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 | Within 12 hours of taking the first once-weekly, 35 mg dose, I experienced extreme fatigue, aching all over, chills and shivering, and severe pain and swelling in the joints of both thumbs, to the point where I was unable to use my hands for several days thereafter. My doctor did not believe there was anything in Actonel which should have caused such a reaction. He did blood tests for such things as acute rheumatoid arthritis and gout, but the results came back negative, causing him to consider my symptoms a "mystery". It has been over a week now, and my right thumb is still painful and not yet back to its normal size. I do not intend to take another dose of this drug. | I have the feeling that nowadays drugs are being rushed onto the market before they have been proven totally safe and effective; and we, the consumers, end up acting as test cases. | F | 58 | 1 days | 12/7/2005 | 3 | Borderline Osteoporis | Stomach cramping | Actonel -- seems -- to stop bone loss but not to add back density. I say seems because I also take calcium and exercise daily, so who is to say what does what. | F | 62 | 12 months | 12/3/2005 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Admitted to Albany Medical Center,11/22/05 for bleeding ulcers, needed two blood transfusions. Always took meds as directed, I am RN/NP | Had mild epigastric discomfort starting one year after start of drug, never felt serious enough to suspect bleeding, did not even take antacids. | F | 64 | 3 years | 11/30/2005 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Severe Headache and neck pain, muscle tension on the face and neck, and muscle spasm, extremely tired even after long hours of sleep, tooth ache, and poor vision for up to the day (two month already) after taking two month pills weekly. | I will never take it again and would like to join in a group to educate doctors and get their attention. | F | 50 | 8 weeks | 11/29/2005 | 2 | Osteoporosis | Didn't experience gastro problems but by evening of the day taken, I feel like there's a weight on my chest and feel short of breath. My shoulders, hips, back, and chest ache like the flu and am not up to doing much of anything. Next day, symptoms persist all day, then rest of the week begin to subside until next dose due. Then the process repeats. | Don't think this drug is the right answer as I am too busy to feel this awful. Will look into other options. | F | 57 | 3 weeks | 11/22/2005 | 3 | osteoporosis | acid reflux, fatique | have taken this for 2 years. last bone scan showed vast improvement; however I have exercised more AND taken calcium supplements with Ostrivone. Doctor may take me off actonel(or I will stop it). PLEASE-check out the Ostrivone-I will explain it to my doctor. | F | 63 | 2 days | 11/19/2005 | 1 | osteopenia | I got terrible bone pain in my tailbone, and my chest felt like I had been hit with a 2x4, and I had a fever. Then a couple of days later the bottom of my feet hurt and I could hardly open my jaw. The second week was better, just felt like I had the flu. The first week after taking the one week dose I didnt get much sleep. | I learned my lesson, never start a new Rx with a strong whole week dose. Doctors should only prescribe a daily dose until the patient knows it can be tolerated. | F | 53 | 7 days | 11/18/2005 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Experiencing significant joint pain, specifically the left hip. | I have severe pain in my left hip after taking only one dose, which was two weeks prior. It hurts so much I can hardly sleep on my left side, and walking is painful. I'm only 49, and I'm concerned about my bone loss, but I can't live with Actonel. I am still waiting for the pain to go away, I hope it does! | F | 49 | 1 days | 11/16/2005 | 1 | osteopenia | Numbness and tingling in hands and feet, tinnitus, vertigo(onset severe and totally unexpected), most serious was an increase in blood pressure, also am having hot flashes and bouts of perspiring, not feeling myself, irritable, exhausted. These symptoms occcured after one dose of once weekly Actonel. Why is it so hard to find out about these side effects. I just recently went through blood tests, bp monitor for 24 hours, and brain ct with contrast. I was decreased on bp meds slightly because my blood pressure was too low. I have been feeling great. I took my first dose of Actenol 35mg. and within 48 hours of dose numbness and tingling, hot flashes