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 | Osteopoenia | Experiencing terrible stiff necks and neck muscle pain. I hate the way this drug makes me feel. | I took my last pill on March 4th. I will not be taking any more. I wonder how long it will be until it works it's way out of my system? | F | 56 | 2 months 150 1X M | 3/16/2011 | 1 | Brittle bones/osteoporosis | Back pain so severe, patient can barely walk; dizziness, headache, acid reflux, severe leg cramping, very dry mouth, dry eyes---you name a side effect, patient suffered with it (except that her jaw seems still to be alive). Patient wishes she were dead. | This patient is my 83-year-old mother. Her condition has deteriorated to the point of having her life be too painful to want to continue. The pain specialists were aghast that they could dose her with so much oxycodone (or other prescription pain killer) and she'd still be in agony--loopy and barely able to speak, but still hurting badly. She's a stroke survivor, but she's gotten so much worse in the last six months, I started doing research on all the meds she takes. I punched in Actonel Back Pain, and found this site, and dozens like it. Neither her pain doctors nor her GP were aware of any painful side effects of Actonel, or at least they all acted surprised. My mom is not able to help with her own treatment, and is completely at the mercy of those who can prescribe medications. Her back, hip and leg pain do not respond to anything, not even the two $5000 epidurals she received last fall. She is in assisted living--when I call, she is sobbing in her room. Her next dose of Actonel would have been next Sunday, so we'll be letting it lapse while we see if she gets any better at all. I know an "inner cleansing" is a holistic treatment, but I wish there were some way to get this stuff out of this pitiful woman's system so she can have less pain. From what I've read, it appears Actonel is a permanent part of you once it's starting rebuilding whatever it is it produces--which doesn't sound like real bone to me. If Actonel is the culprit, it has made her life h | F | 83 | 3 years ?? 1X W | 3/16/2011 | 3 | osteopenia | abdominal pain; joint pain a few days past taking it; gallbladder pain | F | 53 | 2 months 35 1X M | 3/14/2011 | 1 | diagnosed with osteopeonia | I am an extremely active person and have been all my life playing tennis, taking spinning classes, aerobics, walking, yoga, etc. About a year ago I began feeling achey and having lower back and hip problems. After I worked out, I would feel awful. I was so stiff in the mornings, I really believed I had developed rheumatoid arthritis or perhaps a fibromyalgia. My holistic therapist said my muscles were all inflamed when he gave me a therapeutic massage. When I went to someone who could fit me for a lift in my shoe, she suggested getting off the Actonel because of the serious side effects it is known to have. I was unaware and now I am so concerned I have done permanent damage to my body. I will not continue to take this horrible drug. I recently attended a boot camp class which was very enjoyable while I was taking the class. It was a good workout, and I was able to do the activities without straining. The next day, after doing many crunches, I could not get out of a chair I h | I have spent a fortune on chiropractors, back supports, doctors, orthotics, to try and correct the problem in my back and leg. I never realized Actonel had such side effects until someone mentioned it to me recently when they learned I was on the drug. | F | 61 | 19 months 150 1X M | 3/12/2011 | 1 | Prednisone for sarcoidosis | Felt like i got run over by a truck. difficulty swallowing. pain in hips and lower back. nerve burning down the legs. muscle and joint pain. low grade fever. flu-like. | I see my reg GP on Fri. and my Rheum on Mar 17th. This drug is worse than the side effects of prednisone. I have never experienced anything so severe in my life. I swear, I thought I was dying. i can't get out of bed. the pain is horrible. I am on Narcotics and still no ease in pain. hopefully, my dr's can prescribe me something to ease my pain and keep me comfortable until the drug gets out of my system. | F | 48 | 3 months 150 1X M | 3/8/2011 | 2 | ostopenia | still having break down with my bones. feelin light headed. pain in hip and back. Having a hard time getting up from bed and couch. also having pains in my chest.Sometimes i just cant functionright | I thought this medication was suppose to help you not make you feel worse. | F | 59 | 5 years 1X M | 3/4/2011 | 1 | osteopenia | Since beginning Actonel, I experienced intermittent chest/back pain which I came to realize was a side effect of this drug. This month I took my Actonel as instructed on the 1st of March. That night I awoke with a severly painful crushing pain in my chest and back. This pain remained acute for several hours and mimiced heart attack symptoms. The pain has now dulled somewhat but is still present and I am fearful of going to sleep. | I do NOT plan to continue taking Actonel. | F | 62 | 5 months 150 1X M | 3/2/2011 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I had taken Fosamax for a year about 5 years ago, when I was osteopenic. It made me feel ill some of the time (mostly upset stomach), and I had doubts about whether I really needed to address