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 | | | | |||
| 1 | osteoperosis | This is my second day on the drug, and I suddenly have chest pain, moderately uncomfortable. Based on what I'm reading, I don't think I should continue, as it appears only to get worse! | Has anyone had initial side effects that lessened over time? | M | 50 | 2 days | 2/27/2007 | 1 | osteopenia | bad back pain, flu like systoms, severe chest pains and spasms, Have a naturally high pain tolerance (had babies natural) but this put me in bed for 5 days and I didn't feel right for at least two weeks. WILL NEVER TAKE THIS CRAP AGAIN | called my gyne who prescribed this and told him my symtoms and he said that he had never heard of any bad reactions before............ pissed me off that he just brushed me off like that. I will never go back to him either. Just my suggestion is BEWARE.,... | F | 51 | 1 days | 2/24/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | Sever and crippling joint and muscle pain. At first I thought it was arthritis but my left knee hurt, later the right one, later the neck. I was puzzled AND in pain. Then I got muscle pains in my right thigh (had to sleep on my back) that was very severe. Thats when I found out it was due to the Actonel and stopped. The pain went away. | M | 56 | 1 years | 2/23/2007 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Severe pain from left side of neck, head and shoulder. Three days after the first 35mg dose. | One week later the pain won't go away and still severe. My doctor said I should try another dose but I just can't. My only hope right now is the pain will stop. | F | 50 | 7 days | 2/21/2007 | 2 | to avoid osteoporosis | First few years of taking 35mg once a week had no adverse side effects and a positive outcome of a slight gain in bone density after 2 years. Last few months, on the day following taking Actonel experienced severe back pain in mid and upper back, debilitating and painful muscle spasms in back, serious heartburn, chest pain and pressure. Previously very healthy, no prior history of heartburn or back pain. Could not figure out why all of a sudden had these syptoms but they appear the day after I take my weekly dose. I intend to stop taking this immediately after reading these coments and consult with my doctor. Can't take Fosamax as experienced severe heartburn and digestion problems the first couple of times I had taken it. Went away as soon as I stopped Fosamax. | It appears that some of the side effects take months/years to develop, which make it hard to link new symptoms with taking this medication. I had assumed that if you experienced no problems taking it over a period of time, it was unlikely that Actonel could be the culprit of my severe back pain. However there appears to be no organic reason for my back pain and chest pressure so I will try stoppping Actonel to see if these symptoms go away. | F | 54 | 2.5 years | 2/20/2007 | 1 | osteopenia | I've also had this bump on my finger near the joint and getting a new one. I will be seeing a dermatologist about this. Have you had these analyzed? At first it looked like osteoarthritis/rheumatism, but the bump grew and turned puslike. Now it's broken through the skin and is very hard like a callous. It has drained with pus and with blood. My doctor keeps saying it's arthritis. I have also had extreme right hip pain although the left hip hurts as well and wrist pain. I have been diagnosed with degenerative discs. I was sent to a physical therapists who said I had a misaligned hip and it would take about three sessions, but I went to her for two months, and she could not correct the problem. The problem became worse to where I couldn't stand, sit or kneel down for very long much less sleep. She thought it may be spinal stenosis or Sjogren's syndrome. My blood work came back negative, but I convinced my doctor to take me off Actonel which I have been off for five weeks having taken it | I had a complete hysterectomy in 2000, so I am very fearful of bone loss since I do not have my ovaries. I am on estradiol and was on actonel until recently, but I would like information or advice on what to do. My mother had hip surgery because of osteoporosis, so I do not want to head that way. Also, I am extremely plagued by night sweats and hot flashes especially now when getting off actonel. | F | 59 | 4 years | 2/14/2007 | 1 | Osteopenia | Since taking a pill on Monday morning, I've been in bed for two days so far with flu-like symptoms: terrible aching all over from head to toe, joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, stomach pain, constipation, and headache. What a drag. I will discontinue taking this medication. | Once a week Rx. | F | 55 | 2 days | 2/13/2007 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Skin Rash and Hives all over my body after 8 weeks of taking the pill. I stopped taking it and after month still have the itchiness and very bad during the night time. Now, I am starting to have pains on my jaw