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 | dexi score low | Severe stomach problems: diarrhea, nausea, bloating, gas, pain, nausea, stomach cramps. Dizziness, headache, ringing in ears, itching and hives, sore throat, stuffy nose, nodule in palm of hand, large blister in mouth, dry eyes, leg cramps, tightness in chest and ribs, tight feeling in sinuses and bones of face, weakness in hands, pains in shoulders and side, weak bladder. | FOUND ON A WEBSITE: "When Merck started its push in 1995, there were 750 bone-measuring devices in the United States. By 1999, there were between 8,000 and 10,000, according to Merck. "The drug companies started to make machines available to doctors' offices and enter into big agreements to reimburse them for scans," said Dr. Andrea LaCroix, senior investigator for the Center for Health Studies at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle. "We were all keenly aware of it. If you were in clinical practice, you could get the machines relatively cheap." Doctors found themselves pressured to provide the density tests." (COULD THIS BE WHY WE ARE ALSO BEING PRESSURED INTO TAKING ACTONEL AND SIMILAR DRUGS? | F | 66 | 5 weeks | 5/15/2006 | 1 | bone desity low | Severe diarrhea, nausea, bloating, gas, & stomach cramps. Leg cramps in calves; Lower back pain; Vertigo; Pain & muscle weakness, esp. in hands; Blurry vision; Itching. Hives. Had swelling on roof of mouth; Facial bones feel "stiff"; Sore throat one day a week; Ears ringing. Hot flashes. Headaches. | Actonel must be arsenic! Took it for 4 wks, then quit, then took again after a month. After having to buy too many other remedies to counteract the side effects, have now stopped for good! Using Progesterone cream, (see Dr. Lee website), and increasing Calcium pills, Vit C & D, and Magnesium. | F | 66 | 6 weeks | 5/12/2006 | 2 | Prevent Bone Loss | Hive-like rash that kept expanding and showing up in new places; pain in right elbow like tennis elbow, shooting pains in right arm, pain in right chest, mild indigestion, fuzzy vision, and very off-balance - running into walls and etc. | Did not connect symptoms with Actonel (thought I had poison ivy that lasted several weeks and a strained elbow) until finding reference to rash as a side effect of actonel. I only took this 4 times (weekly), but don't expect to take it again. I am also very active, exercise daily, eat carefully, and will be finding a non-chemical way to manage my bones! | F | 49 | 4 weeks | 5/8/2006 | 1 | Post - menopausal & hypothyroid | Developed severe wrist and hand pain to the point where I was unable to grasp or lift anything. A handshake was excrutiating. My middle finger on my left hand developed swelling at the knuckle and I've been unable to close my fist for over a year. Also had pain in back, right knee and other joints. I'm exhausted all the time and I feel 20 years older than I am. I get dizzy and I also developed tinnutis that I noticed would appear 1-2 days after I took my weekly dose and would last for at least 4 days before subsiding in time for the next dose. I'm off the medication for 2 weeks thanks to my pharmacist not reaching my doctor for a refill and glad of it. I'm noticing that my wrist pain is feeling better already and hopefully I'll get back to the way I was 2 years ago. Funny thing is, my bone density exam was completely normal, but because I'm post-menopausal and hypothyroid, my PCP thought I should take it to prevent osteoporosis which can occur secondary to both. I'm a nurse an | F | 59 | 2 years | 5/8/2006 | 3 | severe osteoporosis of the spine | After being on actenol for 3 years started experiencing nausea, vomiting, gerd, abdominal pain around my liver and gall bladder, frequent costipation and chronic gastritis. The medicine help me tolerate walking better but then I think I ended up with too much of it in my system. | F | 51 | 3 years | 5/7/2006 | 2 | Osteopenia | I took Actonel for 5 months. My joints ached terribly but I took some Ibuprofen for that. But the last 2 months I developed severe tightness in my chest and I was often out of breath for no reason. My PCP sent me to a cardiologist. The cardiologist did an echocardiogram, heart ultrasound and stress test. All came back negative. He told me to stop the Actonel and bingo! The chest tightness and shortness of breath disappeared within a week! | F | 56 | 5 months | 5/2/2006 | 1 | OSTEOPENA | JUST STARTED - TOOK ONE DOSE SUNDAY MORNING, BY THE TIME IT WAS TIME TO GO TO BED I FELT LIKE I HAD ARTHRITIS ALL THRU MY BODY -DIDN'T THINK TOO MUCH OF IT HAD A BUSY WEEKEND AND THOUGHT I OVERDID IT. TOOK TWO IBUPROPHEN AND IT HELPED. WOKE UP IN MIDDLE OF NITE WITH THE STRANGEST PAIN IN MY CHEST. WAS NOT PRESSURE, IT WAS INTERMITTENT AND FELT LIKE SERVERE GAS MOVING JUST UNDER MY HEART. IT