and perspiration began. Fourth day after dose, I experienced vertigo and exhaustion. Irritabilty and the sense of not feeling wellremain with me as well as the feeling of being off balance(not as severe as vertigo on fourth day). I at first didn't suspect that Actenol could be the culprit until it dawned on me that Taking the Acten | The manufacturer of this drug should pull it from the market to resume testing and refining of this drug. My mother suffered from crumbling of her left forearm and hip from osteoporosis. We need an effective but safe drug to take for this disease. I'm crushed after my own experience with Actonel. This drug may be good for some to take, but far too many have suffered far too much to be ignored. This manufacturer is taking the stance that if they don't know there is a problem, it's not their responsibility. They don't ask for patient commments on their website or give a number where you can talk to a real person about concerns a patient has with this drug. They're lack of accountability says a lot about their responsible or should I say lack of responsibility to the people buying and using their product. Heaven help us because the FDA sure isn't. | F | 60 | 1 days | 11/14/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis | I took actonel for two years, always following directions to remain upright and not take any food or drink for 30 to 60 minutes following the medication. After two years I developed GI symptoms including difficulty swallowing, chest pain, heartburn, nausea etc. The problem is severe. I have now discontinued the actonel and am on Zantac for all of the GI symptoms. They are not getting better. I am nauseated all the time and am not able to eat much. I would not recommend this medication to anyone because of this experience. | F | 58 | 2 years | 11/11/2005 | 2 | Osteopenia | Mild low back pain. Hives that come on during the night, usually just one, which has increased in number of occasions. Hives come on in eyelid, lip, cheek, tongue, and throat. They have also appeared in the inner wrist, base of thumb, and inner elbow. Weight gain? I thought this was due to my age! | I'm ashamed it took me this long to read that bit in the pamphlet about rare, but serious side effects! I've suffered for quite awhile with hives. My last pill taken was on Oct 24th, 2005. And no, my bone density remains at the same level as when I was first diagnosed. | F | 41 | 5 years | 11/5/2005 | 3 | for Osteopenia | None so far | F | 58 | 2 times | 11/1/2005 | 1 | osteo pinea | I was able to tolerate the medicine without the most common side effects. However, I was diagnosed with melanoma and then the nightmare of more dark moles popping up and being removed and diagnosed as very bad moles. Hence I am watched closely by the dermatologist. I recently found out this is an uncommon side effect of actonel and I have discontinued taking it immediately. | F | 52 | 1 weeks | 11/1/2005 | 1 | Osteoporosis | The skin on the palms of my hands got thick and dry for the two years I was on it. I went off for 4 months and my hands were much better. Then I took one Boniva and my hands got bad again in two days. I also feel like I have a lump in my throat and it doesn't ever go away. Nexium doesn't help and after reading all of these comments I am beginning to think it is from the actonel also. I also have had heaviness in my chesk and achy feet and ankles. After two years on actonel my bone density test is worse. I think I am just going to stick to the calcium and D for awhile. | F | 58 | 2 years | 10/31/2005 | 2 | Stomach discomfort and cramping, and severe night leg cramps for 2-4 days after taking pill. Acid reflux was milder than with Fosamax, but lasted for 2-4 days rather than just 1 day with Fosamax. | I tried Actonel instead of Fosamax because of GERD, but after the leg cramps I decided to switch back to Fosamax. If I didn't have to take steroids for asthma and allergies, I would control the oseoporosis with the estrogen-patch (Vivelle dot), calcium supplements, and regular weight lifting. The steroids caused me to lose more density in my spine when I stopped the Fosamax. Without the steroids I was able to add bone density in both the pelvis and spine, but on the steroids I lost 11% in spine in 1 year! | F | 46 | 5 months | 10/29/2005 | 1 | Osteopenia / Osteoporosis | Heartburn,nearly every day graduated to acid reflux to GERD. Now I think I have a hiatal hernia with i-n-t-e-n-s-e pain! I take 40 mgs