after discontinuing the pill fo about a month. Can someone email me how long I have to wait esp. with the skin rash to disappear completely. | Actonel is the worst pill I have taken and it is taking my life slowly. Started taking th pill Nov 21, 2007 and stopped on the 9th week (sometime in Jan 2007)...to this date still having itchiness. | F | 50 | 8 weeks | 2/12/2007 | 1 | Osteopenia; Degenerative Spine | Heartburn; Extreme bone pain | Just started with the one 35mg weekly tablet yesterday.The pain in my entire spine, ribcage, chest & shoulder blades is excruciating in spite of having taken 100 mg of Tramadol. Hope it will go away. Stay away from this stuff; it is poison. Bought a calcium citrate/magnesium supplement today; plus will make certain I get yogurt every day. These meds aren't worth the side effects. | F | 53 | 1 days | 2/8/2007 | 1 | ostepenia | Severe muscle aches and joint pain in neck, shoulders and upper back. Also, loose stools and gas for several days following each dose. | I had to discontinue use because the side effects made it impossible for me to exercise, or even sleep well due to the discomfort. Also, I was taking a lot of Advil to cope with the pain, and wasn't happy about that. A week after quitting Actonel, I am feeling like myself again, and am so relieved. | F | 45 | 6 weeks | 2/7/2007 | 1 | increase bone density | I took Evista for about 2 years with no ill effects, then I was prescribed Actonel. After about 2 1/2 months, I got out of the car one morning and my right leg had seized up completely from the hip down. The muscles were tightly clenched. I could not climb the stairs without hauling myself up and could not turn over in bed. I went off the drug and the muscles slowly relaxed - took about 18 months. However I have been left with a residual pain in my right calf and ankle. I have been doing physiotherapy but some work and others do not. I am seeking further advice to try and get rid of this pain in my leg. I took Evista after I stopped Actonel, but thought perhaps the pains were coming from this drug, so I went off that too. I have been off Actonel for 18 months and Evista for one year. | I will never take another drug. I am relying on calcium tablets, Vitamin D, and skim milk with added calcium. These drugs are being prescribed much too freely. | F | 72 | 3 months | 2/6/2007 | 1 | OSPENIA | THROBBING BACK PAIN, LEFT SHOULDER PAIN, FOGGY MEMORY, BIG APPETITE AND FEELING LIKE I CAN;T GET MY BREATH. | ACTONEL IS MADE UP OF BISHOSOPHONATES WHICH IS USED PRIMARILY IN LAUNDRY SOAP AND FERTILIZER. I JUST FOUND THIS INFO OUT LAST NIGHT. I AM STOPPING ACTONEL IMMEDIATELY. SCIENTIST FEEL IT WILL HELP OUR BONE DESITY BUT ACTUALLY IT IS NOT FOR SOME OF US. OUR QUALITY OF LIFE IS WORSE ON IT THAN WITH OUT IT. | F | 58 | 6 weeks | 2/5/2007 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Severe Pins & Needles from waist to toes which causes prevention of falling asleep or sitting without pain; leg and foot cramping, ganglion cysts, metallic taste, etc. | I changed to Actonel (35mg) substituted for Fosamax (35mg)because Fosamax sent me to the Emergency Room ($4,000 bill)with all the symptoms of a heart attack (6 weeks of taking Fosamax). After taking Actonel, I noticed that I was experiencing a feeling of pins and needles from my waist down to my toes, but couldn't seem to tie it to anything. Three days ago,I made an appointment for an MRI. Thanks everyone for your information, because I thought it was circulatory RLS etc...duh!! After all the adverse reactions, I now feel in my heart & brain that they are all the same. Class Action Lawsuits are out there against Fosamax and I hope there is an Attorney that will do the same for Actonel...Of THREE HUNDRED FIFTY(350)responses to ASKAPATIENT.com about Actonel..only EIGHT #5-Very Satisfied, FIVE for #4-Satisfied. The rest are mostly NUMBER ONE-DISSATISFIED 1.4 Rating of a possible 5.0! FOSAMAX has FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY FOUR(474)responses & Fosamax rating is 1.5 (almost identical!! | F | 70 | 90 days | 2/4/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | extreme indigestion w/ acid reflux, chest pain right along the esophagas. | I took Actonel weekly for 4 weeks then stopped after experiencing chest pains. I haven't taken it for ~ 2 months now and am still experiencing extreme indigestion and acid reflux. | F | 46 | 4 weeks | 2/3/2007 | 1 | osteopenia | I started Fosomax Sept. 06 and took 3 consecutive weeks (3rd week 1/2 pill). Decided to quit after several problems arose and recovery was slow. Another horrow story came into play with my one and only 1x/wk. dose of Actonel Nov. 06 which my dr. prescribed in its place. From that point on until today, Feb. 3, 07 I have had many frightening symptoms all over my body. The most troubling side affects have been headaches, jaw clicking, bone aching and creaking, stiff neck, swollen glands, dizziness, heart palpitations, trouble sleeping, leg pain, foot cramps, difficulty walking and