LASTED MAYBE HALF AN HOUR. | MONDAY MORNING I WOKE UP FEELING AS IF I WAS GETTING THE FLU WITH ACHEY BONES BUT NO OTHER SYMPTOMS. FELT DEPLETED BUT MOST ESPECIALLY THE ACHES ALMOST FELT LIKE A CRIPPLE. I AM USED TO BEING HEALTHY AND FEELING PRETTY GOOD OTHER THAN NORMAL AGING PROCESS. THEN ON MY WAY TO WORK THOUGHT THAT IT MAY BE THE ACTONEL. I TAKE A CALCIUM WITH MAGNESIUM AND WILL CONTINUE ON THAT BUT AM NOT GOING TO CONTINUE WITH THE ACTONEL AT THIS POINT. CHECKING THIS SITE OUT HAS MADE UP MY MIND. I AM SOMEONE WHO USUALLY FOLLOW DIRECTIONS WELL, BUT THIS DOES NOT FEEL RIGHT AND DO NOT WANT TO EXPERIENCE THIS AGAIN. | F | 56 | 1 times | 5/1/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | I wish I'd found this site before I took the first weekly pill. As it was I had to go through page after page of pharmaceutical ads before finding it. I took the first pill on Sat morning 4/22. I felt fine that day but woke up feeling terrible on Sunday: muscle pain, joint pain, and fatique that bordered on exhaustion. I never nap but I did for 2 hours on that day, though felt no better upon awakening. The second pill I took on Sunday 4/30 (I forgot it on Saturday). Within 6 hours the same symptoms presented. The exhaustion was significantly worse and I spent most of the day in bed. | To the best of my knowledge I'm a very healthy person, and my tolerance for pain is extremely high. There's no doubt in my mind that the symptoms I experienced were a direct result from the Actonel. Anything that makes me feel that bad can't be good. I'll continue taking calcium, eat more calcium rich foods and step up my exercise program, and I'll take my chances on the bone loss. Thankfully I found this site early. | F | 52 | 2 weeks | 5/1/2006 | 2 | osteoperosis | My joints ache all of them, my legs feel like I have a pinched nerve especially when I sit but I feel it even walking. I have way less energy and my vision is getting blurry. I thought this was age related but when it comes on so fast I really think it is the medication. I haven't had my second density test yet to see if there is any improvement but will in a few months. I used to be so active but now it just hurts and I feel like I'm 80. | F | 52 | 22 days | 4/30/2006 | 1 | prevention of bone loss | Looking back over the past 5 months on Actonel. It started gradually with leg aches. Then aches in my hips, muscles and joints. I did not connect it with the medication until I felt so bad and had a constant dull ache all of the time. And I started limping. Sometimes I did not even want to walk anywhere. I started taking aspirn day and night for the constant dull ache. I kept feeling worse. Suddenly it dawned on me that it must be the Actonel. I went to the doctor and was advised to discontinue it immediately. I have been off of it a month and am gradually feeling better. However, I still have aches in my hips. I know that I was in good health with nothing wrong with me and then ....Actonel I hope it leaves no permanent damage and I continue to recover. | This medication is POISON. Would definately NOT recommend it to anyone and I feel it should be taken off the market!!!!! | F | 72 | 5 months | 4/27/2006 | 1 | Osteoporsis prevention | After 2 years developed severe chest pain and major fatigue. Was given extensive tests for heart problems and passed all. Had MRI for chest problems(cancer or thymis) and nothing found. At that point, partly because of this web site, went off Actonel on the advice of my husband who did extensive research. With 20 day drug half life, recovery progress has been slow but steady. After 4 months I am much better but still not 100%. I can't imagine how many older people are struggling with side effects from Actonel with no clue that this med is slowly poisoning them. | Definitely feel that Actonel was cause of fatigue and chest pain since have been on no other medications and stopping Actonel is only action resulting in positive results. Doctors have no idea how Actonel causes fatigue and chest pain. It would be interesting to know what the root cause of Actonel related symptoms really is. One Dr. said chest pain could be calcium build up in soft tissue. That may only have been a guess. Dr. said the only way to know for sure that Actonel was the culprit would be to go back on the drug and see if fatigue and chest pain return. I declined his kind offer and will never use this class of med again. | F | 69 | 2 years | 4/24/2006 | 1 | Osteopena | I experienced upset stomach and indigestion frequently which I never did before. I had chest pains and muscle pains. | I have just had the dexa scan again after five years and there is not much change, I only took the Actonel for about 6 mths afterwhich I took myself off it as worried about the side effects. I so much feel for all the people