prilosec (prescription) everyday sometimes take 80 mgs. | I was 40 when I was diagnosed with osteopenia in my hips. I was tested POSTmenopausal a few months prior to Bone Density Test. I was prescribed Actonel 5 mgs daily. I too, took it faithfully. Heck I even set my timer for 30 minutes before I had a cup of coffee. Actonel is some wicked, wicked stuff! I am hoping for a class action suit myself. GERD does not get better, it just goes on to the next cycle, Barrets diesease, then next is cancer. I have learned alot abt. Osteoporosis & calcium that I would like to share. We need 1500 mgs of calcium a day + Vitamin D. Don't take them all at once (Like I did the first year). It takes approx. 2 hrs for the calcium to toll thru your body. No caffine during this time, otherwise you will void the calcium. (I didn't know that). You need estrogen. Yes you DO! Unless you have your ovaries & they (or it) is less than 3 yrs old, you don't need it. Otherwise, get on it. Bones need it! Bones also need the support from your muscles. This means | F | 40 | 1 years | 10/23/2005 | 1 | Osteoperosis | with in the first 24 hours, sciatic nerve hurt badly, then moved into my lower legs and into my rib cage until I felt like I was hit by a bus. Took only one pill and its now 8 days later. DO NOT feel any better at all. Seems to effect me more at night. In the day time, don't feel it much. Nights are horrible!!! | Do not continue this drug as it CAN'T be good with the side effects so many people complain about including myself. I wished I never tried one but it taught me a very hard lesson and the only way I am going to treat a condition is ONLY if I am diagnosed as terminal. I am going to try good eating, lots of calcium, sunshine, and exercise. I am only 41 years of age and was diagnosed with Osteoperosis because I was on... You guessed it (another prescribed drug) The depo provera shot. This birth control strips away your calcium which I was NEVER told about. Osteoperosis does not run in my family AT all. There is a hugh lawsuit out on the depo so if anyone see's this and believes they got osteoperosis from the depo find an attorney immediately as you CAN get compensated. I now have to get my mammogram checked because found out that was not good. another side effect of the depo (breast cancer) my fingers are crossed. No more drugs!!! good food and exercise is the best to treat any condition. | F | 41 | 1 days | 10/20/2005 | 1 | osteopenia | painful throat, legs felt waterlogged from knees down, feet hurt,leg cramps especially at night(they rated a 9), felt lethargic every morning for an hour or more. | Stopped taking it 5 weeks ago. All symptoms vanished. Feel great! | F | 76 | 2 days | 10/16/2005 | 2 | family history of bone loss | severe back pain - mostly in the flank area | I have Barrett's esophagus and am fearful of the effects of the drug on my esophagus | F | 69 | 2 days | 10/15/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis (T = -2.5) | The day after my second 35 mg dosage, I developed excessive thirst, excessive urination, and a horrible metallic (salt-like) taste in my mouth . I stopped taking the drug, but these symptoms remain present 24 hours a day, even though it has been 2 weeks since I last took it. It is especially difficult at night, where I get up 9 or 10 times a night to urinate and drink water. In addition, I had bone pair in the hip area during the first week after stopping the drug. By the way, they checked my sugar level and it was normal. | I previously tried the once a month Boniva, and I developed serious flu-like symptoms, complete with high fever, aches and pains, rash, and loss of appetite. Fortunately, I was back to normal after 7 days. | M | 48 | 2 times | 10/15/2005 | 1 | bone loss | At first nothing. Took for almost a year then tons of side effects. Leg cramps, bottom of my feet and hands hurt all the time. Unexplained weight gain. Depressed. | Stopped taking it about 3 months ago. My hands are back to normal, weight coming off a little at a time. Same eating patterns. My legs still hurt very badly at night and in morning. After I get going they are all right. I pray that my legs start impoving and this isn't it for life. I run a ranch so I am an active person. I started to work out with a weight machine for my calves and legs. Sometimes in the morning I feel like I am 90 years old. None of this before actonel. Worst medication on the market, well, at least for me. | F | 54 | 1 years | 10/6/2005 | 