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 | oesteoporosis | Within 24 hours I had diahrea for the next 6 days. After 3 months I went on 30 mg a week instead and that eased the diarhea but I started getting pain in my left shoulder. I orinally thougt it was due to knocking hard in to a door jam but I had no bruising. Within a week it had spread to the other arm and my groin. I was in agony and could hardly move. No amount of Panadol Forte could ease the pain. I also note severe skin rask on my left chin. The doctor was checking me for polymiolitis but could find nothing in the blood sample. I have ceased using the product and are slowly recovering. | F | 67 | 6 months 150 mg 1X M | 10/29/2010 | 1 | haven't taken it yet but advised to | Nurse practitioner's assistant called me today to advise me to start taking this drug after seeing results of last week's bone density test - but before agreeing to fill the prescription I asked about possible side effects. She sounded rather cavalier about them. I said I'd rather not be on any medication since I am otherwise in very good health, in good shape, and exercise regularly. After reading this website I will take more Vitamin D, go back to the gym and continue lifting weights instead...thank you all so much for sharing your experiences and warning others...now I trust my intuition even more... | F | 55 | 0 days 35 mg 1X W | 10/28/2010 | 4 | slight heartburn, 2-3 days after taking tablet, lasting about 2 hours. | With change of diet (more red fish,salads and fruit) & Ostelin tablets(calcium with Vitamin D) and exercise my bone density has improved about 12% in the past year. | M | 61 | 12 months 150 1X M | 10/27/2010 | 1 | To increase my bone density | Burping, stomach pain and diarrhea for 8 day with stiffness in neck. | I'm going to a Gastro PA since my stomach pains have not decreased after 8 days. | F | 59 | 8 days 150 mg 1X M | 10/25/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | Bone density increased, as test results showed density of a 52-year-old at a drugstore test center. Fortunately I stopped taking it and then have non-reversible damage to gums and jawbone. | I am angry that there is no measurement of when to stop and the effects are delayed and non-stoppable. I would appreciate studies on age-relationahip to continued use fo Actonel. | F | 82 | 2 years 1X W | 10/22/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis preventative | Took my first Actonel at 8am. Knees started to ache in the afternoon. Woke up at midnight violently shaking. Developed nausea and vomiting under 8am the next morning. Will not take again!! | F | 60 | 1 days 150mg 1X M | 10/15/2010 | 1 | Osteopenia | pain in Achilles tendons. stiff knees, shoulder pain/stiffness, thumb lower joint pain. | Took it for 4 months and could barely walk after sitting still for just a short time. Stopped taking it for 4 or 5 months and the joints finally went pretty much back to normal. To give it a fair chance as I am also on other meds for colitis, I took one more dose a few weeks ago and some symptoms are back - sore Achilles tendon, stiff knees, stiff back. Won't be taking any more meds of this type. | F | 58 | 4 months 150mg 1X M | 10/14/2010 | 3 | Bone density loss | I didn't have any side effects til I started having a raspiness in my voice. My ENT Spec. diagnose me as having Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. My gastronologist said Actonel probably caused it. So I discontinued it. I have a bone density test every three years and the first test after taking Actonel did show a rise in bone density, that was the only time. | I am now having trouble with my jaw teeth wanting to fold in. I went to an orthropedic today for a back injury, he told me that we're going to have bone density loss to a certain degree as we get older no matter what medicine you take. | F | 71 | 10 years 30mg 1X D | 10/13/2010 | 2 | bone loss | day after taking started seeing flashing lights in one eye. Now eye full of floaters. Also I have sinus problems and now I have more sinus pain. Stomach is upset also if I don't keep eating frequently. | Has anyone else had eye problems with this drug. | M | 64 | 9 days 150mg 1X M | 10/11/2010 | 1 | osteoporisis | extreme swelling in hands, thumbs particularly. Extreme pain in wrist and hands | Had I read this website before taking this I would never have put