most recently, trouble swallowing. Until recently I could run up and down stairs despite those side affects and my joints had always been fine. The new side effects that I get daily are very scary. I am weak and tired; I've been off work all week and I don't know if my legs will even get me there if this keeps up; driving is out of the question due to dizziness and legs not functioning properly. What wil | What exactly are the ingredients of these meds that have caused untold suffering todate? You don't have to be an MD to know something is TERRIBLY WRONG. It is high time these drugs were disposed of before other unsuspecting individuals are victimized. I'm sure it won't be any time too soon. Moreover, why is the dosage the same for everyone? As for me, I am thoroughly sickened that we fell into this trap; I was never warned about, or in fact told anything about these drugs except that I needed them!! At least if you have osteoporosis you know what to expect. This website has been a godsend and it has helped me a lot in figuring out this horrible nightmare. Crippled before my time by Actonel, the pill from hell and Fosomax--hopefully not permanently. | F | 54 | 1 weeks | 2/3/2007 | 1 | early bone loss | Pain in my lower back and bad hip pain, especially at night. When I rolled over in my sleep the pain would wake me several times a night. | Soon after I began taking this product I started having this hip pain. Instead of thinking it could be from the drug, I thought, "It's a good thing I've gotten on something for my bones. THis is really bad." some mornings I felt so stiff that I could not beleive at 52 I would feel like this the rest of my life. While in a discussion about menopause and hormone changes the subject of osteoporosis came up. There was some discussion about the effectiveness of the drugs Actonel and Fosamax. I came home and looked up the side effects at this site. I was amazed to read about so many people having back and joint pain. I am now so excited to discover that maybe by getting off Actonel I can get back to sleeping all night without the severe hip pain. I threw the rest of my current pack away and will not be getting a refill. I will look into taking the right amounts of calcium and magnesium and vitamin D. This is exciting news. | F | 52 | 6 months | 1/28/2007 | 1 | bone loss | Shoulder joint pain, could no longer raise by arms or even fasten my bra, exhaustion, but the worst was the hives.started on the back moved to the chest up the neck and up the face. The hives varied in size but are unbearable because of the severe itching. Have seen 3 doctors and have been perscribed steroids, creams, anthihestimens etc. I only took this drub 1 35 mg a week for 5 weeks and have been suffering the side effects for 2 months so far and still seeking treatments. | F | 49 | 6 days | 1/21/2007 | 3 | osteopenia | Major side effect: NIGHT SWEATS& HOT FLASHES have returned | I took this med a few years back and stopped it for the same reason: My hot flashes began again. Probably will stop this drug. | F | 59 | 3 months | 1/19/2007 | 2 | bone loss in hip | The 1st week of taking this medication I experience diarrhea, stomach cramps, popping of joints/bones. Headaches finally went away. I felt very tired like an old lady. | I got the 1st month samples from my doctor's office, then when i filled the prescription for Actonel 35mg. taken once a week for 4 tablets, it was a little over $78. Since the medication didn't agree with me, my doctor has given me samples of Evista to start. I will keep you informed of my condition. I am focusing/doing other methods, such as eating foods that are high in calcium, intaking my 1500 mg of calcium & Vitamin D daily. Exercising (weight bearing) such as weight-lifting, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, step aerobics, racquet sports. All activities that require your muscles to work against gravity. I am a "Giant Slayer", so I will beat this temporary condition. Always read up on new medication given, because I didn't. | F | 48 | 2 months | 1/18/2007 | 1 | Osteopenia | still have joint pain...in the jaw and my right ankle remains puffy. My back does hurt...and I get headaches. | My last entry was in June 2006 and I still feel this drug Actonel is in my system after 6 months. I have read a lot about osteroporis online. Only 10% of all 80 year olds can pass these bone density tests so I guess we should have some concern about our bones. I am just going to try more calcium, diet, and exercise. I believe a more natural approach is better that taking drugs that cause doctors and drug companies to prosper and women get sick. I heard that after women stopped HRT...there has been a 7% decrease in breast cancer among women, so maybe they are wrong about these biphosphonates, too. | F | 60 | 9 weeks | 1/18/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | I was experiencing such deep bone pain at night that my husband said I was actually moaning in my sleep. I truly believed I had bone cancer. He