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 | Osteoporosis | Nausea, chest/back pain, fatigue, some flu-like symptoms | Side effects make it not worth taking. Going to start looking for a natural remedy. Medicine shouldn't make you feel bad! | F | 80 | 6 months | 9/1/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | General aches. Worry about what it might do. Am very concerned that P&G are not telling the full truth about this drug after reading about the Blumsohn case in England (search Google for Blumsohn). I suppose this is true for many drugs but this is the one I care about. | F | 58 | 1 years | 9/1/2006 | 2 | Low Bone Denisty Scan | Flu-like symptoms, blurry vision, extreme pain in my right leg, joints are very tight feeling - making it hard to move. I feel a tightness all over - from jaw to toes. It is hard to swallow at times. | I will not be taking the medication any longer; reading the other comments I understand that these side effects can be harmful long term. I believe that any given medication should make a person feel better, not give a person more pain! | F | 39 | 2 weeks | 8/31/2006 | 1 | osteoporosis | stomach cramps, pain in the chest, severe indigestion | I am disappointed that I did not have any evidence that this drug was at all useful. There seemed to be no way that the doctor could assess whether or not this drug was effective. | F | 63 | 2 years | 8/30/2006 | 1 | bone loss | I have put on a rating before on low white blood count. Was at 2.4 normal 4.1 or higher. Stopped Actonel for two weeks and just had my blood retested--white blood count was 4.0. Doctor says to stop for 6 months and have the blood retested. I am positive that Actonel was responsible for the low count. I take no other medicine! My bones are in the normal range after 4 years on Actonel but have had low white count all the time I have been on Actonel. Any one else have that problem? | F | 67 | 4 years | 8/30/2006 | 2 | Osteopenia | After taking Actonel for two years I began to feel uncomfortable about it. Seems everybody 50 or older has osteopenia. Reminds me of HRT. My cholesterol went up 30 points in 2 years. No change of weight or diet. I'm 5'0" and weigh 110 pounds. My thighs and legs felt thick and not flexible. I've been off it for 2 weeks and feel more energetic, flexible; my normal self. I walk and swim regularly. | F | 55 | 2 years | 8/29/2006 | 1 | F | 54 | 1 years | 8/28/2006 | 1 | osteopenia | SEVERE joint pain in neck, knees, elbows& knuckles to the point of immobility! Gerd, constant sore throat, heart palpitations, sleeplessness,strained voice, stomach upset! | Finds something else! | F | 53 | 5 months | 8/25/2006 | 1 | Osteoprosis | Extreme bone aches for two days after taking the bill | M | 46 | 3 weeks | 8/24/2006 | 1 | OSTEPORSIS | i AM HAVING A LOW WHITE BLOOD COUNT READING SINCE I STARTED TAKING ACTONEL. AM GOING TO A HEMOTOLGIST NEXT WEEK AND HAVE STOPPED TAKING ACTONEL TO SEE IF THE WHITE COUNT IMPROVES. I AM NEVER SICK SO THE HEMOTOLGIST TWO YEARS AGO TOLD ME I WAS FINE. ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS PROBLEM? | F | 67 | 4 years | 8/22/2006 | 2 | Osteoporosis | Is Actonel the cause of my symptoms? I don't know, but I'm being deligent in trying to find the root cause of my symptoms because whatever is going on it is not normal and is quite frightening. The most alarming symptom is my throat literally closes, compromising my breathing. It is always preceded by a cough. Also heart palpitations, awake from sound sleep gasping for air, body is in distress; being excessively tired, and blurred vision. When I climb more than 2-flights of stairs, by the 3rd, I feel sick to my stomach, have muscle weakness as if my legs can't support my 5"2 105 frame. To date all test (heart/lung/allergy)"normal". Last doctor appointment I asked "could it be the Actonel? Reply "maybe". Doctor said to stop taking; it's been about 30 days. I can say that I have not had a breathing episode. I see my doctor again in two weeks; I printed this acticle and plan to take it with me-there seems to be a connection. If anyone has related | F | 46 | 8 years | 8/21/2006 | 2 | osteopenia | The second time I took my weekly pill, that night I had the worst heartburn I've ever had. In the middle of my back and in my breastbone hurt so much I could hardly breath. Since then I have had a few episodes of heartburn the night of taking the pill. I also have noticed a nasty metalic taste. I have less energy and I can't grow my fingernails out anymore. I have only been taking Actonel about 5 months so far, and I'm not sure I want to continue them. | F | 54 | 