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 | bone density | Vertigo, sharp pains in feet, all over aching of all joints, felt like I was a 100 years old. | I have stopped the medication after several months, and pray I return to normal. This is terrible medication. | F | 53 | 6 months | 6/27/2005 | 2 | | 6/24/2005 | 2 | have osteoporosis | I have been on Actonel two years and after reading comments, feel like I have a vaid reason to feel | After being on Actonel one year, there were no changes in my bone density. However, I am now going to a research hospital that specializes in this and they said, it takes usually two years to see any results and that the machines have a margin of error. In other words, when my first one came back slightly worse, he said not to worry for it could just be the machine and wait another year. Also put me on Citracal with D and said to take it three times a day, not all at once. I go back in August and will share with all of you what they say. He did say he liked Actonel better than Fosomax but did not know anthing about Boniva in February. I will ask this time. | F | 62 | 2 years | 6/23/2005 | 2 | have osteoporosis | I have been on Actonel two years and after reading comments, feel like I have a vaid reason to feel | After being on Actonel one year, there were no changes in my bone density. However, I am now going to a research hospital that specializes in this and they said, it takes usually two years to see any results and that the machines have a margin of error. In other words, when my first one came back slightly worse, he said not to worry for it could just be the machine and wait another year. Also put me on Citracal with D and said to take it three times a day, not all at once. I go back in August and will share with all of you what they say. He did say he liked Actonel better than Fosomax but did not know anthing about Boniva in February. I will ask this time. | F | 62 | 2 years | 6/23/2005 | 3 | osteopenia | The day after I take the pill, I have mild diarrhea. Within two days I have some pain in my knees and hips, but ibuprofen helps, and by about day 5 the pain is gone. | Unless I get worse symptoms than these, I guess I will keep taking it (family history of osteoporosis, and I am unwilling to take HRT). | F | 52 | 3 weeks | 6/15/2005 | 1 | Bone Loss | Muscle pain, weakness, bloating, weight gain, overall | I am going off this drug. I have not spoke to my doctor yet. I will tell her when I see her. I was beginning to think something was seriously wrong with me till I found this webpage. Thank you so much for all your input!! I hope others see and read these before it's too late. | F | 57 | 8 days | 6/15/2005 | 1 | Bone Loss | Fatigue, muscle pain, bloating, excess weight gain, constipation and overall feeling like my body had the | I thought I had a serious muscle illness coming on. Thanks for your website and input! I will not take anymore of this drug. I was really feeling like I couldn't move out of my own way. This is not like me at all. I'm usually quite active with no side effects. | F | 57 | 8 months | 6/15/2005 | 4 | osteoporosis - about 39% bone loss! | I haven't had any severe side effects. Maybe a little acid reflux. Yes, I have aches and pains as well as memory loss, but all of my friends who don't take the drug seem to suffer from the same symptoms! | After taking actonel for 2 years, I just had a bone scan and was fairly pleased with the result. I had a 6% improvement in my spine, though no improvement in my hip where the loss is most severe. I wish there were more improvement, but I would say that the drug is successful at this point. I did however, just hear about the dead jaw problem that could develop! This worries me and I have to wonder whether the long-range problems could be worse than we knew. | F | 55 | 2 years | 6/11/2005 | 1 | oesteoporosis in spine | My wrists, hands and thumbs on both hands hurt so much that I cannot lift anything. As a potter, it has become impossiblbe to work! | My recent bone density test shows that my bones have gotten much worse! Actonel may be the culprit of my arm problems. I see my MD this week and am NOT going to continue taking it. | F | 63 | 1.4 years | 6/11/2005 | 2 | Osteoporosis | After 4 weeks stared to get cranky and depressed Achy body moved from joints to joints. One momen in the knees then the back the jump to the feet. Now into my 8 week and find am very tired and dragging