told me to stop taking the actenol. When I quit (cold turkey), the pain gradually eased, but I still still have to sleep with a heating pad to this day. I also experienced trouble swallowing and woke up many nights choking on my own spit. | F | 50 | 3 months | 1/16/2007 | 1 | Post Menopausal bone loss | Increased RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome), diarrhea, TMJ. | I am stopping Actonel immediately! Saw an ad on tv last night from a lawyer stating "IF YOU OR ANY MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY HAVE EXPERIENCED TMJ WHILE TAKING FOSOMAX, CONTACT ME REGARDING A POSSIBLE CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT". Oh dear! Is Actonel next? | M | 60 | 4 months | 1/14/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | Every symptom, except reflux pertains. I took Actonel for nine weeks two years ago. I was active:taught school/gardened/went hiking. After the third dose I was nearly incapacitated by pain,desire to rest. After nine doses I was positive the symptoms had to be related to Actonel. I thought I'd had the flu for four weeks, but there were was cyclical pattern: the three days prior to taking the next dose weren't as painful. Symptoms diminished (not subsided)after discontinuation. Continuing symptoms include: neck & back pain & grinding down the length of my neck/spine. Joints crack/white-hot pain in bones/joints/pelvis/hips. Vision swimmy/extreme fatigue/dull to migraine headaches chronic/insomnia. Attacks of vertigo even while sitting. Can't exercise w/out heart fluttering. I have been off Actonel for aver a year and a half. I NEVER HAD PAIN/HEART PALPATATIONS PRIOR TO USING ACTONEL. I'm hurt & angered! What, if anything, can be done? Is there enough evidence to file a suit? | F | 43 | 9 weeks | 1/11/2007 | 1 | osteoporsis | chest pain, heart palpitations, coughing, sinus, headache, rash, hip pain, flu-like symptoms, bloating, pain in mid-back, chronic sore throat, trouble sleeping, bronchitis, felt 20 years older. | Has anyone had bronchial problems resulting in hypoxemia? Also has anyone developed a heart murmur? | F | 66 | 2 years | 1/10/2007 | 1 | osteoporsis | Immediate constipation (took Metamucil), developed dry eyes, could hardly sleep at night due to pain in hips. My body began aching all over and eventually had to 'unfold' slowly even when getting out of a chair. Not good. It took 4 months of being off the drug before the aching went away. | I decided it was up to me to deal with the problem. I did my research on proper, healthy diets (not the latest fad diet), learned how to monitor my pH, avoid sugar, processed foods, drink 64 ozs filtered water daily, etc. I now consult with Dr. Susan Brown (Better Bones Better Body author)who has been the only one to help. She suggested a program for exercise and specific minerals, suppliments (based on my past blood test results, DEXA...), a weighted vest for osteoporosis at http://www.weightvest4osteoporosis.com/, get my Vit D levels up to 50 - 60 (at 36 your body can't obsorb 65% of the calcium); my past blood test level had been 35! as well as make other suggestions. I would not recommend any of the bone medications to anyone as the meds don't deal with the underlying issues. We need to become knowlegeable and take responsibility for our own health. The pharmaceteucal companies have far too much influence with the physicians today. | F | 54 | 2 years | 1/10/2007 | 1 | osteopenia | hives and rash | I took fosomax, but it made me very sick with explosive diarrhea. Dr then put me on actonel which seemed to be okay for a year. It was then suggested that I try boniva and ended up with swelling of my face and tongue, chest pain, and hives that lasted well over 3 months. Heart attack symptoms lasted for 4 months. Went back to the actonel and have started with hives and rash. Will not be trying any more of these types of medicines. Too scary! Will stick with weight lifting and running. | F | 55 | 15 months | 1/9/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | Headache, heaviness in my chest, constant heartburn. | I was not convinced the problems I am having were due to the Actonel. But after reading all these people with very similar complaints, I'll be calling my doc in the morning. Seems that you take a drug to fix one problem and it causes all these other problems. | F | 50 | 1 months | 1/3/2007 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Excrutiating pain in shoulders, especially my right shoulder. I now have limited mobility in both shoulders, and can not sleep at night due to the pain. It also has caused increased feelings of malaise and more generalized pain in my hip, neck and ankles. I am a yoga instructor and was in good physical shape before I took this drug. | Don't take this medication. | F | 54 | 4 months | 1/2/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | Took Actonel 35mg for 3mths then realised symptoms were worse day after I took dose. Initially severe headache of 24hr duration. The