the osteopenia, so I stopped. About a year and a half ago, I was diagnosed as osteoporotic, and I decided to try Actonel. I would occasionally have heartburn that I attributed to taking Actonel, but it was tolerable. Then, a few months ago, my throat became sore and felt kind of thick. A month ago, my swallowing became more difficult, although I could still eat and drink. I went in for an endoscopy yesterday, and thankfully, it looked good. Of course, my symptoms are the same. I'm stopping the Actonel and hoping to see the throat and swallowing problems resolve. I've also had other symptoms that I see mentioned on this site (fuzzy thinking, flu-like discomfort, fatigue, chills) but it's hard to sort those out from what might be menopausal changes. | It's difficult to balance the risks and side effects of taking Actonel against the possible future benefit. For me, my current problems and need for a better quality of life dictate letting the future take care of itself and not taking Actonel. Although I have osteoporosis, there are other factors than bone density that keep bones strong, and there is no certainty that I will have fractures. I rather wish I hadn't had any bone density tests, since now I have to be afraid of something that might not even be an issue for me. | F | 58 | 18 months 35 MG 1X W | 3/2/2011 | 1 | osteopenia | Took first 150mg dose as directed at the beginning of October 2010. Later that day I had such severe stomach/hip pain I could hardly walk. In bed that night I could hardly turn from side to side. Pain was unbearable. Took 2nd dose at the beginning of November 2010. Thought I might have been sore from raking leaves prior month (although never this sore from raking leaves before)! Anyway, thought I would give the Actonel another chance. That night I felt like I had the flu. Was suddenly so tired. Could hardly move. Had chills and fever. Fever broke in the night. In a day or so felt better. Still not sure it was the Actonel. Could have been a little virus. So.... I took the 3rd pill of my 3 month prescription. Started experiencing regular episodes of diahrrea every morning. Have had diahrrea for 2 months now. Every day since the 3rd Actonel pill I took. Have been to see my doctor. Have had stool samples and bloodwork done. Nothing conclusive at this point. | I have stopped taking the Actonel and will never take it again. I fear that I will have to live with this diahrrea indefinitely as it does not seem to be improving. Right now I have stopped all calcium and vitamins to give myself a chance to try to get back to normal. I am 100% sure that all of my symptoms are due to the Actonel. It should be taken off the market. Not sure how it ever got on there in the first place. | F | 60 | 3 months 150mg 1X M | 2/28/2011 | 2 | Osteopenia | Well, I called the company and let them know that I was experiencing effects on my memory (i.e. fuzzy, cloudy thinking...). I don't know if this corresponds with the "flu like effects" others said they experienced... After reading this I understand why I was having the pain in my lower back (though I did have arthritis already, this seemed to exacerbate it a little). This is my first week back on the med... Before, I was on the med twice, once a month and also had the memory issues but my problems with this med has seemed to increase w/ age. | So, I'm now, they said to me, one of the "first people" to experience "cognitive problems"... Oh well, I want my bone density better and yet I'm not sure that it's good for me to let this strange memory effect to carry on with me | F | 32 | 35 MG 1X W | 2/24/2011 | 1 | orteoporous | had hip pain with first month, second month, had increased hip pain,2nd day after 2nd pill developed irregular heart rythym. Dr. says it can't be the actonel. blood pressure began to rise. had pain that moved around from hip to side to other side .Have had mri on my back to see what the problem is. Doctor won't addmit that the problem is the actonel but told me not to take it again. Will see what happens now. Won't advise anyone to take this poison drug. Will take my chances of a broken hip.... | F | 79 | 2 months 150 1X M | 2/23/2011 | 1 | alleged ostoeporosis | I took one 150mg free sample on the advice of a bone "specialist" who failed to mention the severity of the side effects. I ended up in emergency twice. I took this poison pill on the first day of June 2010. It is the 20 day of Feb 2011 and I am still suffering the side effects of having had my entire digestive/urinary tract burned by this evil concoction. I had a stong metallic taste in my mouth for 6 months after the dose and I still cannot eat the food I used to enjoy. When they say it may cause weight loss, that is because it ravages your entire system and renders you incapable of eating or eliminating normally. I had to get another drug to numb the inside of my bladder to stop the poisined urine from burning. | I have added my mane to a class action suit against the makers of Actonel. I wish I could sue the doctor who prescribed this evil poison. Obviously this drug was never tested properly and was put on the market before any safety measures. I was healthy before I took this drug. My doctor was grasping at something to diagnose me with just so she could write a script. what I did have was a hernia and now I have had to cancel surgery twice