE TO MY SEVERE OSTEOPOROSIS IF A I QUIT THEN MY OSTEOPOOROSIS WILL WORSEN BECAUSE BASICALLY IA HAVE BEEN A VERY VERY HELATH CONSCIUOS PERSON MY MOTHER HAD OSTEOPOROSIS SO I ALWAYS HAD A LOT OF CALCIUM INTAKE IN A DAILYU BASIS.... AS I MENTIONED CHEESE, SPINACH, MILK, YOGUT, KEFIR, VITAMIN D AND CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS OSCAL ETC ETC MAYBE IN MY CASE IT IS GENETIC BUT I AM AFRAID THAT DIET AND EXERCISE ALONE WILL NOT WORK FOR ME IF I DO NOT TAKE SOME MEDICATION BECAUSE OF THE REASONS I WROTE THAT IS WHY I AM ON ACTONEL SO FAR I HAVE EXPERIENCED NONE OF THOSE UNDESIRABLE SIDE EFFECTS AND I KEEP MY FINGERS CROSSED I AM LOOKING FOR | PLEASE READ MY COMMENT | M | 66 | 3 months | 4/11/2007 | 1 | Osteopenia | After about one month of taking actonel, I started to feel a slight pain in my arms and thumbs. Over the next two months of continued use of once weekly actonel, my slight pain became so severe in my arms and thumbs I was having a difficult time even moving my arms and thumbs. Also, was getting headaches that I didn't corelate at that time with the drug, until I read this website and saw how common this side effect was. | I am finally almost back to normal after six months off the drug. I went to physical therapy for my arm pain and that was a great help. Hopefully, something better will come along for all of us. It is scary to have this diagnosis, but we just need to take care of ourselves more and take calicum as well as bone health vitamins. | F | 51 | 3 months | 4/11/2007 | 1 | Osteopenia | Hi to all of you.. I went to my endrocrinologist today because I was diagnosed with Osteopenia last month. I had all the blood tests, urine tests, etc. and today I was told I had to go on Actonel (first he recommended Boniva but I was leery of it so he prescribed once a week Actonel. Now..I am very allergic to many meds, I am very allergic to many foods and I have had many stomach, digestive problems including pancreatitis from taking different meds...I told the doctor this and told him how cautious I am when it comes to taking new medicines. It was explained to me that there would be no problem with this Actonel. I asked about the muscle/bone pain I had read about and was told if I did experience this, it would disappear a few days after I took the Actonel. I take 1,000 units of Vitamin D, 2 Citrucel chews, 1 Women's one a day, 30 mg of Prevacid, and Lotrel for bloodpressure...all these every day. I AM NOT GOING TO BEGIN TAKING ACTONEL SINCE I READ THIS COLUMN AND FEEDBACK!! Th | Let's try to find out more about this, research it and help each other. Our physicians don't seem to care or don't know how bad the side effects are and, if their prescribing these meds are instigated by perks given to them (bone density machines, etc.) by the pharmaceutical companies, we need to band together and help each other with our experiences and research to get healthier! No one knows our bodies like we do and many doctors can't believe it when we tell them our side effect symptoms. They claim the benefits of Actonel will outweigh the side effects. I don't think so after reading what everyone has written in this blog...is this a blog? Hope everyone is feeling better and that the side effects are dissipating....Email me with any suggestions, recommendations or results...let's try to help each other! | F | 60 | | 4/10/2007 | 1 | osteopenia | Continued from previous column..... The reason I am writing this is.....we all need to build our bone mass and, since we can't take this Actonel, why don't we network and find out what we can do to build our bone mass by exercise (what kind) Vitamins (what kind and what milligram or unit/) diet (what?), etc. We can help each other see if we can combat this osteopenia, osteoporosis without taking these dangerous drugs which, as was so often stated in this column, does not give a good quality of life. | F | 60 | 0 days | 4/10/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | Bone and muscle pain, primarily in legs | I was on Fosamax & stopped that due to side effects, so MD recommended Actonel. Tried it for a few weeks but muscle & bone pain became significantly worse. Had pain in hips, knees, thighs, calves, etc. Still having some pain after being off of it for several weeks; painful to go down steps. I will Never take this drug again for any reason. Now trying to forstall osteoporosis by taking calcium & watching diet. | F | 70 | 30 days | 4/10/2007 | 3 | OSTEOPOROSIS | QUESTION... HAVE ANYONE EXPERIENCE A SLIGHT PAIN IN THE PALM OF THE HANDS IN THE REGIONS AROUND THE THUMBS??' I AM BEGINNING TO HAVE PAIN IN BOTH HANDS WHEN I GRASP SOMETHING I DID NOT HAVE IT BEFORE TAKING ACTONEL... CAN IT BE A SIDE EFFECT OR ELSE PLEASE SOMEBODY WICH SIMILAR PROBLEM LET ME KNOW | TOO SOON TO KNOW BUT THIS PROBLEM IN THE HAND WORRIES ME SINCE I BEGUN WITH ACTONEL 6 WEEKS AGO | M | 60 | 6 weeks | 4/9/2007 | 2 | Osteoporosis in left hip | No side effects for the first three weeks after starting Actonel. However, for the last two weeks I've had an aching and feeling of weakness in both legs (primarily the quad area). My right elbow with tendonitis has also been hurting lately. This on and off aching seems worse the few days after I take my weekly dose. | I have secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis and thought maybe this was a new MS symptom. However, I haven't had any new MS symptoms for seven years. After reading some of the comments, my symptoms seem more in line with the side effects of Actonel than MS. This aching feeling is similar to how I felt after a dose of Neulasta, the white blood cell booster. | F | 44 | 5 weeks | 4/9/2007 | 5 | 2 MONTHS | NONE | i am a male with osteoporosis and arthritis. I am on Actonel 35 mg every week, this is my 8th week,. I have so far NEVER experienced any side effect... I dont know maybe in the future I hope not... but so far if it helps me it is okay as i tell you so far NONE of those terrible side effects other patients experience... maybe I am lucky I dont know but I wanted to write this because so far I really have not experienced ANY side effects.. None... period | M | 50 | 2 months | 4/8/2007 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Tinnitus, severe, debilitating headaches, nausea and dizziness. I am a nurse of 31 years and I always had faith in the drug companies. No more! I took Actonel for 7 weeks and didn't put 2+2 together until I was relaxing in Cancun, listening to the ocean with the ringing in my ears all the time. Started thinking about when it began and then the bells went off. Came home and researched Actonel. Made an appointment with an ear doctor who said it can't be the Actonle, 3% is such a small group. Ha! I told him the headaches were keeping me from work due to dizziness. He ordered an MRI which showed possible multiple sclerosis. Follow up tests showed it wasn't. Blood work is all normal. Tinnitus is getting less and less, but still have on occasion those blinding headaches, nausea. Even migraine tablets (Imitrex) don't help. Headaches last about 24 hours. An ear specialist told me if I took the drug for 7-8 weeks, it would take 8-12 weeks to leave my system. My internist now wants to put me on | F | 51 | 7 weeks | 4/7/2007 | 5 | OSTEOPOROSIS SEVERE | well this is my fourth week so far none of those side effects i must confess i am afraid they may happen in the future but so far everyting is fine, no cramps, no upset stomach, no diarreah, no pain, no nothing... | i hope it will help me because i am also taking testosterone injctions since my hormone level was very low although my libido was right I am takin also Oscal Vita D´Calcium and I hope that this will restore my bone density I was reluctant to have actonel or any other drug because of side effects but fortunately no side effect whatsoever have I experienced and tomorow will b my fifth week... I take it in the morning before washing my face so I do not have to bend I keep straight and do not tak anything until one hour or more later (breakfast) If everything goes well and I keep without side effects I will give a satisfaction 5 | M | 65 | 5 weeks | 4/6/2007 | 5 | OSTEOPOROSIS SEVERE | None so far | I think that many patients who experience the terribl side effects I see here is also because probably they have other problems as cancer or rheumatoid arthitis or liver problems and there is interaction I am taking this because my doctor told me it was better that fosomax and I do not want to end crippled because of my severe osteoporosis I have not experienced ANY side effects so far... so good | M | 66 | 6 weeks | 4/3/2007 | 1 | OSTEOPOROSIS | leg cramps muscle pains back pain discomfort I THOUGHT THIS WAS GOING TO HELP ME! I HAVE OSTEOPOROSIS SO U NEED MEDICATION WHAT CAN I DO???? | I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY WHY WHY A DRUG THAT IS SUPPOSED TO HELP YOU AND CURE YOU DOES THIS HARM O THE BODY INCLUDING THAT TERRIBLE JAW PROBLEM?'' THERE MUST BE SOMETHING VERY VERY WRONG WITH THE DRUG INDUSTRY ARE WE GUINEA PIGS? | M | 40 | 2 weeks | 4/3/2007 | 1 | Ostopenia | I took 2 weeks of Actonel on the advice of my primary doctor and oncologist and will NEVER go on it again. I encountered severe knee pain -- the same pain as when I was on Fosamax. The medical community should be shot for prescribing these drugs. I could hardly descend a flight of stairs. I noticed immense pain the day after taking both drugs and then pain would subside. Will probably return to Evista which while expensive ($100/mo.) did not give me the horrible reactions of the other drugs. Consumers Beware!!! | F | 60 | 14 days | 4/2/2007 | 5 | osteoporosis | NONE!!! maybe some side effects in other patients have to do with interaction with other drugs I think maybe I have to wait more time because