5 months | 8/17/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | Stiffness, pain and tingling in my neck. Which have gone away since discontinuing it two months ago. There are other symptoms which I hadn't related to the drug but after reading these I will take notice to see if they go away or improve. One is hip pain. | I'm telling everyone my story so that the message gets out that this drug isn't safe. | F | 66 | 2 years | 8/13/2006 | 1 | ostenopenia related to femara | After taking 2 doses I had to be "rescued" and driven out of the Washington DC zoo to my hotel. The leg and joint pain was terrible, my blood pressure and pulse sky rocketed and I was dizzy. The zoo's nurse was wonderful! | I was prescribed actonel because I take femara to help prevent a recurrence of breast cancer. Femara is a known bone thinner. | F | 48 | 2 weeks | 8/11/2006 | 1 | bone strenghtening | First dose, leg cramps, insomnia, very tired, second and third dose, leg cramps and neck pain in back of skull, dizzy feeling, fourth and fifth dose, thought the side effects had stopped then sixth dose - severe diarrhea, then tingling, burning sensation on neck and chest skin on day of dosage. | I have not been diagnosed with osteoporosis, but I think this drug is a little too drastic for me at this time. The side effects seem worse than the benefits. I will discontinue use and wait for a drug that has been tested longer for safety. I will make sure I take calcium and do weight bearing exercise. | F | 57 | 6 weeks | 8/10/2006 | 1 | yes | leg and hip pain. Difficulty with walking. | How long before symptoms disappear after stopping drug? Days? Months? Can anything help? Exercise seems to make symptoms worse. | F | 60 | 6 months | 8/8/2006 | 1 | yes | leg and hip pain | how long after stopping actonel, does it take for pain to stop | F | 61 | 6 months | 8/7/2006 | 1 | Inflamation | an ulcer, plus erosions in the stomach lining, all which bled until my blood dropped to 6. Visual disturbance. | Be careful. | F | 55 | 2 years | 8/6/2006 | 1 | osteoporosis | Extreme pain in muscles and joints; ribs and chest hurt; could hardly move. Only took one 35 mg. dose; felt like I was 90! Had to use a cane to walk as my hips were too sore to hold my body up. Worst pain in left side; left shoulder was so bad I could not even move it; developed into calcified tendonitus. | Had to be off work for a couple weeks & had physical therapy for shoulder. One month later, finally feeling better. I refuse to ever take this again. Doctor still does not believe it was from Actonel! I am so relieved to read others reports, to confirm that Actonel was the problem. | F | 47 | 1 days | 8/4/2006 | 1 | osteopenia | no side effects....because after reading everyone's input on this website I refuse to fill my prescription | At first I was scanning for women my age, then long time users, then I started noticing how many people used it just once and experienced the same aches and pains. Don't know where to turn now, but am so THANKFUL that you shared your experiences so that I can stay away from this drug! Taking your advice. | F | 49 | 0 days | 8/3/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | Since starting this drug again after my doctor practically pushed me to, I've had trouble with pain and weakness in my legs. I feel like an old lady when I get up and walk after sitting at my desk during work. I walk everyday, do water aerobics, and am generally very healthy. I am going to stop taking this drug for a month to see if my symptoms cease. This is the only drug I am taking besides synthroid, so I am 100% certain the pain and weakness are from Actonel. | F | 54 | 50 days | 8/2/2006 | 1 | ostepenia | severe leg and hip pain | F | 60 | | 8/2/2006 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Extremely lethargic and sleepy - I have a two hour commute one way to work and worried I am going to fall asleep at the wheel. Also neck pain and popping - neck locking from previous injury that was healed. | I am stopping taking this drug - I also stopped Boniva due to its rigid instructions - both of these drugs appear to be a train wreck. I am stepping up my exercise, going to a metaphysician or a nature doctor for further assistance. | F | 61 | 5 days | 7/27/2006 | 3 | osteopena | Gas, bloated constantly. Currently blood in urine. | F | 55 | 2 years | 7/24/2006 | 2 | Osteoporis-hips, osteopenia-back | I took Fosamax for awhile, then the doctor switched to Actonel due to stomach problems & added Prevacid. My bone density scan improved significantly but I began having severe pain & swelling in my joints, specifically my