and feel bloated. Not sure about wanting to continue with the medication mainly because i feel tired and cranky and becoming a bit anti social. I would like to know exactly how this medication is supposed to work I From other comments it may not be worth the results. | F | 57 | | 6/5/2005 | 1 | osteopenia | Weight gain. Gastointestinal difficulties. Sore throat, like it was closing up, causing choking. Hip pain. Fluid retention like never before! HAve never felt older and more crippled! Hopefully, the side effects will dissipate upon cessation of this drug, although others don't report good reviews in this regard. | I was previously taken Fosomax weekly for about a year. Constipation was the main problem. Quit taking it for several months on my own advice, and replaced with 1500 mg calcium/Vit D, plus exercise. OB/GYN advised that the calcium supps do NOT build bone, and the osteopenia would worsen. A bone-building med. such as Actonel or Fosomax was required. Also recommended MENOSTAR patch. Will try that next. | F | 58 | 5 weeks | 6/3/2005 | 1 | Osteopenia | Six days after my first Actonel I noticed a lump on one thumb. One day after taking my second pill I found a lump on my other thumb. It has been two weeks since my last pill and I just found lump #7 - all on my hands. Two of the lumps are somewhat painful. Two days ago the hearing in my left ear became altered and there is a sound in my ear that is similar to the sound of a ceiling fan on high speed. I thought it might be allergy related, however, after reading the symptoms others are experiencing, I am very concerned that the problem with my hearing stems from taking Actonel. | I am very disappointed that my doctor was unaware of the side effects of Actonel. I have just learned that lifting weights by using weight machines will build muscle, but will not build bone. I will add free weights to my workout routine and I have gone back to running (in addition to walking 3 miles, 5 days a week). I have been taking 1500 mg. of calcium a day and augment that with half the amound of magnesium. Prayer also helps. | F | 57 | 2 days | 5/23/2005 | 2 | Osteopenia | Have been taking Actonel for almost 18 months. Really didn't experience side effects until a few months ago. I now have aching feeling in my legs, both upper and lower, and ankles. They also feel weak as if I'm going to fall when I walk. My arms and wrists are also affected. I have aching feelings in my lower arms and occasional feelings of electrical-like shooting pains in my wrists where the wrist and thumbs are joined. This is in both hands. I also have neck pain but I had this prior to starting Actonel. It may have worsened though. | Unfortunately I didn't associate any of these symptoms with Actonel until I starting researching the medication. I've been on this drug far too long and based on what I've read here, I'm stopping immediately. I just hope my symptoms will not take too long to dissipate. I intend on continuing to take a calcium/vitamin D supplement daily to hopefully avoid any further bone deterioration. I firmly believe that the drugs being offered today have not been thoroughly tested prior to release. I'm going to avoid all prescription drugs in the future that I have not first researched. | F | 64 | 18 months | 5/17/2005 | 1 | Osteopenia/Osteoporosis | Would not have connected these if I had not found this site. Joint pain, vision problems. Leg cramps. I do very heavy lifting so I thought nothing of it, till about a week ago. Went to the Doctor, told him I did research and wanted off Actonel. He said No. Well, I took myself off after taking it for one year, and will start my own program. There are many holistic alternatives. One new is BioCalth. | After doing hours of research on this drug,I come to the conclusion that it is dangerous. Don't take it, and if you are, STOP. There are alternatives. RESEARCH! | F | 56 | 1 years | 5/17/2005 | 1 | osteoporous | severe joint pain, shortness of breath, rashes, flue like symptoms, debillitating symptoms . Caused six month ordeal with ten different doctors, trying to diagnose my illness. Cost thousands of dollars in medical bills, and a lot of problems for my whole family. | will never take a drug like this again. | F | 69 | 6 days | 5/13/2005 | 2 | Osteoporosis | My recent Bone Density test shows osteoporosis in my spine, wrists and hips. Previously, I took Fosamax (2 yrs. ago) for (then) osteopenia, however, became strangely | F | 53 | 5 weeks | 5/5/2005 | 1 | osteopenia | My fingers have swollen so that I cannot bend them. I am a harpist and this is a major disability! I will not take any more of this drug, and pray the swelling goes away soon. I never had this problem before taking Actonel. | F | 57 | 4 weeks | 5/3/2005 | 1 | osteopenia | Did not have any side effects the first 2 months. Last 3 months flu-like symtoms, loss of energy, pain in the right hip to knee, joint pain, gas, dry eye, blurred vision, and diarhea. | After research will discontinue taking actonel. Took Fosamax and hair fell out. Will discontinue all types of these drugs. Researching other alternatives. | F | 56 | 5 months | 4/28/2005 | 2 | osteopenia/beginning osteoporosis | Took Fosamax last year, after a few months I started with stomach pain, felt bloated, etc. Dr. took me off for a month and felt better. Now I'm on Actonel and after the same amount of time I feel stomach pain and bloated with gas again. The dr. says it could be something else, but after reading this I don't think so. I'm not going to take it for the next month just to see. Also, I look awful and feel so tired, yawning and have no energy. I didn't know that this was also a side effect. Don't know what to do. Mom had osterporosis. | If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. | F | 57 | 5 months | 4/27/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis | I have previously posted on this site and wanted to update the information. I have been off Actonel since August 2004 ( 8 months)my symptoms continue to improve to where I feel that I am 90% back to my pre Actonel health. The stiffness in my feet is almost completely gone, the stiffness in my fingers is such that I am not awakened at night anymore with the feeling of fullness (swelling) and cramps, I no longer have stiffness in my hands during the day. The swelling in my throat is completely gone. I had under gone may test to rule out other illness (arthritis, lupus, MS, etc.) and I strongly feel that the reaction to Actonel is what caused all of my problems. I will continue to exercise and get my calcium from food sources. The side effects of this drug is not worth it. | F | 58 | 2 months | 4/25/2005 | 1 | OSTEOPENIA | Chest pain, joint pain and swelling in hands and feet. | I took my first dose of Actonel (35 mg) and developed chest pain about 8 hours later. About 12 hours after I had taken it several of my arthritic fingers began throbbing with pain and swelling. My feet also became painful and swollen and it was painful to walk. Contacted my Dr.and she did not think it could be the Actonel. However I stopped taking it for 4 months and then decided to give it one more try. 12 hours after I took it my fingers began to swell and began throbbing with pain. I do have arthritis in my fingers but I do believe it worsened it, as I have a burning sensation and pain every day that I did not have before. Therefore, I discontinued this drug and will not take it again. | F | 46 | | 4/22/2005 | 1 | lack of bone density | The first side effect was no pain felt, but the right leg gave way. Then I had lower back pain and then the pain ached in my right leg. I felt muscular pain in my back and shoulders. This all happened within the first three pills. Then I was bent over with pain which made me exhausted.I became cranky, no pain killer would help. I had to rest for twenty minutes often and only then the pain would ease. No pain at night in bed. I felt weak, tired and old. I am usually very active, alert and still manage two homes, drive my car and visit the beach for a surf nearly every day except mid winter. | My doctor didn't understand my problem after taking this drug and she said it was not possible for the drug to cause all these problems. My daughter found your website searching for information about this drug and I am so relieved to see that I am not as crazy as I thought I was. My main problem now is that four months after stopping taking this drug I am still experiencing many of the symptoms. Right leg pain, lower back pain, muscle pain in my back and shoulders is still there, although slightly better. I have had two falls, after the right leg went numb. I feel this drug hasn't left my body even now. I am sending all the comments from this web site to my doctor who I have lost confidence in. | F | 83 | 3 months | 4/20/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis lumbar region | muscular pains,severe