because I am too ill from the Actonel which I should never have had in the first place. The bone "scam" is the first cog in the wheel that will drag you into being duped into taking poison. Take calcium take vitamin D.BUT DO NOT TAKE ACTONEL! And for crying out loud don't give it to any senior citizens. They may not survive it! | F | 50 | 1 days 150 mg 1X D | 2/20/2011 | 1 | osteoporosis | I took one once monthly pill of actonel and I will never take it again. After taking the pill in the morning I developed severe flu like symptoms by the the evening. By the next day I had a sharp pain in my hip and right thigh which both lasted for a few days. Day six after taking pill I'm feeling chest pains but thigh pain in gone and hip pain is diminishing. This is my question: HOW LONG BEFORE THIS IS OUT OF MY SYSTEM? WILL IT TAKE LONGER FOR THE ONCE MONTHLY PILL SIDE EFFECTS TO STOP? It will help me get through this. I feel so awful.... | I will start doing research now about natural solutions and hope for the best. | F | 59 | 1 days 1X M | 2/19/2011 | 4 | osteoporosis | occasional sensitivity to light; stronger fingernails | My 82 year old mother has been taking Actonel for 11 months. I researched this web site before she took it for the first time. Based on what I read, decided she should start off with the once a week pill rather than the "first one free" monthly pill. She doesn't like taking it but told me today that her bones and fingernails feel stronger since she has been on the drug. I will be anxious to see what her next bone density test reveals. She had some jaw swelling with other biphosphonates and this did not happen with Actonel. I don't think we will go to the monthly pill, but will continue with the weekly dosage. | F | 82 | 11 months 35mg 1X W | 2/18/2011 | 1 | osteopenia | For the last 2 months, I had experienced flu like symptoms, such as joint pain, bone pain, fatigue and very bad jaw pain. So much so that I thought I need to go see my doctor and check if I got infection or inflammation. However, I did not go thinking I just "tough" it out. Two days ago, I took my third dose of Actonel, and I just had it. I felt like I got hit by a truck! This time I kinda put 2 and 2 together and went online and research for answer. I thought I was the only one and then a found warnings for this drugs, tons of side effects, people's real life experience. I really don't care if this drug will grow bone, I need to have quality of life not just life. I am not taking another dose. I just now took some ibuprofen and feel less pain. I had forsamax before Actonel and the side effects was substantial enough to make me ask my doctor to switch me to Actonel. Well, I guess I just go back to soy milk and supplement and exercise. | F | 45 | 3 months 150MG 1X M | 2/17/2011 | 1 | full-blown osteoporosis | Same as others have listed. It's been a full week now since I took this POISON and I'm still a perfect mess. I seriously feel like I've been hit by a train. 1st time in my life I really thought I was having a heart attack. Couldn't get my breath. Haven't eaten anything solid all week. Often too dizzy to drive. | I will not take this again. I will instead go back to supplements. I strongly suggest starting here: http://www.womentowomen.com/bonehealth/bonehealthphilosophy.aspx I believe in these people and I KNOW from experience their regular vitamin supplement regime was very effective for me. So I will now try their BONE supplements. More costly than some vitamins, but not as costly as this POISON! I highly recommend this route. They have a Bone management system tailored to your individual needs. | F | 49 | 1 months 150 1X M | 2/12/2011 | 3 | Beginning osteopirosis | Flu like symptons, nausea, aches, fever, chills, bone aches, slight headache. These started 5 days after taking once a month Actonel. | I am wondering if anyone else had a reaction this delayed or if I really had the flu. I'm afraid to try it again without knowing. | F | 60 | 1 days 150 1X M | 2/9/2011 | 1 | osteoporosis | I took this at 6am in the morning and then went to a Spinning Class. It started with headache in the afternoon, then chills and achyness that night, then severe flu like symptoms where it hurt to change position in bed, my teeth were chattering with chills that my husband got up and got me an extra heavy blanket and ibuprofin before I finally got to sleep. I already get hot flashes so it was extremely unusual for me to need any extra blankets. Yesterday, I felt 80 years old, achy and headachy, pain in my lower left back and left shoulders. Last night I felt like there was something pressing on my chest and I had heartburn. I woke up in the middle of the night and really couldn't get back to sleep for the rest of the night. I am still experiencing nausea and achyness where I have to take ibuprofin too frequently. | I was going to ask my doctor to switch me to Evista since I take Tamoxifen already for my remaining breast. Some of the side effects seemed similar to Tamoxifen so I thought maybe Evista would be the lesser of two evils, but I found this site and read the comments about Evista and I think I'm going to look into natural methods for dealing with this. I am extremely active at the gym and like to go skiing. This is really scary, but I just don't like taking drugs. Every time I turn around the doctors