wrists. Tests have been run for rheumatoid arthritus but were negative. Will be going for additional tests but in the meantime doctor took me off Actonel immediately. Said he was beginning to hear a lot of complaints about both Fosamax & Actonel. He stated he thought the jury was still "out" on both drugs. | F | 57 | 6 months | 7/23/2006 | 1 | Ostopenia | After taking the first dose a few days later experienced severe itching, back pain (near liver), severe dizziness, feeling like wanting to throw up. | THIS IS A HORRIBLE DRUG. I DON'T FEEL THE BENEFITS OUTWEIGH THE RISKS...ESPECIALLY AFTER READING THIS WEB SITE. REMEMBER...DOCTORS ARE ONLY "PRACTICING MEDICINE" ON US!!! THEY ARE NOT ALWAYS RIGHT! WE NEED TO DO WHAT OUR BODIES TELL US TO DO AND IF THAT MEANS GETTING OFF A MEDICATION BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT MAKES YOU FEEL - THEN DO IT! I AM SUPRISED THIS DRUG IS STILL ON THE MARKET! | F | 40 | 3 weeks | 7/21/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | Constipation, bone pain in hip, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, dry skin, constant burping, bloating | Dr. prescribed for osteopenia (I have only one risk factor for osteoporisis - being thin -); Have been taking it for a year; the side effects are worse than the condition and risk of having a hip fracture. Another doctor took me off Actonel after I had an emergency visit for extreme shortness of breath, hip pain and jaw pain. Prior to tests, it was thought I was having a heart attack! Now am on medication for GI problems, probably brought on by the Actonel. I will not take Actonel again, or Fosamax or Boniva. The risk of a hip fracture (I didn't have any bone loss in my back) is less than the side effects of the Actonel! | F | 64 | 1 years | 7/20/2006 | 1 | borderline osteoporosis | I took actonel for 4 weeks. The day after, I had flu like feelings, severe headache, severe facepain, afraid to open my mouth as I thought my jaw would lock. Inflamation in my right eye. Most of all this stopped 2 days later except the intense bladder pressure with burning that I still get 2 weeks after stopping this poisin. Other symptons restless legs, and most of my joints ached such as my right ankle, right elbow, both hips, right wrist,and shoulders and lower lumbar region. I had twitching in both arms from above the elbows up to the shoulders and my arms were very weak. I have stopped this medication. | Why are they allowed to sell this so-called medication which seems to be harming so many? | F | 60 | 4 weeks | 7/19/2006 | 2 | Osteopenia | back pain and nausea | F | 45 | 3 months | 7/17/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia Diag (-1.9 Tscore) | Update to previous entries: 16 weeks off Actonel and 18 physical therapy sessions later (plus doing exercises daily at home as well), I was able on Sunday (7/16/06) to reach behind me with my left arm and hook my bra for the first time in 5 months (my left shoulder froze and I was unable to reach behind me). I still have lots of cracking & popping in my neck, left wrist (my right hip catches now) and the index finger of both hands still swells up and is stiff and sore when I wake up. Wonder if these symptoms will ever go away. | Unbelievable the toll this medication has placed on my day to day activities. Although, having read what others have gone through, I am very relieved to be able to say I am getting better (and feel very lucky considering what others have gone through & are going through still). Hopefully, others will see improvement as well. I will continue with PT at home for now. | F | 52 | 12 weeks | 7/17/2006 | 2 | Osteoporosis | bone and joint pain, frequent urination, interupted sleep, elevated pain at times. | I encourage anyone reading the side effects of this drug to take the time to add any you may have. This is the only way the FDA and our family doctors will become aware. Just don't read, leave your experience with Actonel and Fosomax. | F | 50 | 7 months | 7/15/2006 | 1 | severe osterprosis | Complete lack of energy. Unable to stay awake. I would fall asleep while visiting with friends in the middle of the day. | No improvement in spine, only slight improvement in hip. Now take Strontium Support. Last scan after only 10 months, 3% gain in spine. No side effects. Also do weight bearing exercise and get vitamin D from the sun. Everyone should read the UV Advantage. | F | 53 | 1.5 years | 7/12/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | I took my first dose of Actonel 35 mg on Friday 07/07/06 and had diarrhea Friday evening. I then started having chest tightness and pain in my