severe pressure in head like high blood pressure. Pain on sneezing or coughing. This symptom kept increasing in discomfort while I took the medication. Then deafness in right ear with echo in head, followed by deafness in right ear and at the same time developed sciatica in right hip. Finally tinnitus as well as the above. Woke up at week 11, missed one pill and some improvement. Took one more and all symptoms back again next day. It has taken a further 2 mths for pressure in head to clear. Dr says I am Atypical and has prescribed Fosamax. Thanks to you all I am wary and will be careful. | The pressure in my head was like being in an iron clamp which made sneezing and coughing an ugly experience and would I think be a very dangerous for anyone who has a pre-existing condition of high blood pressure. The deafness was a worry and I will take my chances with my bones rather than deliberately take this medication again. I would ask all of you to think back to the pressure/hearing/tinnitus issues because this may be something you may not have thought about. | F | 75 | 3 months | 1/1/2007 | 1 | preventative: bone loss | Update to posting 07/25/05: After being off ACTONEL for a year and 10 months in December, I'm still having a multitude of problems-- ALL OF WHICH CAN BE DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTED TO TAKING ACTONEL! I'm beginning to gain on this insidious medication. It was killing me! Over the course of the last year and 10 months I've gradually noticed a decrease in the severe bone pain-- still have bouts of it to this day! Have no energy most days. Been tested for anemia-- but those who have suffered with illnesses associated with ACTONEL/BISPHOSPHANATE POISONING can attest-- it does not behave in a fashion that is conducive to test protocols at present-- medical science has not developed the tests for the set of problems that occur as a result of taking this drug! I'm suffering from opportunistic infections resulting from the compromise use of ACTONEL has had on my system. Just been told to seek medical attention from another specialist because the specialist no. 11 is not familiar with the ACTONEL p | THIS INSIDIOUS MEDICATION SHOULD NOT BE ON THE MARKET-- IT ROBS PEOPLE OF THEIR LIVES AND CREATES A LIVING HELL IN WHICH THEY MUST LIVE-- IT IS AN OUTRAGE THAT IT'S MANUFACTURER DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT THEIR CREATION IS DOING TO PEOPLE!!! EVERYBODY WHO IS ON ACTONEL WILL SUFFER IN THE END!!! | F | 47 | 2 years | 1/1/2007 | 1 | osteoporosis | upset stomach, loose bowl movements every time I eat, heartburn, nausea, metalic taste, tingling and numbness from knees to toes, my heart seems to race periodically - don't know if this is anxiety caused by actonel or I am scared about what this drug has done to others and maybe me! | This is day 4 after taking my first dose. I will not continue with actonel. I plan to increase my calcium from 1000 to 1500 and continue working out with weights and walking. I'll see what the bone density test says in one year. | F | 43 | 1 days | 12/14/2006 | 2 | osteopenia /osteopososis | gas, bone and joint pain, tendonitis. I have also had a major decrease in vision and wonder if that might be related to the drug. I am very athletic, my diet hasn't been perfect, but I'm on a healthy eating plan now. I don't want to continue this drug after reading everyone's experience of it. I was in a pharmacy tonight and pickedup the PDR regarding this drug that the insert in the px doesn't tell you. | I feel weightbearing excercise, and a good diet might be the key for me along with vitamins and calcium suppliments. These side effects are not worth it and who know what the long term results are. | F | 55 | 2 days | 12/8/2006 | 1 | osteoporosis | I have been off the drup for over a year, still suffering from constant flow of tiny saliva stones in my mouth. While on the drug experienced many other side effects. Stones started after 3 months off the drug. | I would advise anyone on this drug to get off immediately. The drug stays in your bones for 10 years and is causing osteonecrosis or jaw bone loss in way too many people and we weren't informed! | F | 60 | 8 months | 12/7/2006 | 1 | osteoporosis | Backache, stiff neck. After 3 months of taking it, woke one night with severe pain in knee, calf, thigh, to point of not being able to sleep. Has been ongoing ever since. | After reading some comments on this site, I now realize certain other things were happening to me but I didn't attribute them to the Actonel. Now I do. I'd like to know if others who have had similar symptomes have recovered and how long it took. This is awful. Plus you still wonder if it could be something else. | F | 64 | 4 months | 12/6/2006 | 1 | osteopenia | i took actonel for 4 weeks. started having side effects right away. terrible pain in my hips,legs and back. it made me so tired. i feel like i am 90yrs old. | would not recommend actonel. | F | 38 | 4 weeks | 11/22/2006 | 1 | osteopenia | excrutiating