want to prescribe a drug. I lowered my cholesterol with diet without drugs. I think I will just take my chances with this as well. | F | 54 | 3 days 150 1X M | 2/3/2011 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Did not realize my muscle. Pain was the cause of my muscle pain which was not evident at first and then was irreversible | Any biphosphonate can be extremely dangerous and wreck havoc on your body which may not be evident at first. In fact when the side effects of actonel that I got from the pharmacy did not even mention severe muscle pain. I had taken it daily for a few yrs before this happened. Boniva hurt my heels so badly,too. | F | 61 | 7 years 5 mg 1X D | 2/1/2011 | 1 | osteoenia | After taking actonel in the morning I started getting buning in my throat after 2-4 hours. I never had throat burning at ALL---It seems that your product is totally all wrong and you should make people more aware of the awful side effects and I do not think this is a good product. I NEVER HAD THROAT BURNING!!!!!! UNTIL I TOOK ACTONEL MY DR SAID TO STOP. YEAH I DON'T NEED A DR. TO TELL ME TO STOP SOMETHING THAT MAKES ME SICK ----I TOOK THIS 150MG BEGINNING OF DEC 2010 -----AND I STILL GET SOME BURNING IN MY THROAT BUT NOT LIKE IT WAS EVERY SINGLE MINUTE | I REALLY THINK ACTONEL IS NOT A GOOD PRODUCT AND FDA SHOULD REALLY LOOK INTO ALL THE MEDICINES THAT ARE GIVEN OUT TO PEOPLE!!!! | F | 69 | 1 months 150 1X M | 2/1/2011 | 1 | Prednisone induced Osteoprosis | Followed instructions and took medicine first thing in the morning 7 am, empty stomach,etc.,etc. Headache begain about 3-4 hours later. Several hours later I started having sharp stabing stomach pains & back pains. Then the diarrhea started. Went to bed around 11 pm but was awakened at 1:30 am feeling like I had the worst case of flu ever. All of my joints hurt,headache,backache, even my eyes hurt! I was freezing cold and couldn't get warm (heating blanket was on high). Got up then the nausea hit. Spent the next several hours vomiting with diarrhea. Couldn't eat or drink anything,kept telling my husband that I felt like I'd been poisoned. Slept the rest of the day on and off. Took Tylenol for pain but didn't really help. Most of the pain and flu symptoms have receded but today, 3 days after the inital dose I am bleeding rectally. I'm going to give it a day to stop then I'll see my physician. | I would not recommend this drug to anyone period. The risks outweigh the benefits as far as I'm concerned. There are other tx out there to help with Osteo. The manufacturers should have to take this before they allow it on the market! Shame on them (and the FDA for allowing it to be sold)! | F | 54 | 1 months 150 mg 1X M | 2/1/2011 | 1 | osteoporosis | I took 1st dose of actonel on 1/31/11 as directed. Today I have dealt with diarrhea and pain in my left shoulder blade and right knee. I took 2 tablets of lomotil after several trips to bathroom and later today have taken aleve for the body pains. Was looking on the internet for side effects from this drug and came across this site. That will be my first and last dose of actonel. | F | 49 | 1 days 150mg 1X M | 2/1/2011 | 1 | osteopenia | diarrhea/HIVES | 1st month I took it in AM on an empty stomach sitting up and by 5 PM I had diarrhea set in till going to sleep. No other side effect this month. The 2nd month I made it through the first 24 hours with no diarrhea but the 2nd night I awoke with itching. I got up to take a shower to cool it down and I saw HIVES covering me head to toe. I called my doctor who prescribed a pred pack + hydroxyzine to get me through. The thing that Im concerned about is that the doctor wants me to take actonel for the 3rd month. After reading the esophogeal cancer risk and my severe reaction of hives I am seriously considering NOT continuing on this med. My impression is that severe hives is a reason to avoid taking a medication again. Anyone else have a HIVE reaction? | F | 55 | 2 months 150 1X M | 1/19/2011 | 1 | osteopenia | Extreme soreness along both sides of my sternum where it attaches to my ribs across my chest. Very difficult to use the steering wheel while driving. Hurt with each step. Next day moved into neck low back and both hips. Spent 1 full day on the couch with a heating pad and taking ibuprofen and aleve. | Won't take it again. | F | 51 | 1 months 150mg 1X M | 1/13/2011 | 1 | Osteopenia | Took 1st of a monthly dose,by the afternoon feeling bad next day had like the worst case of flu like symtoms. The next 7 days have been awful 2 calls to the dr that prescribed and a visit to my primary care dr who told me NOT to take it ever! Muscles aches so sever I could barely walk 6 days later. Aching all over. Horrible experience. Dr told me it could last 20 days to having systoms for 6mos. Curious as to what drs have told others. Also both drs I saw have never seen anyone with the sever side effects that I have had! | Do not think this once a month is a good idea to start off with. Think a daily dose would be a better way than killing someone with this big dose. Will NEVER take any drug without investigating the side effects more throughly! So glad I found this website so that i know i was not crazy or imagining or be overly concerned | F | 61 | 1 days 1X M | 1/11/2011 | 1 | At risk for osteoperosis | Took one dose on a Friday morning. Woke up in the middle of the night with nausea, diarrhea, and headache. All day Saturday experienced extreme body aches and fatigue and further diarrhea. | I certainly won't be taking another dose. Will rely on calcium supplements, diet and exercise. | F | 57 | 1 days 150 mg 1X D | 1/9/2011 | 1 | dr prescribed for bone loss | 1st dose Oct. 4 - by 10 pm had nausea, chills, general body aches that lasted about 24 hours; 2nd dose - other than mild pain in chest area,neck and shoulders, no side effects. 