1 | Peri-Osteoporosis | I've been taking Actonel for the past 18 months. I had some muscle pain in my feet but attributed it getting older. Other 'tiredness' symptoms. The past 8 months the symptoms have been escalating to the point where severe gastro-intestinal distress is disabling. Forget it, I don't care what the doctor says, I'm not taking this drug any more - it's making me sick. | My doctor asked me first if I was covered by medical insurance. The drug is very expensive and with side effects like this - I'm leaving it on the shelf. | F | 49 | 18 months | 10/4/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis | Severe muscle and joint pain in back, shoulders, arms and hands. I had severe diarrhea, chills, no energy...thought I had food poisoning after first pill. Waited 3 weeks to recover, took 2nd pill and relapsed into excruciating pain and no energy, etc. I won't take another pill, hope I will recover from pain--it is still bad. | reader comments a lot different from what is in printed matter! | F | 76 | 2 weeks | 10/2/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis/hips osteopenia/spine | I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in my hips/osteopenia/spine two years ago and was prescribed Actonel. One year later I was experiencing blurred vision and was diagnosed with posterior subcapsular cataracts in both of my eyes and I had my first surgery, left eye, diagnosed at that time as the more compromised, two weeks later. My second surgery, right eye, was done one month after the first surgery. My opthamologist stated to me at this time that my right eye had ceased to function and was now more compromised than the left eye prior to the previous surgery. I am now experiencing signs and symptoms AGAIN and I strongly suspect Actonel. Question: Do I strengthen my hips and spine and continue taking Actonel and face possible blindness? When I started taking this bomb, exploding in my system, once per week, I experienced and continue to experience SEVERE abdominal cramping, bloating, diarrhea, sore and swollen throat, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, discoloration and swelling of my ha | Very mistrustful of the pharmaceutical industry! | F | 63 | 2 years | 10/2/2005 | 4 | Osteopena | None, but I follow the directions exactly. No lying down or bending over for at least 20 minutes after taking med. | I am a white male, diagnosed about 3 years ago with osteopena. Who knows where this stuff comes from, we all wear out at different rates. Anyway, I take it once a week and have had significant bone replenishment. Good luck with yours, it's a long term committment. | M | 58 | 3 years | 9/27/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis | rapid heart beat, tinnitus, joint pain, bloating, muscle weakness in upper legs, itching, aching in legs at night, changes in neck joints, and who knows what else! | I took myself off this drug one month ago and heart issues went away (after spending thousands to find out if I had a heart problem). Other symptoms are diminshing or gone. Never again! | F | 59 | 8 months | 9/27/2005 | 3 | osteoporosis | Increasing joint and muscle pain, flu like symptoms to the point of completely disabling me for the last few weeks! Great fatigue, weakness and aching all over; knees are much more painful than before. I have been taking actonel for 3 years and there has been no more bone loss but no bone gain either. Feeling so very poor and getting nothing done, I would very much like to stop the actonel but am fearful of greater bone loss. I am writing to my doctors today to see what they can suggest. Fosamax is not an option as I already have minor acid reflux. I really need help. | F | 72 | 3 years | 9/26/2005 | 1 | for bone loss | i cannot stand on my feet. aching joints,can't lie on my back,both ribs hurt,shoulder blades ache.i cannot think of any joint that's not hurting in my body. | i wish i had read these posts before.i would not recommend this drug to anyone. we should sue this company. | F | 50 | 2 days | 9/22/2005 | 1 | OSTEOPOROSIS | AFTER 48 HRS. I GOT A SEVERE PAIN ON THE UPPER ABDOMEN THAT WAS NOT RELIEVED BY EITHER PEPCID AC OR EVEN PREVACID- THE PAIN CONTINUED FOR A WEEK AND AT THE SAME TIME I GOT THIS FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS AND FELT VERY WEAK. MY BP ROSE FROM THE NORMAL 120/80 TO 144/70.I BEGAN TO FEEL NUMBNESS IN MY LEFT HAND AND LEG AND I HAVE TO SEE A CARDIOLOGIST THINKING I WAS HAVING A STROKE! | ACTONEL