sternum. (I am in excellent health, with no history of heart problems). Joint pains started occuring in fingers, knees, shoulders, feet, rib and upper back. This was all by Monday. | Upon reading all of the comments, I am not going to take anymore Actonel. I will exercise and take Calcium w/Vitamin D. I want to continue to be a very active individual and this medicine is making me feel terrible. | F | 57 | 6 days | 7/12/2006 | 2 | Osteoporosis, osteopenia | Chest pain, stuffy nose, blurry vision, frequent urination, weight gain?, extreme upper arm and upper leg pain(constant), tired, just not myself. Doctor ordered bone scan to rule out cancer. Hope this was just side effects. Other comments have made me hopeful for a good outcome in a week. | It seems like primary care doctors are not even aware of these side effects. Alot of unnecessary "expensive"tests are being ordered because they're not considering "Actonel" as a possible problem. Neither did I! I'm stopping the meds to see if I feel better. Can always go back on or try something else. | F | 49 | 6 months | 7/5/2006 | 2 | osteoporosis | no side effects | After the first year taking Actonel, there was an improvement in my bone density. After the 2nd year, the bone density was back where it started. Doctor said I must be doing something wrong because the drug should work. The only changes were more calcium and continued jogging. After 6 years on the drug, no improvement in bone density. Will discontinue use especially in light of the new info regarding osteonecrosis of the jaw. | F | 48 | 6 years | 7/3/2006 | 1 | bone density loss | fell jittery, speedy, blurry vision | Thankful to have found this website. After reading all the other negative comments, I am not taking this med anymore. I'm sure there is a natural alternative. Also, just adds to monthly expense. Docs are all too happy to prescribe meds these days. | F | 56 | 1.5 months | 7/3/2006 | 5 | Osteopenia | I am not aware of any side effects as a result of the medication. | I have been taking aconel for about 5 years. My last 2 scans showed that I was in the normal range and no sign of Osteopenia. However, in view of the recent concerns about drugs of this type, I may go off of it and take extra calcium instead. I will check with my Ob-gyn first. | F | 70 | 5 years | 6/30/2006 | 2 | Osteopenia | Severe muscle, joint, and bone pain....pain in lower back and glutes... | Since discontinuing this medication my symptoms have totally dissipated. Although this was not the right medication for me...I'm sure it may work for others' without causing so many side effects. This has simply been my experience. | F | 67 | 6 months | 6/29/2006 | 3 | osteoporosis | joint pain | F | 59 | 2 years | 6/26/2006 | 1 | treatment of osteoporosis | My muscles, tendons, and joints "froze." I have experienced incredible pain and discomfort. The pain has migrated around my skeletal system and 16 weeks without the drug, the pain has now settled in my shoulders, neck, and hands. | Before Actonel, I was participating in 5ks almost weekly. After Actonel, I had to actually lift my legs into my car. I am unable, at this point, to lift my left arm to apply deodorant, etc. The negative effects have been unbelieveable. | F | 50 | 14 weeks | 6/26/2006 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Constant headaches, mood swings, after the 5th time of taking Actonel experienced extreme sleepiness, pain that started in the neck and shoulders, hurt with every movement, moved down to my legs, felt like had the flu, cough, couldn't walk up two small flights of stairs without shortness of breath, after a week I feel like I have a bladder infection, spine still hurts in lower back. I will never take this medicine again or any medicine for osteoporosis. I will find a natural supplement from GNC. I also tried Boniva and had severe chest pain for three days after the second dose. | F | 50 | 5 weeks | 6/26/2006 | 1 | Osteoprosis | Gradual discomfort for quite some time, starting with burning feet, fatigue, sore limbs. Subtle enough that I did not explore causes. Then sudden acute and unrelieved pain all over, starting with my feet, all muscles and joints. It was this severe pain that caused me to investigate causes. Actonel is the only continuous med I am taking and the side effects match up | I am discontinuing the medication. I will discuss it with my Dr. in 10 months at my next annual which should give me time to confirm whether discontinuing the Actonel corrects the problems. I like my dr. but have more than one experience where it appears they (pharma) are selling products more than selling good