3rd dose on Jan. 5 - next day began with chills, body aches, headache, nausea and diarrhea. Today still have some nausea. Will contact my doctor next week. | Wish I had done my research before filling prescription for Actonel. | F | 58 | 3 months 150 mg 1X M | 1/8/2011 | 1 | My former doctor prescribed this kind of drug to me. I refused to take. I am going to try the natural cures. I read calicum with vitamin d3, strontium, vitamin k, magneseum and other minerals can reverse bone loss. Just don't take calcium and strontium at the same time because they compete with absorption. Take strontium 3 hours after your last meal. Do weight bearing exercises. Eat more dark leafy green veggies. Good luck to all! | F | 54 | 0 days 1X O | 1/8/2011 | 1 | 0steoporosis | After taking Actonel I started getting pain in knees and had flu like symptoms, nausea and pain in back and shoulders, feel awful, ache all over, decided not to take this medicine anymore, will stick with proper diet and exercise and vitamin D and calcium | F | 55 | 3 months 150 mg. 1X M | 1/4/2011 | 1 | Osteopenia/osteoporosis | Took first time on 12/1/10. By 7:00pm, I started having a pain in the right side of my chest-when I moved. My thumb/wrist developed a pain. By 8:00 I had a fever, was achy, everything hurt. My left eye was watering and turning red. I ran a fever of 103.8 all night & was sick in bed for 6 days. I ran fever this entire time - it never went below 99.8. The pain from my chest subsided and I developed a pain on the shin of my left leg-that subsided and I developed a swollen tender area on my right foot - strange. My eye got worse-to the point that I could tolerate absolutely NO light-not even the little red charge light on the phone charger next to the bed. It was like having your eyes dilated & someone shinging a flashlight right in it. I ended up going to an MD twice and an eye Dr. 3 times. All of them thought I had gotten a virus-they did not think that the Actonel would do this - that it was just coincidental. So, I took my next pill on 1/2/11 and I wish I hadn't. I s | Please research and make sure this is what you want to do. I have never "rated" drugs before, but I feel everyone needs to know how bad the side effects are. | F | 55 | 2 months 150 MG 1X M | 1/4/2011 | 1 | for osteoporosis | Saw Lab Report page in TIME magazine, Sept 20, 2010 issue pg.20 re: 100% risk of esophageal cancer in patients taking Actonel 5 yrs.....enough to make me quit. | F | 71 | 4 years 150mg 1X D | 1/3/2011 | 1 | ostopenia | after taking it the next day I got a burning in my throat and it comes and goes all the time I will not take this drug again and you all should be more aware of peoples side effects!!!!!! | I am not happy with it--Im usually in good health exercise, eat well so I do no appreciate the burning feeling in my throat...I called the Pharmacy and they said it was acid reflux ha ha I never new what acid reflux or heart burn was!!!!!! | F | 69 | 1 months 150mg 1X M | 1/3/2011 | 1 | bone density issues | low grade fever, mild nausea, intense diarrhea starting about 18 hours after ingestion, very achy joints, especially where previous break occurred | I put the symptoms experienced during the first month down to a possible flu bug, although I wondered and looked up side-effects. My reading gave me pause, and I was a little concerned about taking the drug a second month, but followed my doctor's orders and felt worse than I had the first time. I took Actonel once a week for a year prior to my trial of the once a month dose. I will go back to that earlier dose ASAP. | F | 60 | 2 months 150 1X M | 1/3/2011 | 1 | osteopenia | After general body aches and flu-like symptoms, left with severe arm and wrist pain. Took first dose in September 2010 and one more in October. Pain persists in both arms and wrists; some days tolerable, some days much worse. | Does anyone know how long Actonel stays in the body? Will these side effects go away at some point? | F | 55 | 2 months 150 1X M | 12/30/2010 | 5 | Dr prescribed | I also got plantar fasciitis and flu like symptom on top of the prior symptoms listed :-( | F | 57 | 1 times 35mg 1X W | 12/23/2010 History | 1 | Osteoporosis | Took 1 Actonel in the morning, woke next morning with severe headache, by second day I developed excruciating pain in my right wrist, bloating, chest pains. Next day left wrist began hurting too. Can barely use my hands, feeling worse each day. Wondering how long this will last as I can't bare the pain | F | 61 | 1 days 1X M | 12/13/2010 | 3 | Osteopenia | Heartburn | I've had some improvement in some locations on my bone density tests. But recently I've become concerned about side effects like jaw necrosis. I looked at this blog yesterday, & after reading about esophogeal cancer and increased fractures after 5 years on the drug, I've decided to stop taking it. I