SHOULD NEVER BE PRESCRIBED TO PATIENTS WITH OSTEOPOROSIS. | F | 57 | 10 days | 9/20/2005 | 2 | osteoporosis | Exacerbation of existing arthritis symptoms in joints. Tightness in throat. Mild stomach upset. | My dexa scans have remained constant. With more arthritis pain(esp in fingers and wrists) the doc put me on Vioxx, then Celebrex. I skipped my last dose of Actonel and the joint pain is minimal. No Celebrex needed. Also no throat tightness. Will consult with the doc next month. Am tempted to stay off of Actonel. Mother(87) has osteoporosis, but not severe. Am a personal trainer, so I know how to exercise for best results. Do NOT like to take drugs anyway! I would like to see studies on the effect of Actonel on existing osteoarthritis. | F | 58 | 5 years | 9/19/2005 | 1 | osteoporis | I have been taking Actonel once a week for 7 months. I am a 75 yrs. old and a very active women. I have experienced tiredness, no ambition or drive, which is not me. I am always tired even if I sleep 10 hours a night. I have experienced an inability to climb stairs, without pulling myself up the stairs, also flu symptoms. I stopped taking the drug four weeks ago, no doctor seems to find anything wrong. I have an appointment with Cleveland Clinic to see if they can find out what is wrong with me. After reading all the terrible details of all the experiences I believe it is the Actonel. Thank God I took myself off of the drug. I hope to be better in 6 more months | F | 75 | 7 months | 9/18/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis | After taking Actonel for 3 weeks became very depressed, what I would describe as clinically depressed. After coming off the drug within a few days my depression lifted and I felt my normal self. I also had lots of aches in my back and 2 weeks later am still experiencing tingling feelings in my left leg which I hope is related to the drug and not something else but certainly started when I tool the drug. | I'm wondering how much this drug is being pushed by the drug companies. There appears to be very vague information about how bad the osteoporosis has to be to significantly increase the risk of fractures. I'd be interested to hear from others on this topic. | F | 64 | 5 days | 9/3/2005 | 2 | diagnosed osteoperosis 1 week ago | Ti be frank, I didn't connect the symptoms I have had in the past week with the Actonel...I have been very exhausted, blurry vision to the point I clean my glasses, sleeping longer, haven't been energetic enough to take the walks my doctore urged me to take because of my bone loss ! | I have taken two so far and on Monday I will call the doctor to tell him of my extreme exhaustion, headachiness, and lack of appetite. Should I increase my calcium intake>???? I will ask him. | F | 60 | 8 days | 8/28/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis | For some reason the time I was taking Actonel posted as two weeks. In fact it was TWO YEARS. AND THE ORAL SURGEON TELLS ME DISCONTINUING THE DRUG WILL NOT AFFECT THE FACT THAT NO legitimate oral surgeon will extract any teeth for me except in extreme emergencies. The benefits of this drug are not worth the side effects. Where is the FDA in all of this? | I was on Actonel two years and who knows how many of my present health problems are related to this situation. I wish an attorney would contact me. | F | 67 | 2 years | 8/28/2005 | 1 | osteopenia | Symptoms started out slowly and increased with each weekly 35mg dose. I experienced continuing neck, tail bone and severe back pain along with increasing fatigue, numbness in my arms and leg cramps during the night. I also became irritable and depressed. When I was in such severe pain that I could barely get out of bed, walk or sit,I began to relate the severity of symptoms to taking the Actonel. I had only two somewhat comfortable days a week. The day before and the day of dose. I could not even do Yoga. The big alert is that the symptoms start very gradually and it took me awhile to associate with Actonel. Actonel was suppose to keep me healthy and active not cripple me. | I consulted my primary care physician and was instructed to keep taking the full dose but every other week. That was six weeks ago and I can not make myself take Actonel again and I do not plan to take Fosamax. I am just about pain free, regaining my energy and no longer depressed or irritable. Calcium plus D and Magnesium and regular exercising will have to do. I have a very healthy diet and I learned