health. The loss of quality of life seems a bit high price for something that might or might not occur in the future if we live that long. | F | 63 | 3 years | 6/21/2006 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Nothing noticable for the first week, but then terrible side effects: GERD, leg fatigue and general malaise. Have been a runner for almost 30 years, and all of a sudden I had difficulty running. Also experienced mood swings and night sweats, which I never experienced when I went through menopause, so this was new - and surprising to me. | Six weeks after discontinuing use, all systems returned to normal. Would never recommend taking Actonel. | F | 57 | 6 weeks | 6/20/2006 | 3 | Ostopenia | Tingling in my neck/jaw. Headaches, chest pain and stomach bloating. | The fact of the matter is this...this drug has not been on the market long enough for me to continue it. The FDA approved this drug in 1998. I don't want to be a ginnie pig for disaster...I think good old fashion exercise (at least 30 minutes 4x per week) and weight bearing exercise will help your bones. Remember girls - it's up to you to protect your body...and remember that Doctors are only "practicing medicine" on YOU! Try natural alternatives first and then drugs, but only if no other options are available to you. | F | 40 | 4 months | 6/13/2006 | 2 | Osteopenia | Deep leg cramps at night. Mild indigestion on the day of the pill. | I've read that Actonel hardens bones, which may not be such a good thing; they become more brittle and harder to heal. I've reverted to weight bearing exercises, diet and a calcium supplement. | F | 64 | 2 days | 6/12/2006 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Long before I ever took Actonel I had read that it might harm the liver or have other bad side effects. Whenever I asked any doctor about this, they would always seem clueless and one even looked it up on his handy PDA right in front of me and assured me that none of the side effects included liver damage. I was still reluctant to take it and opted for FOSOMAX which gave me bad stomach cramping. When a different doctor suggested a nasal spray therapy that might give me nosebleeds, etc., I finally gave in and decided to take the Actonel. I would start and stop the drug at the first sign of any weird pains, etc., but finally started taking it consistently and soon noticed that I got these daily muscular headaches (and I NEVER get headaches!). I asked my doctor about it and again was told that Actonel would not have caused that problem. I continued taking the medication and now, after nearly two months, I have developed tinnitus. I hear this high-pitched sound all the time and at night | Get a second, third, or even fourth opinion before taking Actonel. Also, go with your gut. If you're apprehensive like I was in the beginning, it might be better to keep researching before putting yourself though this very questionable, possibly dangerous treatment. | F | 52 | 2 months | 6/11/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | Shortly after taking the medication I would get the odd feeling in my chest, possible reflux, and throat felt full. I have bloating, difficulty putting on my rings (fingers thicker) and have fatigue, but I did not attribute this to the medication. About 10 weeks ago/after taking Actonel (the only med. I take) for approx. 5 1/2 mos., I felt pain in my right inner ankle. Approximately 4 weeks ago both feet seemed to tire quickly after walking, and I had trouble walking (pain in right ankle and both feet). This limited my ability to exercise (jog). I stopped taking the med. about 3 weeks ago, after again reading the contraindications which come printed with the med. because I became concerned. The med. was prescribed by my OB/GYN, who I like and trust. I saw my foot dr. today for the pain and recent swelling in this same right ankle, and he said I have tendonitis. He said he has not heard of Actonel causing this, but that meds. can cause tendonitis. | We have good reason to fear osteoporosis, but after reading this website & seeing how many people describe similar problems/pain, I choose to wait until some other alternative to Actonel (Fosamax & Boniva) comes along. I do not want my activity and health limited by foot pain, and I don't want the increase in weight because I cannot exercise on a regular basis due to the pain. | F | 55 | 8 months | 6/6/2006 | 1 | Prevent Osteoporosis | Began with occasional indigestion and then severe for over a year, bloating, constant pain in upper right abdomen quadrant just below ribs. Went to a Gastroentrologist: I had a ultrasound - revealed small cyst on liver; EGD revealed duodenitis and antral gastritis. My duodenom is inflamed and sore. I made sure I took this drug according to directions. | I am convinced that Actonel has caused these problems. I have not taken NSAIDS (which are rough on the stomach), only Tylenol for pain. The Doc gave me Aciphex, which helps decrease the acid in my stomach so I can heal. Now I cannot drink coffee, tea, fruit which are highly acidic, or highly spicy food during this period of time. I have been on 80 mg Pravachol and 10 mg of Zetia daily for 5 years to lower my cholesterol, with no bad side effects; I have taken Premarin .3 mg (since 1972) mainly to curb my hot flashes along with over-the-counter Primrose Oil (no bad side effects). I take Calcium along with Vitamins A & D. But Actonel - I will not ever take again! | F | 61 | 2 years | 6/6/2006 | 5 | osteopenia | No overt side effects. Curious and looking for feedback--just found out that I have coronary artery calcification at age 52. Taken Actonel for over 3 years. Heart calcium score of 158. I have no risk factors, no family history, very active. I'm very interested in hearing form other women about coronary related side effects. | F | 52 | 3 years | 6/2/2006 | 1 | osteroporsis | pain in left ankle...like tendonitis..Then after 9 weeks & 9 pills....hands swelling, throat tightness, pain on both sides of neck (like I slept wrong)...headache....I am not going to take this stuff!! Told the doctor & he is prescribing Boniva...so maybe the dosage is too much or too strong? I am not going to take anything until I feel better. | F | 59 | 9 weeks | 6/1/2006 | 4 | Osteopenia | I have minor aches and pains. The first time I took it the pill wiped me out. Drudged through and took the next one a week later. So far no major problems. A little tired but I take a good vitamin which helps. I got lightheaded after this last pill. Ankles hurt but I am on my feet at work quite a bit and wear steel toe shoes. Have diarrhea the same day I take the pill but then I am fine after that. | I think not every drug is for everyone. So far I am doing good but side effects can happen at any time. I am concerned to see people having major problems. Why should a medicine that is suppose to help make us feel worse? Will see what the next dexa-scan says. Have to wait until next April for that. Will post again if I have any problems. | F | 37 | 6 weeks | 5/31/2006 | 1 | osteopenia | Muscle and joint pain began gradually starting with feet, leg cramps, knee pain with joints locking, hip pain, neck/shoulder pain with rt. shoulder unable to raise, arm weakness and numbness, hands swollen and weak (fingers locked when made fist), throat felt "full",and restless leg syndrome. | I thought these symptoms might be related to auto-immune hepatitis which I had been diagnosed with 3 months earlier. Feel very "slow" that it took me so long to make the connection. I found this sight and stopped taking actonel immediately. I normally have energy to spare, but have felt very old and tired for many months. I have been off the medication for 3 months. The aches are finally gone but still battle fatique and muscle weakness, vision differences (even with new glasses), and "thick" feeling in throat. I keep wondering when I will have my previous energy back and if there will be any permanent damage. I am also frustrated that my Dr. did not mention the possibility of these extreme side effects. I am very grateful to have found this site. | F | 58 | 4 months | 5/31/2006 | 3 | Pleliminary Osteperosis | Initially noticed rask on my face and chest. My doctor told me it looked like a contact rash. It occured the first 2 or 3 weeks and then dissappeared. Now I'm experiencing re-occuring weekly blisters on my gums and cheeks,. Experiencing extensive shoulder and left arm spasms for several weeks.Already diagnosed with TMJ prior to taking this medicine, with often causes neck, shoulder and jaw problems in the past. Had an ecclusal adjustment to help minimize the pain. Had jaw bone surgery in 2002 (prior to Actonal), some bone had to be replaced with syntetic matarials becaude the tooth fractured so badly when it was removed. I now have a permanent partial, but continue to have constant neck and should pain. | Outside of the side affects I fell stronger, healthier, toner. Finally able to add some weight to my 92 pount body, but the cronic mouth sours are the worst systyem. I've also experienced some diareia and blurred vission, | F | 48 | 9 days | 5/30/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia (-1.9) Update | THE PERSON WHO MADE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT HAS THE FACTS MIXED UP. "only took it 2 times -- 35 mg once a week.Same affects as most mentioned here. Have stopped drug BUT the drug has a half- life of 10 + years !" PLEASE REFER TO WWW.PGHARMA.COM. ACTONEL DOES NOT METABOLIZE & CAN STAY IN YOUR BONES FOR UP TO 10 YEARS. IT HAS A HALF-LIFE OF 480 HOURS (20 DAYS). | I took Fosamax for approx. 