heel/hip pain, pressure in right side of head and ringing in ear, pain in eyes, insomnia, flu-like feeling, sore throat feeling, bladder problems....total fatigue....thought I had some serious illness but all reports were normal. Discovered it was side effects of Actonel and stopped...hope I recover soon. | Please let me know of an alternative safe drug for osteoporosis.. | F | 52 | 1 months | 4/13/2005 | 1 | Bone Density | Fatigue; intense headaches; burning of throat and stomach; loss of balance; diarrhea; vomiting; weight loss (9 pounds in 3 weeks); severe blurring of vision; weakness; depression; nervousness; loss of appetite; left leg tingling and shaking; overall shaking; confusion | My symptoms had been attributed to the flu, which I do not have. I realized this week that these symptoms began shortly after my first dose of Actonel. I consulted with my doctor and he advised me to stop taking Actonel immediately. One week later the side effects are persisting, though there has been some minor improvement. I am not sure how long it will take but I am anxiously waiting for full recovery. | F | 81 | 90 days | 4/9/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis | I am a long distance runner (marathoner) and I have experienced a heaviness or tightness in my legs that has greatly slowed my speed. I've also developed tendenitis in both achilles tendons. Moreover, it did not improve bone density! | M | 18 months | 4/5/2005 | 1 | bone loss | Severe muscle & joint pain. Pain in the chest, legs, hips, arms. Flu-like symptoms. | I was unable to function 24 hours after taking the 35mg dose. I am very active and exercise regularly. I couldn't walk up stairs without pain, walk comfortably or sleep at night. Advil did nothing to reduce symptoms. I will increase my calcium intake and seek other alternatives. | F | 58 | 2 days | 3/31/2005 | 4 | Osteopenia | This is the second time I've taken Actonel (weekly). I stopped when I lost my Rx plan (it became too expensive), and then I resumed about a year or two later, and I have had NO side effects at all. After reading these reviews though, I am very concerned. Most of the people who wrote in seemed to have an immediate reaction to it so I'm hoping I won't develop any of these side effects. | Until my next Dexascan, I have no way of knowing if there are any positive results from this Rx. I also think the price could be reduced by less packaging. I can remember to take a pill every week without this silly dispenser. | F | 49 | 6 weeks | 3/29/2005 | 1 | Ostopenia | This was the worst medication I had ever taken. I took 2 doses( one per week). The first week I experienced very moderate aches in neck and hands. The second week was like a truck hit me. I woke up in the middle of the night with severe pain on my upper back that radiated to my chest. This was mainly on my left side, my right side was not as bad. I thought I was having a heart attack. My hands hurt so much I couldn't get dressed with out assistance. This affected my job and could not even type. My last dose was one week ago and although my hands are much better, I still have weakness in them and hope this will eventually go away. The pain has traveled to my wrists and now to my lower back. I am extremely active and I am horrified that a medication that is supposed to help you can completely cripple you. I will NEVER take this medication or anything like it again. It is my plan to take vitamins and minerals that aide in maintaining healthy bones. | After reading so many negative side effects, I am amazed that this drug remains on the market | F | 49 | 2 times | 3/29/2005 | 1 | bone loss | flu- every week- dizzy, ringing in the ears, joints aching, exhaustion, fever, FLU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | what is an alternative? that doesn't leave you sick for days? | F | 54 | | 3/10/2005 | 1 | crohns pred use- bone lose severe | horrible- fever, cramping, worse that the crohns flares- bones are crumbling to dust, but is it worth taking a pill once a week that leaves a person VERY sick for two days at a time! | M | 25 | 11 months | 3/10/2005 | 1 | loss of bone density | Severe intestinal distress: sharp pains, nausea all the time, cramping, bad heartburn. Have been on Protonix for years due to acid reflux, and should never have been given this drug. Have been off Actonel for two months with little decrease in side effects. Am now facing hospital procedures to look for ulcers