that inulin helps the body absorb calcium which is used in some yogurts, and is also in bananas, garlic, onions, raisins and artichokes. I appreciate having the opportunity to comment. | F | 63 | 6 months | 8/20/2005 | 1 | osteopenia | No problems on the day I took the pill. 24 hours later experienced discomfort and later pain in back, chest, neck, rib cage lasting for 4 days after 1st and only pill. Went to the ER, per instructions of nurse on call, thinking I was having a heart attack. Later that night I had waves of very severe pain in rib cage/chest area. The following day I tried to exercise to gauge strength but was weak and started to faint several times. | ER doctor never heard of Actonel. Word needs to get out to nurses and doctors re. heart attack like side effects of Actonel. I also wonder if the damage from a single dose is permanent. I am concerned when I see it advertised on TV. | F | 53 | 1 days | 8/19/2005 | 3 | Doctor prescribed | Has just been prescribed - have not yet begun to take it. | F | 57 | 0 days | 8/18/2005 | 1 | bone density | sore throat; pain in upper middle chest;hives/itching. After reading comments here I believe other physical problems can be related to taking Actonel. | There was no apparent problem with Actonel until I developed severe hives and a sore throat. Went to local ER and to doctor the next week. He took me off of Actonel. The throat problem cleared up after a few days but now after a couple of weeks I am still having problem with itching on face,scalp, hands, torso. | F | 71 | 9 days | 8/14/2005 | 1 | osteopenia | I was taking the once a week dose. After first dose I had a two day headache. After second dose I had severe pain in my right hip. I could not sit or stand without help. Pain was so intense that I lost a lot of sleep. Aleve made pain barable during day. Continued to have difficulty sleeping at night. Stopped taking pill after second dose and calling my doctor. It took a week for pain to go away. | Due to side effects not listed in informational brochure, I would not reccomend the medicine to anyone. | F | 53 | 2 weeks | 8/13/2005 | 1 | osteo in hip, osteopenia in spine | Severe muscle/joint pain. Extreme itching on face. Numbness in hands; vision problems, dry throat. I also gained 12 pounds the first month on it, no change in diet or any other reason. | I thought I was losing my mind until I found this site. I do have fibromyalgia and was blaming that, but all the problems with that and more have gotten much worse since starting Actonel. Don't know what I'll do. Would like to find natural alternatives. | F | 40 | 4 months | 8/10/2005 | 1 | Dr. prescribed after a bone density | Joint pain. Been on it for about a year and stopped taking it a few weeks ago. The joint pain started a few months ago and is bad. I sure hope this joint pain goes away. Hasn't yet and I am worried. My hands and feet are the worst. | F | 55 | 1 years | 8/10/2005 | 2 | Family history and slight bone loss | First was an awful headache followed by a pain in my neck and slight diarea which got worse as I continued taking this. Also sever cramping in my stomach. | Until I took that third pill and started figuring out these symptoms followed taking my weekly pill the third week being the worse did I think it was actenol. Took my last one this past week end have had diarea now third day. Thank god the cramping is over. It might work for some but I felt like I was poisoned | F | 54 | 3 weeks | 8/8/2005 | 1 | osteopenia | I started in March 05 on 35 mg- 1x per week actonel. After about two weeks I started noticing unusual knee joint pain and waves of leg pain and feeling feverish, my body just ached-I felt I had aged 20 yrs- | I kept thinking it was my excercise program till my top thumb joint started popping in and out and the bottom joint is very sore and somewhat swollen. I cut back to a half a pill 1 x week and it didn't help. By June 1 I'd quit entirely. It took a while for the leg pain to go away, but I'm still waiting 2months later for my thumb to improve and my knee joints still aren't normal. I'm begining to wonder if the damage is permanent? | F | 51 | 2 months | 8/7/2005 | 1 | osteo | I would like to know if anyone out there,sees this and responds to me,,Iwas on combo of fosamax and actonel,,total of approx 2 mos...and was wondering if anyone on the web here,,,has terrible side effects after taking these horrible pills, and how long side effects last and how long before you feel like