8 weeks, off for 5 weeks and took Actonel for 6 weeks. I have been off Actonel for approx. 9 weeks and am still experiencing tightness in my neck and pain in my left arm. Started physical therapy approx. 3 1/2 weeks ago to restore mobility in my left arm (left shoulder locked and I was no longer able to reach behind me). Am improving with the hopes of gaining full mobility eventually (my therapist is pleased with my progress so far - at this date we have no idea yet how many more sessions I will need to regain full mobility). The continuing pain (especially during the night) in my arm concerns me. Also, I still have cracking & popping in my neck, jaw & left wrist. When discussed with my GP that I had gone off Actonel she suggested Boniva. I told her I would be crazy to try & take that, or maybe she's crazy if she thought I would try it. We had a laugh over that. Now she is pushing Evista (which also lists muscle/bone pain as a side effect). I will | F | 51 | 6 weeks | 5/30/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia (-1.9) Update | continuation of "additional comments" | not be trying that either. I will continue to update as necessary. I am happy for those who had restored health in a couple of weeks. Mine, however, is taking a little longer, but there is hope, which I wanted to pass along to those who are continuing to suffer as I am. This is not just age related aches & pains (at least for some of us) but a result of taking biphosphonates. Nothing will convince me otherwise. | F | 51 | 6 weeks | 5/30/2006 | 1 | Pagets Disease | After taking this drug for about 4-5 weeks of an 8 week prescription, I found I was having considerable pain in my joints and stiffness in my limbs. I now have been left with pain and stiffness in my knees which I did not have before. | F | 72 | 31 days | 5/28/2006 | 1 | osteoporosis | only took it 2 times -- 35 mg once a week.Same affects as most mentioned here. Have stopped drug BUT the drug has a half- life of 10 + years ! | F | 74 | 2 days | 5/25/2006 | 1 | prevent osteoporosis | I started taking Actonel 35mg once a week tablet on March 12, 2006. Since then, I have experienced knee pain, memory problems, gas, a severe dry eye problem, blurred vision, and just found out that I have the beginning of a cataract in my right eye. The eye doctor thought I was too young to have one unless it was hereditary and it isn't. Last night I got out the Physician's Dest Reference to see what I could find out, I am sure it is from the Actonel after reading it as a side effect, but the nurse at the office where the doctor prescribed the Actonel just laughed at me and said that the cataract would have taken longer for it to form than the amount of time I was on Actonel. Plus she had never heard of that being a side effect, but I am sure it is the Actonel! I refuse to take anymore and am hoping that I see improvement in my eye when I go back next year. | After reading all of the side effects, I would not recommend taking this medication. | F | 54 | 10 weeks | 5/24/2006 | 1 | osteoporosis | 12 hours after a one and only dose I experienced horrible pain in my right hip and front thigh. Now, 7 weeks later, the pain is still not gone. I have seen Drs, taken pain meds, physical therapy, and am scheduled for an EMG next week. I was perfectly fine and very energetic before I took it and now I feel like I'm 80+ years old with no energy and can barely drive and work at my desk due to the severe pain. At the time, I was highly suspicious it was caused by Actonel and now reading other stories I am even more convinced. I would like to find out when this pain will subside as I only took one dose, shouldn't it be out of my system by now???? | F | 54 | 1 days | 5/17/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | Bone pain, sore joints, fatigue, dry nails & hair, strange face color, leg cramps, depression, jaw pain. | Went to family doctor with complaint of severe bone pain and jaundice color the day I take medication. She took blood tests and said all were in normal range. Suggested a rheumotologist. I have appointment for July but plan on discontinuing Actonel before then to see if systoms subside. I feel horible and can't take it anymore. | F | 59 | 8 months | 5/16/2006 |