I have only been for 10 weeks | I was terrified when I learned that I hade osteoporosis and I read about the terrible side effects of medication but I was scared of my severe osteoporosis and the bone fractures in my spine or hip and I began the treatment | M | 50 | 10 weeks | 3/31/2007 | 4 | SEVERE OSTEOPOROSIS -5.4 | None so far. None at all. I take it and wait ONE HOUR before having my breakfast, I remain sitting or standing and do not take any vitamin supplements the day I take Actonel (saturdays) | I had the choice of Forteo but there is history of cancer in my family and I did not want it. I did not want FOSAMAX because it seems to be weaker and I need something very strong. I am a Male 65 years old with cervical artrhitis but in other aspects healthy, no diabetes, no hypertension, I walk 2 miles daily. | M | 65 | 4 weeks | 3/31/2007 | 1 | Osteopenia | None really, except for an uneasy stomach. I don't know that it works and am worried after reading about the Boniva Lawsuit and some other case in Sheffield about the science P&G has done. No trust. | No trust in this drug. | F | 67 | 8 months | 3/31/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | heartburn,insomnia,hip-pain,popping joints,frozen shoulder,pain n shoulders,arms,knees,metallic taste,activityintolerance,leukopenia,bradycardia,neck popping,musclespasms,cramping at nite, hips would freeze up while squatting down todo gardening,male-nite sweats,many others i read about at this website | thank god i found this website,although ive been taking this drug for almost 6 years,probably i'll have to contend with long term side effects,even though i recently stopped taking it,becaus of severe heartburn ,weight loss,i first took the weekly dose,which caused pain onthe 7th day,switched to 5mg daily doses,always blamed other medications for my problems,now realize it was this one all the time . unfortunately my mom thinks doctors are gods,she'll listen to them ,before she ll follow my advice or even this information here . my heart goes out to all the victims of actonel. | M | 57 | 6 years | 3/28/2007 | 3 | OSTEOPOROSIS | So far none but it is only 3 weeks I started taking it though today I am feeling a little stomach discomfort no big deal | Hope it works I am taking testosterone replacementsinyections and 35 mg weekly severe OSTEO (-4.5!)and very low testosterone possibly the cause of problem. Yes we men also suffer from Osteop. I suggest MEN to have their Testosterone levels checked!!!! I did not and look. I hope Actonel works. So far no side effect but it is to early to know 3 weeks. | M | 65 | 3 weeks | 3/24/2007 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Initially taking this I didn't experience any side effects, but after 3+ years my stomach is always crampy, bloated and just plain uncomfortable. I'm noticing more frequent and painful heartburn. | I started on Fosamax, but was having severe leg cramps and was switched to Actonel. Told the doctor I didn't want on any pill and could I try calcium supplements and eat calcium fortified foods. Comment was that wouldn't be enough since I already had osteoporosis. From the time I was young my mom would always say "never put any chemicals in your body." Each week as I put that pill in my mouth - I could hear my mom whispering that comment to me.... but each week I took it. At the beginning of this month I needed the doctors ok to get it refilled, but the pharmacy was having a hard time getting the dr to respond, so during that time I was not taking it and....... I noticed my stomach bloating and heartburn were gone, along with some of the other discomforts. The prescription was filled and I took one pill.... guess what - it's all back again. I'm calling my dr to say I'm not taking it and I know my mom is smiling from Heaven. | F | 62 | 3 years | 3/23/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | Extreme gastrointestinal pain including vomiting,and now after three days of my last weekly dose I feel very weak. Thought I was having heart attack this morning and had complete check-up. I took three doses and the third one set off these symptoms. I hope I can get back to my normal healthy self soon. | This does not agree with my system. Fozomax gave me stomach pain but Actonal is worse. I was told it is better than Fozomax as it is less strong. I will just keep up vitamins and calcium and hope for the best. | F | 74 | 3 weeks | 3/21/2007 | 1 | OSTEOPENIA | NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN, LOWER BACK PAIN, BLURRED VISION, EXTREMELY FATIGUED. | i HAVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, SO JOINT PAIN IS SOMETHING I LIVE WITH DAILY, BUT THE PAIN IN MY NECK AND LOWER BACK WAS DIFFERENT. i DEAL WITH ENOUGH PAIN DAILY, DON'T NEED A MEDICATION TO CAUSE MORE DISCOMFORT. STOPPED TAKING WILL NOT CONSIDER ANOTHER ONE. WOULD NOT ADVISE THIS DRUG TO ANYONE. | F | 62 | 6 weeks | 