your old self again.I am off them about 6 or 7 wks and still feel weird and have tingling/twitching in legs arms and numb toes every so often...thanks. | F | 70 | 2 months | 8/5/2005 | 1 | OSTEO. | Blurry vision, aches and pain, bladder infection,,,,muscle aches twitching tingling,,,numbness, spasms leaving you weak,,,,flu like feeling no appetite,,,,,cannot sleep well,,,3 trips to ER feeling lousy.was on it only 8 or 9 wks,,,then dr switched me to fosamax,,,same thing,,diarrhea,,,and all above...this medicine is poison and should be banned..cannot believe something so bad is allowed to be prescribed...hope effects wear off in few more weeks,,,I had last pill mid june and here it is beg of aug..and still not good...poison is what it is.I was very active walking and going to exercise classes,,,now i drag myself. tired. | F | 70 | 9 weeks | 8/5/2005 | 2 | Osteoporosis | Feeling extremely tired of late, but most noticeably my thumb is swollen and stiff! Also feel mild flu-like symptoms, thought they could be allergies at first, but now checking these posts I don't think so! | Explained my symptoms to my endo today and he said no way could this be the fault of Actonel! So glad I found this site which proves him to be wrong! I will now stop this medication and continue on calcium, vitamin D, Mk7 and silica, and no I will not go back on any of these type drugs again! P.S. did very poorly with Fosamax just about burned my esophagus out and I tried it 2x! | F | 57 | 6 days | 8/2/2005 | 1 | low bone density | ulcer, acid reflux, esophagus spasms, dry eyes, sinus irritation | I have been to many doctors to find relief. Went to eye doctor, internist, gastro and even a dentist-to check my gums and tongue. | F | 71 | 120 days | 8/2/2005 | 2 | ostepenia in spine & hips | In the two years I've been on Actonel I've started having numbness and tingleing from the hips on down to my feet. Doctor can find no reason and until I read these posts I thought this was just something I had to endure. Now I'm wondering if Actonel is the culprit. | I just had a bone scan and there is no improvement. Also insurance is no longer covering it. Has anyone else experienced this numbness and tingleing? | F | 69 | 2 years | 7/30/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis | After taking Actonel on Wednesday morning, experienced dull pain in right breast that evening, and pressure on the breast bone the next day. Also intense pain in joints of hands by Day 3...enough to waken me during sleep. It is now, Saturday morning, and my hands and back ache... | I have tried Fosomax and Actonel previously in the last year with the same results. | F | 62 | 4 days | 7/30/2005 | 3 | osteopenia | Took Actonel for about six months then began experiencing leg cramps at night that lasted several hours at a time. After stopping Actonel my leg cramps went away. Was off Actonel for approximately 2 1/2 years, during that time I had a herniated disc, weak legs, fatigue for 2 years, none of which I attributed to Actonel. I went back on Actonel about 9 months ago and felt pretty good until just recently when my leg cramps came back. I'm going to stop taking Actonel and hope the cramps will go away again. | Outside of the leg cramps I experienced during the two time periods when I took Actonel I thought it was working well for me. After reading the comments of the other women I now wonder if Actonel contributed to any of the other health problems I have had during the past few years. | F | 58 | 18 months | 7/28/2005 | 1 | OSTEOPOROSIS/OSTEOPENIA | I TOOK MY LAST PILL THE WEEK OF MARCH 17, 2005 ON DOCTORS ORDERS AFTER SHE DISCOVERED THAT I WAS ON THIS. I AM STILL HAVING TERRIBLE PROBLEMS AFTER 4 MONTHS!!! | WHY IS THIS STILL ON THE MARKET-- IT WAS KILLING ME!!! | F | 46 | 2 years | 7/25/2005 | 1 | OSTEOPEDIA | Developed horrible acid reflux...I couldn't eat anything! I was taking Tums and Rolaids and Prilosec OTC and Gaviscon, nothing helped! After the continual heartburn I started suffering from heart PVC's...I would have them every day. Went off the Actonel and about 10 days later I finally started seeing some relief. I also have a hard time sleeping from pain in my lower back and especially right hip, down my leg and my heels even hurt when I laid on my back. I was miserable all the time and started getting depressed, which is not my nature. I took Orange Peel Extract to help to start clearing up the reflux, if that information is helpful to anyone. You can get it at a