upper chest and mid-line back pain, shoulder and spine joint pain, fatigue, light-headed, headaches, nausea,upper body muscle pain that is so severe I cannot sleep or find a comfortable position in bed | I have worked out for years but I am petite so my osteopenia is most likely related to my DNA. I didn't expect to have side effects from this drug. I feel like a 100 year old woman - I am hunched over in pain. I thought at first I had the flu but after the second dose I realized my symptoms were related to actonel. I called the pharmacist to ask him about the side effects and he told me he thought my symptoms were unrelated. Right! When I went on the web and found this web site I was relieved to know that others were having problems too. I will not be taking any more actonel. I will continue to take calcium and Vitamin D and try to focus on a diet rich in calcium. | F | 52 | 2 weeks | 11/13/2006 | 1 | osteoporosis | intense heartburn for at least a whole day. | These drugs are dangerous. I'm working with a nutritionist and taking high-quality calcium, D, magnesium and a couple of herbs. My bone density was much improved after a year of proper nutrition and supplements. No improvement after the year I took Actonel. | F | 59 | 1 years | 11/9/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | I started getting a pain on my right arm below my shoulder. Now I have a terrible pain over my entire arm. I can't hardly type because even my fingers hurt. I'm 55 yrs. old and I have been taking this drug for a year. I used to be very active and I used to lift weights, I can't do that anymore. I can't even carry the groceries from the car. | F | 55 | 12 months | 11/7/2006 | 2 | osteoprosis | I have the once a week rx, took 1 time this week, have had trouble sleeping, and all my joints hurt. I was already on glucosamine chondrotin for joint pain, but this is worse than I ever had before. Also, memory worse than usual. | I took fosamax for 2 years but stopped due to heartburn and needing dental work done. dr prescribed actonel since I really need something to help my bones | F | 54 | 6 days | 11/4/2006 | 5 | Osteopenia | Other than mild muscle aches or joint pain there is no major side effects. | I have been taking Actonel for more than 2 years without any problem and my bone density reports showed improvement. Unfortunately, there were a few times that I forgot to sit upright and bend my upper body slightly then I started to have reflux problem. I ended up have to take omeprazole for my stomach problem! My advise, remember to sit upright. | F | 49 | 2 years | 10/29/2006 | 1 | osteo | neck crackling, bloating, pain in neck and back, no energy, fell for first time in my life | I have brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme grade IV) and took Actonel with Temodar and felt extra poorly. Special note: calcium should not be taken at the same time as Dilantin. Wait a couple of hours. I will discontinue the use of Actonel. | M | 65 | 2 months | 10/29/2006 | 1 | bone loss---s/p hip fracture | Severe back pain, loss of appetite, itching, GERD, weakness. I was gaining a little strength after a fall and fracture. After starting the Actonel, I started experiencing severe back pain, and was unable to get out of bed by myself. | Took 3 dosses of 35mg/weekly. Started experiencing side effects after second week | F | 85 | | 10/29/2006 | 1 | osteoposis | Strong metallic taste in my mouth. Also my jaw has now started to ache. Otherwise no problem with bloating or indigestion | Had previously taken Fosamax for the same 5 weeks: Had severe indigestion and pain in my chest and back. Thought I was having a heart attack. Am now afraid Actonel will destroy my jaw bone. The metallic taste in my mouth is continuous. Am concerning asking dr. if I can go back to HRT (hormones) to stop bone loss | F | 60 | 5 weeks | 10/25/2006 | 1 | osteoporosis | Joint pain, back pain, stiffness, constipation, bloating. | I began taking this drug on advice of my doctor as a result of bone density tests, and osteoporosis inherited from my mom. I immediately started having these side effects in Week 1, continued Week 2 and until Week 3, I had enough and thought this was not the drug for me. I highly recommend anyone on this drug do the research and find out if there is any other method besides this biphosponate drug. If you are having side effects talk to your doctor and do not be afraid of discontinuing and doing more natural things, exercising daily, eating properly, taking calcium. It is not guaranteed that this drug will build bone density and if it hinders the rest of your health, is it worthwhile? | F | 47 | 21 days | 10/24/2006 | 1 | osteopenia | Extreme fatigue, flu symtoms, aching joints and muscles, weakness Took my first pill March 2006. It is now October 2006. Most of the symtoms have gone away, but still not feeling like I did before that first 35mg pill. Still very fatigued and get achy. Guys, this medication stays in your body for 10 years!!! | Guys, this medication