and measure acid production. | I will never again take a medication without a thorough investigation into how it works and what dangers it can present. Even though we pay specialists to know these things, we can't always trust them to watch out for our best interests. | F | 55 | 4 months | 2/22/2005 | 1 | osteopenia, osteoporosis | It has been 10 days since I took one 35 mg Actonel tablet and I am just now recovering from its side effects. After 24 hours, I experienced flu-like symptoms which included night sweats, 101 deg. temperature, aches, bone and joint pains and muscle weakness. All week, I had pain in my left leg and groin, moving at times to my chest, upper back and hips. Transitory headaches. I could hardly walk and had to suspend my exercise program. I felt older and depressed. I took aspirin, then ibuprofen and finally Aleve, which was the only med that worked in relieving my pain. Never again. | I had a hard time finding your web site. Is there anything you can do to publicize on the actonel web site? It is helpful to know that one is not alone in experiencing these side effects and may help in developing medicine with fewer debilitating side effects. | F | 74 | 1 days | 2/22/2005 | 2 | osteopenia | Flu like symptoms, muscle weakness and discomfort, bones while not sore seem to creek like cracking your knuckles only in shoulders and back instead of hands!! hip and back muscles tender and severe muscle spasm in back last week. I have been taking actonel for 6 month...it started fine but side affect seems to be getting worse the longer I take it. I have not had a bone scan since starting but I have decided to stop taking the medication. I will see my dr. next week. I have never had any medical problems and am fairly athletic...this has made me feel 20 years older!!I will try calcium and vit. D. and see how that goes.Ridiculous cure worse then the disease!! | F | 58 | 6 months | 2/15/2005 | 2 | osteopenia | I have heart burn almost daily. Before I started taking actonel I rarely had heart burn. (I am on the once a week dose.) I have been having trouble with my ears and popping in them, and also my balance seems to be off. I am concerned that this could be related to the Actonel. | F | 58 | 6 months | 2/14/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis | Was taking the 70mg. dose once a week for approx. 3 months. Had a very sore throat - trouble swallowing and lost my voice and had an ulcer-like sore in the back of my mouth. Bad joint and back pain which was worse than anything I have had before. | I would rather take a chance on my bones deteriorating than keep on taking these pills. | F | 67 | 3 days | 2/14/2005 | 1 | Bone loss | I had such stabbing pains in my stomach. My esophagus felt as if someone was pricking it with pins. I took an over the counter antacid which caused me to double over in pain. I was unable to eat or sleep. | I was on the Actonel for 6 weeks. It has been 5 weeks since my last dose and my esophagus still feels as if I had swallowed acid. | F | 49 | 6 weeks | 2/13/2005 | 2 | osteopenia | pain [more than usual] L.hip, GERD, difficulty sleeping, pain in chest to right of breastbone and in lower back (feels like a disc just above waist level wants to 'pop' out), dark stools, diarrhea, signs of GI yeast bloom (odor, itching). | I was gratified to read another's comment about 'blood effervescing' .. When I tell my GYN my body feels carbonated -- and that's EXACTLY how it feels --I suspect he will think I'm bonkers. He once prescribed HRT to 'protect' my bones, but I couldn't tolerate the side-effects. Too bad. Osteoporosis was diagnosed in my elderly mother when she was my age; my daughter in her 20's has signs of osteopenia already. I can't recommend this medication, especially for anyone with a delicate digestive system. | F | 53 | 2.5 months | 2/10/2005 | 3 | moderate to severe osteopenia | Have not experienced any significant issues with Actonel and indications are that the bone density has improved. However, I've recently developed GERD but don't know if Actonel is the cause. I had GERD problems a few years ago prior to taking Actonel so it may be unrelated. | F | 58 | 2 years | 2/7/2005 | 1 | prevention of bone loss | Stomach pains, acid stomach, muscle cramps, gas, bloating,hip pain. | Stopped taking it because I would rather face the future with osteoporosis rather than developing some disability because of actonel or any other drug, such as