health food store. | There is absolutely no way I will take Actonel again! My quality of life was non-existent. | F | 55 | 8 months | 7/24/2005 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Nausea, vomiting the last 2 weeks have been unbareable. I finally realized that it was worse on Tuesday the day I take 35mg of weekly Actonel. Then every other day from Tuesday on. Swallowing is very uncomfortable. I have Gerd to begin with. Since taking this my Gerd is much worse. Fatigue is present as well. I will not be taking this medication any longer. | I don't feel that the studies were adequate with this medication. By reading these posts, it doesn't make any sense to have a drug that is this intolerable be marketed for osteoporosis. Quality of life is compromised greatly. It took me the last 2 weeks to figure out finally that my health has been jeopordized by taking this medication. | F | 57 | 14 weeks | 7/23/2005 | 1 | BONE DENSITY | DISORIENTED ENOUGHT THAT I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT THE DAY I TOOK IT | F | 59 | | 7/23/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis | acid reflux, skin dryness, hair loss, weak nails, sores in mouth | on advice of my dermatologist and primary care physicians i am stopping this drug (35mg weekly dose) which gave me such severe chest pain i thought i was having a heart attack--terrifying!! switching to weight-bearing exercise and vitamin D plus calcium. all i can say is fosamax is worse: stopped it after the first two pills which stuck in my chest like small rocks (or so it felt) | F | 57 | 18 months | 7/14/2005 | 1 | Osteopenia | Random severe pain through out bones, sucked all my energy, caused hot flashes, hives along spine and head, itching skin, soreness in feet when walking, diarrea, lack of appetite. I am wondering if I should have been prescribed this medication with a pre-history of depression and 3 herniated disk. I am 45 and felt 80. I took one 35mg tablet and it has taken 13 days to be able to function. My quality of life was totally taken. On day 13 my mind cleared and most symptoms are gone except pain in my feet while walking. Bad DRUG! | I am thinking about contacting an attorney for the first time in my life. | M | 45 | 1 times | 7/12/2005 | 1 | low bone density | stomach pains, esophagus spasms, acid reflux, eyes | Going to several doctors to obtain some relief. I will never take any drug like this again. Will continue to exercise and take my calcium and vitamin D | F | 71 | 4 days | 7/12/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis | Severe back, neck, head pain, auto-immune hemolytic anemia June-August 2004. As of August 2004, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Prior to starting Actonel in May 2004, I had been in excellent health. I believe there to be a connection between my taking Actonel and my diagnosis of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. | This is my second entry in this website. My diagnosed non-Hodgkins lymphoma continues to be monitored and treated at this time with only pulse protocols of prednisone. However, I recently found out that I could submit an Adverse Reaction Report to the FDA. I completed one today 7/11/05. I would recommend all who believe they have had adverse or severe reactions to Actonel to do so as well. Online at www.fda.gov\medwatch or by phone at 1(800) FDA-1088. | F | 61 | 11 weeks | 7/11/2005 | 2 | ostreo | digestion problems and SEVERE bloating and gas changed to Actonel from Fosomax because Fosomax caused terrible aches and pains and bad lower back pain (spent a fortune at osteopaths before realizing it was Fosomax) also shot my digestion to pieces, and is still bad after many months of not taking it , now with Actonel, getting bloating and diarea after only 2 weeks so will not be taking it any more either. will investigate Boniva, although suspect they are all pretty much the same... | F | 65 | 2 weeks | 7/3/2005 | 1 | osteopenia | At first I had no side effects.Then two months in I developed muscle weakness in hands & feet.Third month, I felt extreme weakness in arms & legs,dizzy,& shaky. Finally made connection to Actonel. Dr.said can't be. Had tests-normal. It's been 17 days since off drug & still have weakness,though not dizzy anymore.I am frustrated & disgusted.I can't exercise or do anything strenuous!!!!I'm sorry I didn't see this site sooner.Thanks for everyone's input.At least now I know I'm not crazy!!!! | F | 49 | 3 months | 6/28/2005 |