stays in your body for 10 years!!! Check out this website to be enlightened www.gilliansanson.com/Bisphosphonate%20update.htm | F | 55 | 1 days | 10/24/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | Severe intestinal problems, bone pain | I was on Actonel from 11/04-3/06 went off due to stomach pain and bone pain. I have been off 6 months and am still having bone pain. Anyone else having pain after so long? | F | 52 | 1 years | 10/23/2006 | 2 | osteopenia | increasing joint pain in both arms near elbows, tightness in other muscle areas...after reading this site I think it is related to medicine. previously took fosamx for one month with severe side effects, including intesnfiying joint pain and intermittent nausea, have only taken this 4 times but will consider discontinuing...these comments make be quite concerned | i wonder if the company is taking note of these comments...perhaps they should do a survey..what about all the women and men who dont find this site? | F | 51 | 1 months | 10/3/2006 | 1 | osteoporosis-T2.11(spine)T9 fractur | One 35mg dose Fri.(9/29/06) 8a.m. By 6p.m. moderate pain mid-back&low back & Right shoulder pain;thruout night, pain severe in those areas& expanded to neck,both shoulders ribs, front&back,by Sat. severe pain thru entire trunk of body & hips, severe headache, blurred vision & tender breast bone, nausea, chills & fatigue. Sun. continued severe pain w/sciatica in left hip&flank. Mon. all symptoms have subsided,but trunk of body achy all over. Hope to feel normal in a few days. | Called actonel hotline pharmacist at 1(800) 448-4878 and relayed most symptoms. Can be reached Mon-Fri. 8a.m.-5 p.m. I got this info thru my local pharmacist who knew NOTHING about side effects. Will also contact FDA.GOV/MEDWATCH or call 1(800)332-1088 thanks to one of your suggestions. actonel pharmacist also told me that Boniva and fosomax will have same side effects. | F | 63 | 1 days | 10/2/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | Nothing first day, not much the second. Then trouble sleeping. Sudden, excruciating pain in mouth and large sore appears on tongue. Heart felt like it is coming out of my chest. Pulse has dropped to 40. Thought I was having a heart attack. Tennitis is worse. Thirsty all night. Cannot concentrate. | I'll never taken another one of these. Hope all problems go away. Will take chance with supplements and exercise. Dangerous drug! Glad to find this website. | M | 64 | 1 days | 9/30/2006 | 1 | osteopenia, breast cancer meds | Immobilizing joint pain, especially hands, most noticeably thumbs, which lasted the better part of 6 days following my once-a-week actonel. Extremely painful to the touch, with some swelling in my thumbs. "Stiff" neck to the point of not being able to turn my head more than a couple of inches. Also, extreme fatigue, exhaustion, for 3 days following the dose. Discontinued actonel, and now, 10 days later, all seems considerably improved except my right thumb, which has not improved at all. | I was taking this to counteract the effects of arimidex, but I think I will try additional calcium supplements rather than go through the symptoms. | F | 65 | 21 days | 9/29/2006 | 1 | oesteopenia | 1st time I had severe pain in right sciatic nerve so much that I couldn't even roll over in bed to get out. Hard time walking with it being so severe. Created pain in two spots on my back where I had fallen 2 months prior. Then next time severe swelling in knee to the point of not being able to bend it at all and knee felt like it was going to give out. I will continue to exercise and eat well and take calcium supplement. | I do not want to continue this drug. These side effects are debilitating. How can I function like this. I will put in a request to see a specialist at bone density clinic. | F | 50 | 3 weeks | 9/28/2006 | 1 | Osteporosis | I have taken Actonel 2 years. Also put on cholesteral lowering drug at the same time. My doctor and I were continually adjusting my cholesteral drug. Side effects I was experiencing: excessive pain all over my body; arms, legs, etc. Could hardly get out of bed in the morning - felt like I needed a walker - my legs felt like 2-ton bricks that I could hardly pick up. Hard time just walking up stairs. Would sit down on the floor with my grandsons and literally could hardly get up - felt like I was 100 years old. I stopped the Actonel (without my doctors advice) - low and behold. I feel 1000% better. No pain anywhere - except for general aching for a 64 year old woman - which I consider "normal". Its YOUR body - you need to do research on every drug you take and make adjustments. Your doctor does NOT know your body better than YOU!!! | I am not saying its wrong for everyone - just do your research an I wish you all best of health!!! | F | 64 | 2 years | 9/27/2006 | 3 | Osteopenia | Not sure of side-effects at this time. | I was on hormone replacement therapy because I "listened" to what my doctors said. They know, don't they? Well, looked what