suffering from having taken this drug, has this drug been properly licenced??? I am now trying to research natural methods, the problem is not taking the calcium but absorbing it and fixing it into the bones. | F | 56 | 6 months | 4/24/2006 | 1 | Osteoporosis | A few weeks after starting the medication, I noticed an increase in gastrointestinal upset, bloating, eventual constipation (and I used to be like clockwork). I also noticed pain along my breastbone, especially when taking a deep breath. I tried taking just the Actonel and not the daily dose of Calcium Carbonate, but that didn't make any difference. Osteoporosis does run in the family, and I have a petite frame as well (5' 0".) | I'm stopping the medication, and instead will focus on nutrition and exercise, as well as adding a Calcium Citrate supplement to my regimen. | F | 43 | 5 months | 4/21/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | Eye migranes (shimmering light that floats across the eye - 1 to 3X a week), bloating, constipation. | I am sorry I let the "bone doctor" talk me into taking this medication and sorry that I didn't research it more first. I take no other medication than Actonel and will quit taking this. I will continue exercising (walking and weight workouts), taking 1,200 mg. calcium a day and eating healthy foods. Pharmaceutical companies are out to MAKE MONEY AND DO NOT CARE ABOUT THOSE WHO TAKE THEIR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS!!!!!! | F | 54 | 3 days | 4/20/2006 | 3 | osteopenia(sp?) | The only problem I'm having is what I think is very bad indigestion when I eat something w/o a beverage. I follow the direction and take the once a week pill. I stumbled upon this site looking for info on side effects because this mess can be irritating ; glad I did because I know there is a connect between ACTONEL and upper GI issues. I will check back from time to time. | Growing old is not for the faint of heart. At least that's what my 80 y/o Mom said... | F | 55 | 1 years | 4/19/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | Severe bloating, gas, stomach cramps. Extreme vertigo. Heartburn even though I took the medicine as prescribed. | F | 51 | 1 years | 4/14/2006 | 1 | osteoperosis/osteopenia | Started taking Actenol (35 mg.) in November as prescribed by doctor. One month later experienced severe pain in left arm. Couldn't hold it in any position that was comfortable. Doctor diagnosed it as tendinitis and Motrin seemed to clear it up. Three weeks later experienced severe pains in left foot and muscle cramps that eventually moved into left knee also. Couldn't sleep without pain, couldn't stand for more than 15 minutes without pain, couln't even sit long enough for a dental procedure. Walk with a limp. After many doctor appointments, x-rays, test to check veins, and physical therapy, I decided to stop taking the Actenol in mid-March. After 4 weeks, I still have pain and am on pain meds but have noticed I am starting to be able to do things I haven't been able to do for 4 months such as sitting with my legs crossed and standing for more than 15 minutes without pain. | The pain and cramps have been terrible and have greatly altered the quality of my life. | F | 59 | 3 months | 4/14/2006 | 1 | osteopenia | I have experienced severe joint pain and tingling in my hands and feet. Also, I have hip pain at night that affects my sleep. | I would like to know if anyone has recovered from these symptoms and if so, how? Also, is there in litigation pending concerning this drug? | F | 55 | 4 weeks | 4/12/2006 | 1 | osteopenia | Extreme cramping in feet, daily upper abdominal pain,increased aches and pains in general, tiredness, unexplained weight gain, look and feel much older | I am so thankful for this site. I didn't know this awful drug could cause so many problems. My quality of life has plummeted since I began taking Actonel. I will continue to take Evista, Calcium, and to eat better and to add more weight-bearing exercise to my daily routine. | F | 59 | 18 months | 4/12/2006 | 1 | osteopenia | I have only taken one dose of 35mg. and I feel terrible! I have joint pain, muscle pain, and feel very fatigued. I am also having difficulty getting to sleep. It's almost like I have aged 20 years! It's been 2 weeks since I took the pill and I don't feel any better. | I discontinued the medication and informed my doctor. I will take calcium and vitamin D and exercise. No more bone medication for me of any kind. | F | 56 | 1 days | 4/5/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia (-1.9 Tscore) | I MADE A COUPLE OF TYPOS - WANTED TO CORRECT MY ENTRY. On Fosamax (35 m./once a week) for approx 6 wks (10/05). Stopped (12/05) due to severe pain in my legs. Tried again in 01/06, same thing, only worse. Went to doctor, had several blood