this poison in my body. I feel 90 years old. Never again. I am telling everyone I see...DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG...IT IS POISON! | F | 56 | 6 days 150 1X M | 10/11/2010 | 5 | OSTEOPORISIS | Extreme pain in hands and wrists with swelling. had to take of rings. stomach pain and diarrhea. stiffness in neck. | I thought I was dying until I read these articles. Had I done by research more thoroughly I would never have taken the actonel. I am done for good. My hands hurt so bad I can hardly type and I do this for a living. Please do not take this medicine. I am hoping to get this out of my system as soon as possible. I could not sleep and could not stand for my husband to hug me it hurts so bad. I cried while lying in bed and got up to try and get some relief. Can't open the doors and was so glad to read these postings because it all makes sense now! I will call my gynecologist in the morning and tell her what a terrible drug this is and I will find healthier ways to treat my bones. Does anyone know how long this pain will last? | F | 56 | 6 days 150 MG 1X M | 10/10/2010 | 2 | 2yrsago osteopenia/now osteoporosis | Diarrhea, bright cherry red dime size spots, severe joint pain in hands, slight off balance - don't feel sure of my footing sometimes, abdominal pain, flatulence, sometimes slight headache (probably lack of liquid due to diarrhea), general ill feeling on 10/8, took 1/month medicine on 10/5, and sleeping problem. | 2 yrs ago diagnosis osteopenia started 1/wk but severe bone aches after 2 wks, then shingles, so discontinued. Last month, diagnosis osteoporosis, so restarted with 1/day, no side effects, but forgot and ate food a few times, so tried 1/wk, fine, then 10/5 1/month dose..10/8 severe abdominal pain, bright red dime sized spots on thighs, some bruise marks; felt ill, then 10/9 diarrhea at least 12 times today. Noticed yesterday and today that I feel off balanced at times. Pain in joints in hand. I have arthritis and have been on celebrex and sulfazalizine (doctor is aware of these medications) which are to reduce pain and inflammation in joints caused by arthritis, so that might reduce pain from Actonel as well, I am guessing. Sulfazalizine and actonel can both cause kidney damage and I was being monitored for any kidney complications prior to starting Actonel, but I am worried diarrhea causes one to lose so much fluid. Slight headache probably need to intake more liquid, and I have been doing so, but seems anytime I eat, I have to rush to the bathroom. I had started calcium supplements, except I wondered if we all should be adjusting our diet to ensure the Actonel works, so I checked a blog on what diet should be maintained with Actonel. I have been taking calcium in the form of Tums and also Viactiv which provides both calcium and Vitamin D which is needed to absorb the calcium. Just now, I had some Oatmeal (really good product from Costco) and have been fine for 5 min | F | 52 | 5 days 150 1X M | 10/10/2010 | 1 | I took ACTONEL on a Sunday and within 2 hours of taking felt like I had the flu. Had to laydown, very restless sleep, Couldn't stand or sit, Fever, Chills, Neck and Shoulder Pain. | Next day, went to work still feeling like I had the flu, came home early evening shivering and shaking. This occurred every day for the entire week! By the following Saturday, felt OK again. I have an existing fracture in my back and osteopenia ~ doctor suggested ACTONEL due to existing fracture and possibility of future fractures. I will not take this medicine again! | F | 59 | 1 days 150 MG 1X M | 10/10/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Debilitating joint pain, muscle pain, nause, severe diarrhea, weight loss, cramping in hands, headache & eye tenderness | I had severe side effects from weekly Fosamax 4+ years ago. I thew it in the trash, refused to take any more. It took 18 months for the symptoms to resolve. I'm very sorry I allowed myself to be pushed into trying Actonel. NEVER AGAIN! | F | 56 | 9 months 150 mg. 1X M | 10/8/2010 | 1 | prescribed by doctor | I followed the directions and took the pill early this morning. By late afternoon, I was very nauseated and experiencing stomach cramps, chills and feeling very ill. This doesn't seem like something I want to repeat. | F | 54 | 1 days 150 1X M | 10/6/2010 | 5 | osteopenia | Please do not take this product, simply take ortho-bone, strontium, vitamine k, and bone, with good nutrition and exercise. I reversed the osteopenia and I now have a normal range for my bone density--with no medication!!!!!