3/21/2007 | 1 | osteopena | Flu-like symptoms. Overall aches and pains. Incredible fatigue. Inability to exercise. Disturbed sleep. | Can't handle this drug or fosamax. | F | 53 | 3 weeks | 3/19/2007 | 3 | pre-osteoporosis | It makes me hungry. I have only been taking it for 6 weeks, so don't know what long-range will be. I am more concerned about the jaw problems since I spent $48,000.00 5 years ago for complete dental implants. I plan to stop taking actonel after I finish this prescription(2 more weeks. Its expensive and I'm Scottish), since I run for an hour every day, lift weights every other day and also ride either a mountain bike or a road bike almost every day. | F | 64 | 40 days | 3/15/2007 | 1 | Diagnosed with Osteoporosis | The ONLY one I'm suffering from is Otosclerosis?????? Why after 39 years of perfect hearing would I suddenly lose my hearing in my left ear (ironically, a year after taking a 35mg/weekly dose of Actonel)?? | I am so upset as noone wants to admit that there may in fact be a coorelation between Actonel and hearing loss. I've had ear surgery and had a prosthesis put in my ear to no avail. Now, at 42 years old, I'm studying the differences between hearing aides??????? | F | 42 | 2 years | 3/14/2007 | 1 | mild ostopenia in right hip | Extreme muscle and joint pain, none before taking the rx. Weakness in quadriceps, none before taking this rx. | I took fosamax before actonel and the symptoms are the same. I am going off this rx. My last bone density scan showed no improvement, but no degeneration. I will just take calcium and eat more calcium enriched vegitables. By the way, I am a very active individual. I bike, golf, hike, and train dogs in Schutzhund. Exercise 5-6 days a week and do all weight bearing exercises. | F | 57 | 1 years | 3/13/2007 | 1 | diagnosed osteoporosis | Gastrintestinal distress | F | 80 | 1 years | 3/11/2007 | 1 | osterperosis | Heart burn within 12 hours. Thought it might go away. Was out of town and pharmacist recommended Prilosec OTC. That worked great... until the 14 days were up. Just woke up from a sound sleep with terrible muscle? joint? bone? pains. Feels sorta like the achy flu. | I called Dr. about severe heartburn Friday afternoon late. On-call Dr. said to stop taking it! (his "!") I am suppose to call appt line and ask for "Triage" on Monday so I can get in right away. I ache all over. My sister swears by Fosamax - but she is on Nexium and takes tons of ibuprofen. | F | 56 | 3 weeks | 3/10/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | I have taken Actonel for approximately 18 months now. I have had worsening joint pain since then to the point of not being able to sleep at night (pain in hips and knees keeps me turning from one side to the other). I have had tennis elbow and needed physio for months but it has come back again only a few months later. I have had heart palpitations, the last four months vision problems with a feeling of a film over the eyes and a full feeling in them. The fatigue I've had is unreal. Walking 2-3 flights of stairs leaves me huffing. My memory has been foggy and concentration sometimes difficult. Lately I'm experiencing weight gain that I have never ever had a problem with and have been perplexed at it not changing even with eating less and using the treadmill daily. I also ache everywhere including back, fingers,and toes. I have also had a numbness in both my big toes for a year and the Dr. said he didn't know why. Tests came back normal for anything he was looking for as a cau | All these symptoms have beome so much worse that I am seeing my Dr. this week and telling him all I've been experiencing while on this drug. I will quit taking it and hope it isn't too late for my old self to come back. This is no quality of life. I feel like I'm in my 90's. Hopefully calcium citrate with V D and weight bearing exercie will strengthen my bones. | F | 49 | 18 months | 3/5/2007 | 1 | Osteopenia | Severe joint pain in knees and elbows...even too painful to walk. | Stopped after taking for 3 weeks. I will stay with my Calcium with D, diet and exercise. I have always been very active and this joint pain really concerned me, not enough is known about long term effects. | F | 50 | 3 weeks | 3/5/2007 | 1 | Osteoporosis | sore breasts, extreme joint pain, I couldn't move at all without being in excruciating pain | Actonel, Fosamax, Boniva All the same, Pick your Poison, Doctors brush off any complaints I have and say. I am the odd one. Most Everyone Else who he has prescribed it for, Have no problems with it, or so he says. I remember when I was prescribed Celebrex for my arthritis, then my Drug Plan said, it would only pay for Vioxx, and I refused it, Shortly after, it was pulled from the market!! | F | 1 months | 3/4/2007 | 2 | osteoporosis | mild pain in the sternum and rib cage, sharp pain when putting pressure on sternum | F | 56 | 3 weeks | 3/1/2007 |