tests done (all normal except for LIVER function). Dr said to go off Fosamax for 30 days and then try Actonel (Dr never heard of the pain-related side affects - great since she is recommending this without full knowledge of all side affects). Started Actonel (35 m./once a week) late 2/06, had blood test redone - LIVER function okay now (Dr said it must have been adverse reaction to Fosamax). On Actonel for two weeks, started experiencing neck pain (thought it was due to work-related stress). After six weeks total, more problems! No longer taking (stopped 10 days ago). | Once my stress-related project at work was finished, the neck pain has gotten better, however, it does flair up with minimal stress. I lost a parent back in 12/2004, dealing with that & several other death-related things (very stressfull), work stress nothing like what I was dealing with in '04 due to loss of parent - and never once had any problems with my neck during that time. Ignored the pain thru 3/06 until it migrated to my left shoulder. My shoulder has locked up, can no longer reach behind me (difficulty dressing & other normal daily functions, severe pain in my left arm). HANDS ARE STIFF & PAINFUL, FIGURES SWOLLEN SO I CAN NO LONGER WEAR RINGS. ALSO WATER RETENTION. NEVER HAD ANY OF THESE SYMPTONS UNTIL STARTED TAKING FOSAMAX/ACTONEL. The night before I was to take my 7th-week pill, had shooting pains down my left arm (felt like it was on fire). Also, noticed lots of popping/cracking sounds in my jaw, shoulder, elbow, hip. Will never take bisphosphonates again. | F | 51 | 12 weeks | 4/5/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia (-1.9 Tscore) | On Fosamax (35 m./once a week) for approx 6 wks (10/05). Stopped (12/05) due to severe pain in my legs. Tried again in 01/06, same thing, only worse. Went to doctor, had several blood tests done (all normal except for kidney function). Dr said to go off Fosamax for 30 days and then try Actonel (Dr never heard of the pain-related side affects - great since she is recommending this without full knowledge of all side affects). Started Actonel (35 m./once a week) late 2/06, had blood test redone - kidney function okay now (Dr said it must have been adverse reaction to Fosamax). On Actonel for two weeks, started experiencing neck pain (thought it was due to work-related stress). After six weeks total, more problems! No longer taking (stopped 10 days ago). | Once my stress-related project at work was finished, the neck pain has gotten better, however, it does flair up with minimal stress. I lost a parent back in 12/05, dealing with that & several other death-related things (very stressfull), work stress nothing like what I was dealing with due to loss of parent - and never once had any problems with my neck during that time. Ignored the pain thru 3/06 until it migrated to my left shoulder. My shoulder has locked up, can no longer reach behind me (difficulty dressing & other normal daily functions, severe pain in my left arm). The night before I was to take my 7-week pill, had shooting pains down my left arm (felt like it was on fire). Also, noticed lots of popping/cracking sounds in my jaw, shoulder, elbow, hip. Will never take a bisphosphonates again. | F | 51 | 12 weeks | 4/4/2006 | 3 | osteoporosis | swelling and tingling in calfs and feet after taking actonal seems to be getting worse the longer I take actonal. Syptoms started after taking medicine for 2 years | Will stop medicine after reading others side affects. Just connected the dots after reading others comments | F | 55 | 2 years | 4/3/2006 | 2 | Bone mass loss | 35mg - wiped me out > severe dizziness, luck of energy, heart palpitations, chest pain, dry mouth; I got scared I am going to die! Switched to 5mg and used this one since > side effects not so severe, but still present: luck of energy, problem sleeping, cloudy thinking; joint, hip, ankle pain; sinus problems, heaviness in the chest. | Will get rid of it and try natural solutions. Just wondering if this drug could cause leukemia in my friend. It is scary to be fragile in the older age, but this is not working. | F | 49 | 8 months | 4/2/2006 | 2 | 8 months | 35mg - wiped me out > severe dizziness, luck of energy, heart palpitations, chest pain, dry mouth; I got scared I am going to die! Switched to 5mg and used this one since > side effects not so severe, but still present: luck of energy, problem sleeping, cloudy thinking; joint, hip, ankle pain; sinus problems, heaviness in the chest. | Will get rid of it and try natural solutions. Just wondering if this drug could cause leukemia in my friend. It is scary to be fragile in the older age, but this is not working. | F | 49 | 8 months | 4/2/2006 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Severe reflux that came on rapidly. Still suffering