have some suggestions though. If you are under 5 years, try taking the once-a-week pill every other week. From having to take Prilosec, I eliminated my heartburn entirely by doing this. The drug has a very long half-life, so my doctor was agreeable to this. This year I discovered my Vitamin D3 level was low (<30). I took 1200 IU of Vit D3 (400 tid) for 3 months & increased my Vit D level into the normal range. Without sufficient Vit D, the calcium doesn't get absorbed. My husband & I also take strontium, which I noticed is being taken by others on this list. Do you know it is supposed to be taken between meals & not with Calcium? We take it in the middle of the night to accomplish this (not a problem since we always get up at least once in the night). I'm hoping that after 8 years on actonel, now with normal Vit D level, & plenty of calcium, strontium, & weight-bearing exercise (Curves), I can keep my bones in reasonable shape & not risk the serious side-effects that are coming to light. My husband will probably stop when he hits the 5-year mark. He has osteoporosis, I only have osteopenia at this point. | F | 67 | 8 years 35 mg 1X O | 12/12/2010 | 1 | "significant bone loss" -2.5 | Mild gastro symptoms within 24 hours of taking my first once-a-month pill on a Friday. Slight nausea and stomach gurgling all weekend. By Monday morning strong chest and back pains (scary). Took two Aleve miday which helped. A few days later developed a stiff neck that for some days was severe and is still stiff. Nine days later temple head pain. Ten days later developed head cold/cough. 15 days later developed pain in upper foot (had been in bed all day with cold so no trauma to foot). Hurts to lift heel or bend toes. Even hurt when lying in bed next day. I did walk for an hour on Saturday. Now I'm at 16 days post Actonel and top of my left foot is swollen and tender and still hurts to bend foot/walk. | Although I developed osteoarthritis prior to taking Actonel and have had some stiffness in various joints, including neck and shoulder I never had the severity of soreness in my neck down to my shoulder before I took this drug. I could have just caught a cold as I am a teacher and exposed to germs and my foot problems could be another isolated matter. However, I tend to think having all these things happen within two weeks of taking a strong dose of a new medication is not pure coincidence and rather my body's reaction Actenol. I will not take it again even if it means I'll never know for sure. It's not worth it. | F | 52 | 1 months 150 mg 1X M | 12/12/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | Heart palpatations after second monthly pill,extreme fatigue,dizziness,very weak and sore muscles,severe foot pain behind toe area,severe jaw pain,2 white spots appeared on face, many trips to a Dr.and physcial therapy...still DR said these symptoms not related to actonel.Ater researching,I decided that they could be so I went off actonel and slowly started feeling better.....muscle issues and fatigue still a problem....then additional bloodwork showed early stages LEUKEMIA,THYROID PROBLEMS and blood work suggestive for CELIAC disease. | HAVE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH LEUKEMIA AFTER TAKING ACTONEL????????? PLEASE CONTACT ME. | F | 52 | 9 months 150mg 1X M | 12/12/2010 | 4 | Osteoporosis/Osteopenia | upset stomach and achy for the first two days, then better. | Like most people, I don't look forward to taking this drug every month and will sometimes push back a few days. However, I just had my first Dexa since starting Actonel 14 months ago and I've shown significant improvement! No longer have osteoporosis, back to osteopenia. Will suck it up and continue as long as it works! | M | 28 | 14 months 1X M | 12/8/2010 | 1 | Osteo | Took one 150 MG Actonel 830 AM, followed instructions about not laying down, eating, etc. Developed flu-like symptoms by early evening (tired, chills, general body aches). On day #2 started to feel better. By day #3 flu like symptoms had mostly dissipated but had developed serious pain and stiffness in wrists, hands, and neck. Wrists swollen, feel like they are broken. Driving, writing, picking things up, eating with a fork, etc. very problematic. Still no relief as-of day #6 (today). | Recommend avoiding this drug entirely but certainly start with low dose if you are going to try it at all - not the 150 MG monthly mega-dose. Take off the market unless safe use approach can be determined. | F | 61 | 1 times 150 MG 1X M | 12/8/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I took the monthly tablet on Saturday morning after carefully reading and following the manufacturer's instructions. I had no side-effects until Saturday evening, then I felt as though I had a bad case of the flu. I had fever, chills and upset stomach. Got up the next morning and threw up. After the fever broke, I slept on and off for 24 hours. Three days later, I still feel tired and achy. | Three months ago I had a complete hysterectomy. Because of the placement of non-malignant tumors, my doctor had to do the big cut. But still, I was up and going strong after only a couple of days, and within a couple of weeks I was back walking 3 miles daily. The side effects of the one Actonel tablet were much more debilitating than my hysterectomy. | F | 55 | 3 days 150mg 1X M | 12/6/2010 | 1 | osteo | Diarrhea, flu like symptoms, bone and muscle ache, stomach cramps, chills, you name it. That was one day after taking the once a month dose, today is day 3 and still in the same situation. I have been on Actonel once a week for about seven or eight years now; my bone density shows improvement, but for the past 4 months I discontinued because of muscle pain in my thighs, and I waited for my appointment with my specialist to have him change the medication, but on the contrary he put me on a killing dose. I will go to see him tomorrow. I wish I had read more about the medication before taking it. | F | 55 | 1 days 150 1X M | 12/5/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Severe stomach pain, Severe headache, nausea, joint, and muscle pain. Low grade fever. Joints and muscles feel like they are on fire. | Should be taken off the market | F | 43 | 150 MG 1X M | 12/3/2010 | 4 | osteopenia | I had no detectable side effects from once-a-week Actonel. After 4 years, I switched to once-a-month Actonel for convenience. Each time I used the larger pill, I developed flu-like symptoms on the afternoon of the next day. By the afternoon of the following day, I felt ok. After stopping the medication for 6 months, I took another pill. The reaction was faster this time, giving me chills, tremors, and fear of dying during the first night. After two days, stomach is still hurting a bit and I feel feverish. | During the period I was taking Actonel, my bone density improved. Looking back, I should have stayed with the 35mg dose to finish what I believed to be the safe period on bisphosphanates, five years. My feeling now is to take my chances on declining bone density. I have two 150mg pills which I will donate to anyone who is satisfied with their once-a-month Actonel. | M | 76 | 4.5 years 1X W | 11/30/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | Significant pain primarily in my knees, legs and hips. Sometimes I can barely walk or get out of a chair. The discomfort is interrupting my sleep. Second pill was October 27 - over a month ago and no abatement of symptoms. | Dr.'s office said side effects should just have been a few days. Will let them know about this website. No more Actonel for me. | F | 55 | 2 months 150 1X M | 11/29/2010 | 1 | Diagnosed Osteopenia | One and half days after taking Actonel experienced severe chills. Later in evening temperature of 103. Fever broke in middle of night and no other symptoms after that. Spoke to my doctor because the Actonel was the only thing different in my diet, etc. He said the medicine will be in my system for an entire months and that I should try again next month. Did that and the same thing occured but also got abdominal pain for three days. | I have decided not to take this medicine, and have begun weight bearing exercises and taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement. Will see how I do one year from now when tested again. | F | 58 | 2 months 150mg 1X M | 11/27/2010 | 1 | doctors advice | DO NOT TAKE. POISON. | F | 56 | 0 days 1X O | 11/25/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | esophageal spasms; esophageal bleed; excuciating pain in lower back, hips, feet, thighs. Became almost diabled and was suicidal from intense pain. Doctors treated pain and made NO connection between these horrible drugs and my increasing disability. | Life without this drug is almost back to normal. I cannot believe the amount of my life that I lost because I was prescribed this drug, after Fosamax had caused the same problems. | F | 67 | 10 years 35 1X W | 11/24/2010 | 1 | diagnosis of osteoporsis | None until I read the report in TIME magazine for Sept 20, 2010, pg. 20. | From TIME magazine of Sept 20, 2010, pg. 20" Direct quote: " 100% increase in risk of esophageal cancer over 5 yrs in osteoporosis patients using bisphosphonates." That was all I had to see......quit Actonel immediately. | F | 71 | 4 years 150 mg 1X M | 11/23/2010 | 1 | just diagnosed with osteoporosis | took the pill at 8am on 11-18-2010 by 1:30am Fri woke with severe pain in back between bra line and panty line on the right side-screamed out in pain hurt so bad-made it up and to the bathroom where I fainted. Got up and was able to make it to the bed where I stayed for only a hour because of the pain and sat in a chair from 4:30 until 6:30 when I called my doctor who told me to go to the er. NEVER HAVE I EXPERIENCE THE INTENSITY OF THE PAIN. UNDESCRIBABLE. At the er they took blood test and urine test to check against kidney stones, a ekg and a ct of my heart because of the chest pains. I was given 4 iv's of morphin and then one of torodol with benedryl all followed with saline. I was told they did not know what was wrong and when I kept asking about the Actonel which was the only thing different they avoided answering. I was sent home with information on shingles and perscriptions for toradol and ultram to ease the pain which it has but my back aches and my chest is hurting stil | It should be taken off the market until it can be researched properly. They should have to re-imburse people for all these problems. I am a widow on a fixed income and cannot only with stand all the unneccessary expenses but the fright of being alone thru all this is SCAREY beyond explanation. | F | 65 | 150 1X M | 