happened to HRT. Now the rage is Actonel. Drug companies push these drugs to doctors who comply. All drugs have side effects. I'm going off Actonel. I'm in charge of my own body. | M | 64 | 10 months | 9/26/2006 | 1 | osteopenia | After taking actonel for 2 months, I began to experience nerve and joint pain from the chest up. I thought it was because I was doing a lot of road bike riding and the goofy position you are in. It continued to the point of being debilitating. The nerve lines of my arms felt like they were bruised. My neck killed me! I developed trigger finger in 2 fingers on each hand and the bottoms of my feet felt stone bruised. I went off the Actonel and within 1 week began to see improvement (that's only 1 doses) within a month I was almost back to normal, except for the feet....that took longer. Then my doc switched me to Boniva...within 2 doses, the senstations began to develop again in my arms and hands. Then he put me on Evista....I've half-heartedly been taking it for 6 months and now my trigger finger is back with pain and swelling of my hands and feet. Has anyone else experienced the TRIGGER FINGER? It's back in full force. I've seen my bone density tests and they are not good....but is the | F | 58 | 3 days | 9/16/2006 | 1 | osteopena | bloating joint pain constipation fatigue serious back pain | F | 53 | 2 days | 9/15/2006 | 2 | osteoporosis (mild?) | stomach cramp and severe bloating. back pain and pain in knees when trying to jog. | I'm 5ft 1inch/ 160 cm. very small frame. Extremely fit and active ie Yoga, windsurf, walking etc. On bone scan as part of a medical trial found below average bone density. Never smoked but veggie. I think that skeleton frame isn't taken into account when density considered. I'm stopping from now to see the effects but will continue with vit D& calcium and see if there is a more natural way of dealing with this. | F | 58 | 5 weeks | 9/11/2006 | 1 | osteoporosis | The third week I took Actonel within 24 hours I had extremely sharp pain, redness, and could not tolerate light in my left eye. This lasted 48 hrs. My Ophthalmologist thought I had Conjunctivitis. The next week after taking Actonel my left eye again had sharp pain, redness and light intolerance. Again, this lasted 48 hours. I stopped taking Actonel - but continue to have ongoing problems with my eyes primarly dry eyes and redness but thankfully do not have the extremely sharp pain and sensitivity to light. | F | 69 | 4 weeks | 9/9/2006 | 1 | Osteopena | Severe joint pain to the point that when I stood up I had to stand a few moments before I could start walking....I felt very sluggish and the medicine kept me from walking for exercise. | I quit after 6-7 months and was soon feeling good again. My doctor would like me to start on it again, but I will never take this medicine again. It was scary. | F | 61 | 6 months | 9/8/2006 | 1 | osteopenia | Took Actonel (35mg once a week) for 2.5 years before reactions became serious enough for me to try to find the cause. Initially, I attributed the fatigue, bloating, constipation, leg cramps, and joint pain to growing old. About 2 months ago, I started getting an itchy, burning, red rash all around my neck and on the inside of my arms. And then I started getting a very painful "stiff" neck that made opening my mouth or moving my head painful. Applying heat did not help, but surprisingly, a cold pack did better. It took a while before I realized that the onset of these afflictions generally ocurred on Sunday afternoons - I take my Actonel as prescribed on Sunday mornings. I took an Actonel yesterday and will not ever take another. | Sometimes, for me at least, adverse reactions do hot occur until there has been long-term usage of a drug. | F | 72 | 2.5 years | 9/4/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | Severe stomach pain, severe headache in one spot(felt like an electric drill going into my head), severe joint pain, swelling from the elbows down to my fingers, depression, 'wavy' vision. | This is one drug I will NEVER take again the rest of my life! It was in May that I took 2 doses, one week apart. I felt like I was 80 years old with severe arthritis. After the first dose, I thought maybe I had the flu. By the time I had to take the second dose, I was feeling a little better. Then after the second dose, my vision began to be 'wavy', and I had the worst piercing headache I have ever experienced. Through the day, my joints began to swell and I had terrible pain. I kept looking at my hands, because they looked twice the size. And I thought, "am I getting rheumatoid arthritis?" Not to mention the severe stomach pain that took 3 days to pass. Then, somehow, I found this website. And after reading many of the comments, I realized my symptoms were probably from this drug. It took at least 3 months for me to feel better. Here it is September, and I am pretty sure the symptoms are gone. Although I still have occasional joint pain/swelling. But it is muc | F | 51 | 2 weeks | 9/3/2006 |