lipitor......loss of muscle and tired all the time. If I wanted all those symptoms.......I will just wait til I get older.....67 and taking charge.... | F | 67 | 7 months | 2/5/2005 | 1 | loss of bone mass | I am into my second month of taking the once a week Actonel. I have had severe flu-like symptoms that have caused me to miss work and planned events (and I'm not a wuss-- I have had frequent severe migraines for years and work and play through them with medication). I often woke up with a headache and nausea, burning feeling in stomach and appetite loss, body aches in particular back ache. I am not at all happy and can't imagine continuing with this drug if these side effects do not subside. | F | 55 | 6 weeks | 2/2/2005 | 1 | low-level bone loss lumbar region | two days of headache; flu symptoms; insomnia; severe neck/shoulder/arm/back/hip/wrist pain;painful jaw and teeth; ears feel plugged; face flushed. Much better by 3rd day after dose. Felt about 20 years older for those 2 days. | Now that I have read responses on this site I realize that I'm not unusual. I felt as if I'd swallowed poison (ironically, no stomach problems!) I am NOT taking this drug again - nothing with these side-effects can be beneficial. | F | 59 | 1 days | 1/23/2005 | 2 | osteoporis prevention | achy joints, tired all the time, headaches, muscle cramps in legs | I was taking Evista and my doctor asked if I wanted to try Actonel so I would take once a week. I wondered why I have been so tired all the time as it is not like me. I don't have a family history of osteoporis, so I'm going to ask to go back to Evista. | F | 50 | 9 months | 1/18/2005 | 5 | severe osteoporois lumbar, left hip | 1st. time overpowering,very tired,tunnel vision, erection for over an hour, weak and off balance also. Positive effects diminished as week pased. | Anyone who takes this meication along with my daily medication of 200mg-celebrex,180mg-allegra,10-mg lexapro, 10-500mg hydrocodone x four, and | M | 50 | 3 weeks | 1/16/2005 | 2 | ostiopinia | first noticed weak fingernails, then stiff neck, headache and lower back pain | I think I'm too young to take a drug for the rest of my life for a non-life threatening condition. I agreed to try it, but after six weeks have decided to quit. The deciding factor was a report on severe jaw bone damage to patients having a tooth extraction while on Actonel (most were on the IV form for cancer treatment, but some were taking the weekly 35 mg dose). It's interesting that information on this problem went only to oncologists and dentists, and only the injectable form of the drug carries a warning about the jaw bone link. I am not aware of any long-term studies and am aprehensive of serious side effects after long-term use. | F | 57 | 6 weeks | 1/11/2005 | 1 | for pagets disease | severe muscle cramps over the back,neck,hip,ribcage muscles etc.almost excruciating pains.horrible drug. | the severe muscle cramps even if it occurs in only a few patients must be prominently highlighted,by the drug prescribers and distributors. | M | 64 | 1 days | 1/10/2005 | 1 | Osteopenia/Osteoporisis | On Thursday, took first 35mg tablet, within hours started having muscle pains especially in my arms. I did not take the next 35mg weekly tablet until two weeks later. Within 24 hours of taking, I was experiencing severe pain in both hips-could not sleep because of the pain in my hips. I had constant pain in my lower back and around the kidney area. I could not sleep because I was so cold and had chills-then it would change to being so hot and sweaty and difficult breathing. I was so weak it was difficult to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. I was dizzy and my vision would flicker from dark to light. | I finally end up in the Emergency Room with severe back pain,over 101 temperature, headache, low blood pressure, and my heart rate was what the Dr. told me was twice what it should be. They gave me IV with antibiotics and a prescription for antibiotics. I will never take Actonel again. I feel this was all caused by the side effects of Actonel. | F | 58 | 2 weeks | 1/6/2005 | 1 | osteoporosis | Instant Severe Indigestion. Legs swelled to twice their size rupturing 2 lumbar discs. Could barely eat for 3 months. Legs twisted and showed distinct signs of scurvey. Went from being a healthy person to WHEELCHAIR bound from this drug. | Three months of Actonel changed me from a normal, healthy person into a WHEELCHAIR bound