11/21/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis diagnosed this week | I am in tears for those of you suffering the effects of this drug. In spite of your pain, you offer your experiences so that others won't suffer the same. THANK YOU! I will NOT take this drug...EVER. | F | 65 | 0 days 150 1X M | 11/20/2010 | 1 | Borderline Osteoporosis | I decided against taking it after doing my own research. | For the person who said that they ''can't understand all the side-effects'', I'll just say this. Just because YOU may not have had any, does not mean that others haven't! We are all different, with different metabolisms and the horrible side-effects people describe here are very real and definitely not made up! | F | 65 | 0 days 1X W | 11/19/2010 | 1 | Osteopenia | Joint pain in thumbs - slight heartburn. Also encountered left ear pain and hearing loss 1 week after first dose. Went to Dr. for ear pain, said there was fluid on eardrum and prescribed Advil Sinus. I have NEVER had sinus symptoms, I have been taking Advil Sinus for two weeks and there has been no ear pain relief. | Will not take 2nd dose of Actonel. | F | 50 | 1 months 150 mg 1X M | 11/15/2010 | 2 | Osteopenia/osteoporosis | Bone pain--extreme. Stomach problems. Unable to sleep because of pain/discomfort. Symptoms stopped after 4 days first month, however, with the second dose and 6 days later, the pain/discomfort hasn't gone away yet. Cannot describe the pain--difficultly walking, performing daily activities. | Plan to talk with doctor and discontinue Actonel use. I don't want to continue feeling like this. | F | 54 | 2 months 150 1X M | 11/14/2010 | 5 | Osteoporosis | No side effects what so ever. | I have had 2 additional bone density tests following 1 year of Actonel (weekly). My bone mass has increased. I have had no side-effects. Going "naturally" did nothing to reverse my bone loss. What a joke! Once the bone loss is gone, diet and exercise is not enough. I can't understand all t he side-effects I've heard of. | F | 53 | 2 years 35 mgs. 1X W | 11/9/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis, Borderline Osteopenia | This is being posted 5 days after my 1st dose of Actonel. None of what follows existed before I took this medication except minor right knee pain. On day #1 I had benign Flu-like symtoms, aching joints, diarrhea lasting 4 days, severe chills, loss of appetite. Returned to work yesterday after 4 days off following dx of Flu from my primary MD. Continuing to have Severe Joint & Bone pains. Finding it hard to get up & down stairs because of pain in knees. Pain in upper & lower back & neck (stiff & aching). Yesterday actually called my husband because I experienced sharp pains in the chest (under Left Breast), pain similar to what you feel after prolonged heavy lifting, that came on so suddenly, I feared I may be having early symptoms of a heart attack. I have severe right shoulder (joint) pain to the point it hurts to lift my arm. | As a nurse, I do strenuous work daily, and have NEVER felt like this. My concern is the sudden onset of ALL these symptoms, and still find it astonishing that ONE pill could have caused such side effects. When I weigh the potential risks & benefits of taking this medication -vs- the side effects, I have decided that I will stop taking the Actonel and resume taking calcium, vit D, exercise more, and make sound dietary changes to improve my bone strength. What would be the benefit of increased bone density if I can't even get out of bed ? | F | 49 | 1 months 150 1X M | 11/6/2010 | 1 | Osteopenia | Wow, I thought there was something wrong with me. I have had osteopenia for 7 years and have been on Actonel weekly. I have GERD so the doctor gave a sample of Boniva and Actonel monthly. Last month I tested the Boniva and it seemd to be fine. Monday, I took Actonel 150mg. Everything seemed to be fine. By Wednesday I was doubled over with pain in my stomach gassy, bloating, diahrea etc.. I thought maybe it was something I ate, not thinking it could be a side effect of the Actonel. Now it's Friday and still have diarhea and pains in my stomach so I thought I would check out the side effects of the actonel. Low and behold here you all are with the same story. It looks like I will be going with the Boniva. | Anybody know how long it take to go through your system? this is miserable.... | M | 51 | 5 days 150 1X M | 11/5/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Always have back aches and chronic fatigue | First year showed an increase of bone density. By the second year there was no change. After the third and fouth year of it remaining the same there was a significant decrease in density of my bones. My doctors both insisted I should continue to take it along with calcium and vitamin D. As of today I will no longer take this medication. I am lifting light weights, eating food with more calcium and taking 1200 units of calcium along with vitamin D. | F | 71 | 7 years 35 MG 1X W | 11/4/2010 | 1 | bone loss | Violent flu symptoms, very bad dreams (I was on chemo 8 years ago and did not react so violently) ached for 6 days after. Never before have I ever reacted to practically every side effect noted. | I also have dental problems related to my cancer of the salavia glands and I don/t feel I should have been given this in the first place | F | 67 | 7 days 150 mg 1X M | 11/4/2010 |