from it three months after ceasing the medication. | F | 61 | 9 months | 3/29/2006 | 2 | osteoporosis | Heart palpitations would wake me in the middle of the night and couldn't get back to sleep. | Spoke to doctor about heart problem and was on Holtor monitor for 24 hrs. Irregularity was associated with something else. After reading article re: "Is your medicine making you sick" stopped taking actonel, no more nightly palpitations. | F | 62 | 4 months | 3/26/2006 | 5 | Osteoporsis | None but follow directions re laying down/eating | Taken for 1 yr. have not had bone test since. Runs in family so am glad there's a medicine to help me | F | 70 | 1 years | 3/23/2006 | 2 | osteopenia | Each time I took it, everything ached for the day and then cleared up. As months passed, everything hurt, I felt tired and hadn't the energy to do anything other than lie on the couch. After almost a year and a half of my feeling worse each subsequent week, I realized that I was being poisoned by something. My sister suggested that Actonel might be the culprit. I thought so, too, so I quit taking it: cold turkey. | After I quit taking it, I DIDN'T feel worse the following week or the week after that. Gradually, I've regained strength and energy. I'll take my chances on a broken bone--I exercise a lot. | F | 63 | 17 months | 3/23/2006 | 1 | Osteoporosis | One side of head pain the night of taking the weekly dose. Also I experienced chest pain and pain through my shoulder blades. I am 73 years old and have been taking Actonel for 6 years. I didn't have any of the above symptoms until a few months ago.I wouldn't recommend the drug at all due to the bad effects from long term use. It is a very potent and scary drug to take. | F | 73 | 6 years | 3/12/2006 | 1 | osteoperosis | Thought I was having a heart attack, esp as both my mother and brother suffer from conjestive heart failure. Thought it could be stress as my mother just died and I was taking care of her affairs. Couldn't breathe. My chest muscles ached the next few days. | Good thing I found this site. I am not into taking drugs as a cure all and it took me a couple of days after reading the warnings on the label to add it all together as this was not something I had experienced before. Take Evista and Caltrate as well. If one is in one's fifties and having these side effects I would not recommend. | F | 54 | 1 months | 3/10/2006 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Discomfort due to bloating & reflux. Lethargy. Dry skin. Dry mouth | After taking actonel for 2 years I gave up taking it for 2 years. 3 months ago my doctor persuaded me to take it again. Bloating, fatigue, unpleasant taste in my mouth, reflux have made me decide to cease again. | F | 81 | | 3/10/2006 | 1 | osteoporosis, loss of bone mass | Took first pill on Saturday morning. By that evening had severe headache and neck pain at the base of my skull, running from ear to ear. By Sunday morning I could hardly move my neck. Sunday night I could not sleep because of pressure of the pillow on my neck. Monday morning (today) have severe pain in the neck and back of my head if I move my neck in any direction. I can't turn my head to look for traffic when I drive. I am very healthy. I walk , jog, garden, clean house, and work fulltime in an office at the age of 67. I am never sick, blood pressure is great. I only went to the doctor for a routine annual check up. She insisted on the bone density test and now insists on the medication to reverse bone loss. So, I went in feeling great, and now the medicine is making me sick. To the lady who says at 56 she is continuing her HRT, I would like to beg her to consider getting off estrogen -- it is very dangerous and now known to accelerate if not actually cause breast cancer. Nu | I have taken my first and last dose of Actonel. | F | 67 | 1 days | 3/6/2006 | 1 | osto | severe chest pain, arm pain, bloating, racing heart, hard beating of the heart and acid reflux.This drug is bad, bad, bad news. I'm just going to exercise, take calcium and pray for the best. | I wonder....with the chest pain, what exactly did this stuff do to me? How long has this drug been tested and what was the follow up of those that could not continue to take it? I really would like to know more...especially, if any damage was done permanently. | F | 52 | 2 months | 3/5/2006 | 1 | osteoperosis/compression fractue | Neck pain, shoulder pain with upper arms and extreme muscle pain and stiffness.Tired all the time, am so thankful for this web site and the other comments--I took my last pill Sun. of this week so it's too soon to tell--I was blaming all of this on lifting our grandaughter and another little one that I watch. Then I started thinking I've been on Actonel since Nov. and felt like I have the flu and achy all over most