person. Still trying to regain ability to walk now!!! | 62 | 3 months | 1/4/2005 | 1 | osteopenia, use of Arimidex | Joint and bone pain appeared by mid-afternoon of Day 1. It is worse now on Day 2. I didn't take my usual 1 1/2 mile walk today because of pain and stiffness. I won't take anymore of this drug. | This medicine works great for my sister. She had GI trouble with Fossamax. My advice would be to try it, but if symptoms occur, don't continue. | F | 59 | 2 days | 1/4/2005 | 1 | Osteopenia | This is my first day of the 35mg dose. I'm scared now after reading the many responses to this drug. I don't think I will take my next week pill. I will up my calcium intake and see if that works. Due for another bone density next year. | F | 58 | 1 days | 1/2/2005 | 3 | osteoporisis | Irration of the Esophogaus | | 12/31/2004 | 1 | osteopenia | Horrible headaches that lasted at least 2 days after taking the weekly dose,sore throat | Low energy, depression...the headaches were the worse - stopped taking it after 6 weeks and my doctor wanted me to try FOSAMAX....no, thank you, will try a more natural approach | F | 38 | 6 weeks | 12/31/2004 | 3 | osteoporosis | shooting pains in back, vertigo, pain in big toes, really bad pain in left shoulder for two excruciating days, then pain shifted to left hip and knees.... | I have had two bone scans....over two years but have not had one since on Actonel. I tried fosomax first, but irritated my stomach too much to continue. I have been on actonel for only a month, so do not know if it is helping build bone. I also take calcium, Vitamin D, work out 3 x a week, and walk. | F | 66 | 30 days | 12/29/2004 | 1 | osteoporosis | Shortly after taking the 1st 35gm tablet I developed stiff neck which became intense pain. Nervousness, anxiety. insomnia, loss of confidence, memory impairment, loss of concentration, muscle cramps, blurred vision, dizzyness, felt like I had the flu. Only took one pill. Will never take another. | Will take calcium and vitamin D and let the chips fall where they may (bone chips, that is) | F | 65 | | 12/29/2004 | 4 | Osteoporosis | None that I know of (yet). | Seems to be effective. Bone density improving. Doing Excercise. Took Fosamax- had to stop because of bloating. | M | 46 | 3 months | 12/26/2004 | 2 | to prevent bone loss | I took the 35mg (weekly)pill on Saturday by Monday I was having horrible pain in right hip, back, knees and legs. Tuesday was worse could barely move. Close to tears. Had to take pain medicine for relief. Not worth it. I will continue to take Calcium w/D and exercise. Very concerned about long term effect if you can be in this much pain after two days. | F | 38 | 1 days | 12/8/2004 | 1 | osteopenia | Chest pain severe esphogas irration and aching generaly all over like flu | F | 55 | 5 weeks | 11/30/2004 | 1 | osteoporosis | burning in throat, cough, headache, severe heartburn and difficulty swallowing | I couldn't gather from the pharmacist or the included pamplet whether the advertised side effects only occurred immediately after taking the drug or could continue days after. I've concluded that all my problems coincided with starting this drug. It's too bad--what's next? Nexium? | F | 58 | 2 months | 11/24/2004 | 1 | osteoporosus | Burning pain in stomach,indigestion, can't sleep very long,belching, gas, constipation blood pressure heightened,memory loss,tired all the time,leg weakness etc. etc. | I took fosomax for one and one half years. Stopped that.because of terrible side-effects. Then was given actonel which I took for six months and now continue to have all the above symtoms. I will not take anything anymore.Too many terrible side-effects. | F | 78 | 6 months | 11/24/2004 | 2 | osteopenia | bloating, constipation, gas, I have had severe left hip pain off and on and stopped taking Lipitor because of it. Maybe is related to Actonel?? Also have muscle pain. Hip pain was so bad I could hardly walk and had to take Ibuprofin to control. | Going to get bone density rechecked soon and see if it really made difference. | F | 56 | 2 years | 11/23/2004 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Esophagitis, Acid Reflux, Ulcers | I became very ill while taking Actonel. My stomach started burning and then my whole esophagus; they felt like they were on fire. Also, my blood pressure increased. It has been 8 months since I took my last dose and I continue to have these problems. | F | 55 | 5 days | 11/22/2004 |