of the time. I am 61 and very active and this is really getting me down. I am so very appreciative of all of those who responded to this web site--I feel better just knowing that this drug is probably the cause of me feeling so lousy. It scares me to think what it's doing to people, I'd rather have the pain from the fracture than feel like this--thank you. Has anyone definitely felt better since getting off of this drug Actonel--please email me, how long does it take to feel better after you stop the lx a week dose? Also my arms or sore and I really have trouble sleeping, | F | 61 | 4 months | 3/1/2006 | 2 | severe osteopenia | nausea, burning, extreme tireness, weird vision stuff....will this improve??? | took first dose today (2/25/06) Experienced nausea right after taking then developed GI burning sensation which lasted all day long. The biggest problem is extreme tiredness. Slept for 3 hours in this afternoon. Couldn't keep my eyes open or wake up. This was not a nap! Waking intermittently but could not make myself get up...when I got up, I knew something was amiss ..that's when I looked up this site...it's 8:00pm and I'm so tired again...I am in graduate studies...this will not work. | F | 48 | 1 times | 2/25/2006 | 2 | to prevent bone loss | Gastric reflux and chest pains developed about two days after taking actonel. | I know that this is helping some people. My history of reactions to drugs is that I often develop allergies. | F | 71 | 2 years | 2/22/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | I had some pain in my teeth, but no other major symptoms. However, after reading several articles from reputable websites about the potential for osteonecrosis of the jaw, I discontinued taking it; and will try calcium, Vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise, along with a very low dose HRT. I am concerned that the long-term effects of this drug are not known. If we start taking this in our 50's; and take it for 30 years, what will this do to our bones? No one knows. | Several articles I have read indicate that 50 percent of the female population over age 50 has "osteopenia." It is a relatively new diagnosis (only around for 20 years or so). Prior to that, there was no such thing. I believe that the drug companies are making 50 percent of the population believe they have a "disease", so they (or their doctors) panic and buy these drugs. It's great for their profits if half the post-menopausal women in the world buy their drug. I'm concerned about potential jaw problems; and also about whether the drug could ultimately make one's bones more brittle and harder to heal if there is a break. | M | 54 | 1 years | 2/22/2006 | 1 | OSTEOPENIA | Extreme shoulder pain, to the point it hurts to breath. Gas, bloating, tired, don't sleep well at all, could be related to the shoulder | I would not recommend, worried about long term effects. I am also worried about the Osteopenia getting worse. I was uncertain if the way I was feeling was just me or the actonel until I read feedback from others. | F | 50 | 3 months | 2/20/2006 | 2 | Osteoperosis | I have been experiencing irregular heartbeat since I started taking Actonel. I'm a runner (usually low mileage twice a week) and had previously been taking a low dose of Toprol (50Mg per day)to control an irregualar heartbeat. Since taking Actonel for osteoperosie, I've had to increase Toprol to at least 100 per day . . . and even that doesn't always work. I'm considering discontinuing the Actonel. | I know there is at least one other individual who experienced this same side effect. Are there others who have experienced irregular heartbeat when taking Actonel? | M | 70 | 3 months | 2/16/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | Severe bone and muscle pain 3 days after the first once-a-week dose. Felt so horrible I went to bed and missed 2 days of work. After 3 months got up the courage to try fosomax (per my doc)--4 days post, my sternum burns and my stomache aches. | My doc said to try these drugs and see "if I could stand the side effects" so at least he didn't think I was nuts when I told him about them... | F | 52 | 1 days | 2/15/2006 | 3 | osteoporis | cloudy urine | would like to know if cloudy urine is a side effect of taking actonel, and if so, is there a problem? | M | 64 | 1 days | 2/10/2006 | 2 | osteroporosis | Follow up to previous posting. I went off Actonel beacuse of the awful side effects and increased calcium to 1500 mg. That was a year ago and my bone density has increased and I no longer have osteroporosis. | Note to Nancy who emailed me. I emailed you back but it said your blocker was on. | M | 52 | 2 months | 2/8/2006 | 1 | Mild osteopenia | I believe that, after one year on Actonel, I have had some growth of the bone above my gum lines. I didn't notice it until I saw a video of myself; and wondered how, suddenly, at age 53, I had gotten an overbite! So I felt my gums, and found this new bone growth! My dentist didn't think anything of it; but I decided to go off the Actonel; as it made sense to me that any new bone growth could be caused by a drug that promotes bone density. Also, I had been doing a lot of reading about osteonecrosis of the jaw; and it seemed pretty compelling. I was most affected by an article written by an oral surgeon at Long Island Jewish Hospital (Dr. Ruggieri, I think), who encountered 63 recent cases of ONJ (osteonecrosis of the jaw); and learned that every single case involved people who were taking a drug from this family of drugs (the biophosphonates). About 10 percent of those people were taking either fosamax or actonel for osteoporosis. The effects of this condition are devastating. P | I want to make sure this side effect gets reported to the medical and dental experts. I doubt I could spontaneously grow new bone at my age without some drug being the cause. The only other drug I take is Prempro .3. I plan to see if the prempro and calcium supplements can keep my bone density in tact, without the Actonel. I am also concerned about whether the Actonel and Fosamax will eventually make the bones brittle and difficult to heal. I also have a little blurring of my vision. Please write and tell me about all dental-related problems you have had on this drug. If I get enough responses, I will contact the American Dental Association (either by myself or through my dentist). Maybe a class action is in order. | F | 53 | 1 years | 2/8/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia/Taking Femara | Joint pain, pain in feet, swollen fingers, sleep interruption,mood swings | Was prescribed this due to osteopenia secondary to breast cancer. So thankful to find this site. Will stop taking med and pass this on to the Oncologist. I feel arthritic and now have stabbing pain in bottom of feet. I have taken my last pill!! | F | 50 | 2 days | 1/26/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia/Taking Femara | Joint pain, pain in feet, swollen fingers, sleep interruption,mood swings | Was prescribed this due to osteopenia secondary to breast cancer. So thankful to find this site. Will stop taking med and pass this on to the Oncologist. I feel arthritic and now have stabbing pain in bottom of feet. I have taken my last pill!! Read on and pass it on to physicians. | F | 50 | 2 months | 1/26/2006 | 1 | osteoporosis | bloating, chills, sweats, pain in lower back, ribs, stomach pains, gas, cramps heartburn, heavy feeling on my chest. | This is a dangerous drug. I only took one dose and was shocked to discover how I felt. It took one day for the symptoms to appear. At first I thought I was sick. It took me a few hours to put it together. It is only four days later now and I am hoping the symptoms will subside soon. There should be more warnings about the long term side effects of this drug. | F | 53 | 1 days | 1/20/2006 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Extreme esophageal spasms, left hip pain, inability to bend toes, swollen feet, heal pain, knee pain, thumb joint popping and extreme shooting pains in my forearms, wrists and hands. I've been off one month. Feet are getting better but the hip is not. | Is this drug company providing the scanning machine in the physician office? Is there a class action suit? | F | 54 | 1 years | 1/7/2006 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Lower back pain bottom spine area which I had not experienced before Actonel. Began mild but became more intense over the 7 months I have taken Actonel. | Each individual may have different tolerance to Actonel but I would advise higher calcium intake, sunshine and weight bearing exercise as a safer alternative. Have decided to stop taking once-a-week 35 mg capsule and will inform if problem disappears in a future posting. | M | 64 | 7 months | 1/6/2006 | 1 | ostopenia | back ache, leg cramps all night, symptoms of herniated disc, muscle pain, indigestion so bad I thought heart attack, and worst of all mind confusion like depression. Never had anything like it before. | I told my Dr. about the symptoms and she was completely unaware of any of the side effects except the indigestion and started ordering bone x rays, MRI. Insurances should really get in on investigating this. | M | 68 | 6 months | 1/4/2006 | 2 | Osteoporosis, osteopenia | Lightheadedness, nausea, flu symptoms without fever, lack of energy. | My mother fractured her leg and I have osteoporosis in my spine. I think this drug is unsafe but I can't find enough information to support my claim. | F | 55 | 1 years | 1/3/2006 | 1 | osteopena | Severe joint pain, sore muscles and tendons. Extreme fatigue. | Have been off the drug for 6 weeks with only mild improvement in symptoms. Very concerned that I will never be the same. I cannot get in and out of bathtub, cannot get down on the floor, cannot get up from chair without using arms to assist - all happened after Actonel - mostly starting in the 5th month. | F | 60 | 6 months | 1/2/2006 | 1 | Osteporosis | Severe bloating, sharp pains in abdomen, palpitations, heaviness across chest (like heart attack), weight gain, muscle/joint/neck/back pain, feeling of weakness like bones will snap, chills, fatigue, depression, feeling "flu-ish" all the time, blood pressure up, tinnitus worsened, insomnia worsened, anxiety, foot/ankle/knee/hip pain (got a Sleep Number bed and that really helped with the hip and back pain - I give that decision a "5") | Since going on Actonel in 7/04, I now take prescription medication for blood pressure, depression, bladder and insomnia. Will discontinue Actonel but will stay on HRT and take 3 doses/day of 600 mg calcium with "D" and other supplements to support bones, eat better and EXERCISE. | F | 56 | 19 months | 1/2/2006 | 1 | osteoperosis | Side effects so extensive that it was mind boggling. Nothing was left unscorched. Flu, fatigue,inertia,confusion,joint paint, bone pain. heartburn, gas,insomnia, sore throat,dry eyes, nodules, allergy to alcohol- face red and itchy,sole of left foot so painful couldn't walk.,weakenss, inability to exercise. The effects were that of being slowly poisoned -a nightmare. Started to improve as soon as pills went into garbage. It's been 2 weeks and am feeling much better. But not entirely. Don't let anyone tell you -it's not the drug-it's old age. Poison. | On and off for five years. | F | 72 | 5 years | 12/31/2005 | 1 | Osteopenia | In June 2005, after having a bone density scan my doctor told me I needed to take Actonel. Since taking this drug I have had pain all over my body and most days the pain is so bad in my right knee I can barely walk. I had a horrible metal taste in my mouth for about 3 weeks and feel very tired most of the time. I have had headaches too since taking Actonel, and that is something I hardly ever have had my whole life!! I have always been very healthy, so these problems have really concerned me. I think the Actonel is the cause of these problems, and I stopped taking it last week. I will just take more calcium with vitamin D and eat more yogurt and hope that will help me. NO more prescription drugs for me!! I think we are all being used as guinea pigs for the drug industry, and the doctors are under pressure from the pharmaceutical companies to prescribe these drugs! | Do NOT take this drug!! It does BAD things to your body!! | F | 60 | 6 months | 12/22/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis | Terrible stabbing localized head pain lasting 6 weeks until I stopped the drug. | I had extensive testing CT scans, MRI scans, ENT evaluations and no one could find a cause for my stabbing pains in my head. Finally, I stopped taking the Actonel and within 3 days the pain lessened and after a week is completely gone. This drug should not be on the market. I just hope I don't have permanent nerve damage in the head. | F | 70 | 18 months | 12/19/2005 | 1 | Osteoporosis | muscle weakness, muscle cramping, pain in hip, pain neck/shoulders | Since these are similar to symptoms of others taking this drug, I have to give it credit and will discontinue & see dr for alternative treatment. Thanks everyone for sharing. | F | 54 | 8 months | 12/18/2005 | 2 | osteoperosis | I am feeling bloated and have an exacerbation of heartburn. My joints ache, including my jaw. My ankles are swollen. I have been on Actonel for over a year but have not had a bone density test since I began. I believe I'm due for one soon but realize I won't know how to judge if any change is the result of Actonel. | I'm beginning to believe the risks of this medication outweigh the benefits. I am planning to rely on adequate magnesium, calcium, Vit D and plenty of excercise. I take no other medications and will be happy to be free of this one. I'm planning to notify my doctor and am curious how he'll react ... or how I'll react if he objects! | F | 68 | 1 years | 12/13/2005 | 2 | Osteoporosis | Side effects have been relatively minor - joint and muscle pain, especially low back pain, however, I have become very concerned about heart palpitations. I believe the Actonel is causing my heart to beat irregularly and race. This happens usually the day after I take my weekly dose of Actonel. | Has anyone else had a problem with heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat? | F | 42 | 5 months | 12/12/2005 | 5 | osteoporosis | None | Probally too early to comment on effectiveness until annual assessment | M | 63 | 6 days | 12/8/2005 |