(after three years) | F | 47 | 1 1X W | 10/5/2010 | 1 | Border line Osteoporosis | The first month, 9/10, no problems. The second month,10/1 I had severe reaction that night. I felt like I had been kicked in the ribs. I had a hard time getting up from my chair, walking upright, turning over in bed, anything that required the use of my muscles around my ribs. The next day I felt fluish and still very sore. I couldn't sleep because I hurt too much. Suday I was some better. Monday I didn't hurt that much, but felt foggy. Today, Tuesday, I feel ok, except for occasional, sharp stabs of pain in my lower back. I racked my brain to figure out what had made me so sore. None of my workouts were new. Actonel was the only variable. My pharmacist agreed. | My doctor never mentioned side affects. On Monday I sent him a detailed fax about my symptoms. I will not take the monthly dose again. Two years ago he gave me the choice of taking calcium or prescription meds. I chose calcium. This year he said I needed to take the prescription meds and gave me two samples of the Actonel. Out side of allergy meds I've never taken any medications. This stuff is awful. I reported it to the FDA | F | 60 | 2 months 150 1X M | 10/5/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | severe pain in lower back | this drug should be banned!!! | F | 43 | 3 weeks 35 mg 1X W | 10/4/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | About 14 hours after taking Actonel for the first time I woke up with very bad stomach pains which are still occuring. The next day I had flu like symptoms, back ache, stomach ache, headache, heartburn and have felt like that since. I'm wondering how long the symptoms are going to last. I have also taken Boniva, Miacalcin, Forteo and did not have any side effects. I had severe heartburn to Fosamax but not as severe heartburn to the weekly Actonel. I told my doctor I didn't want to take Actonel but he assured me that the monthly Actonel was different and that's the one that would best suit my osteoporosis. It's different alright. | F | 61 | 1 times 150 mg 1X M | 10/4/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Yesterday morning I took my first Actonel pill prescribed by my dr for osteoporosis and 12 hrs later I was stricken with major pain. I took heavy-duty pain med thinking it was because we were out last nite and I sat on the ground watching Bandalu at the Orange County Performing Arts. Thought I had a fibromyalgia flare. I woke this am to crushing chest pain, muscle pain all over. Allan took me to urgent care. They thought I was having a heart attack. Spent all am there taking tests...good news not infarct. Bad news. Severe reaction to the drug. Spent the afternoon sleeping after 500mg vicodin, just got up and pain still severe. I've had many surgeries and this beats incision and trauma pain. I have now found out that one out of four women who use this drug experience pain, albeit usually not as crazy as mine (fibromyalgia greatly intensifies any condition, as my MD pointed out to me this am). He also t | F | 62 | 1 days 35 mg 1X W | 10/3/2010 | 1 | Osteoperosis | Severe diahria and cramps the following day of taking the once a month Actonel | I take Actonel on the 18th of every month. The next morning at 5am the pain in my abs start. I go to the bathroom 5 or 6 times with severe diahrea and severe cramping, nauseau and cannot see food for 2 days. Feel feverish and ache all over. | F | 65 | 5 months 150 1X M | 10/2/2010 | 1 | alleged osteoperosis | I followed directions exactly, did not recline after taking and I had the worst drug reaction of my life. In fact I am still having reactions 4 months after taking one pill. I cannot let myself get the least bit hungry and I cannot have any dairy at all. My stomache growls constantly. thank goodness the dr in emergency told me to stay away from dairy. I accidently ate yogurt the other day and spent 2 days writhing in agony. This drug should be pulled from the market. Did I see there is now a class action suit against the makers of this drug? And righly so. They have caused harm to innocent people and I believe drs are being brainwashed($$$$) into prescribing Actonel. | F | 50 | 1 days 150 1X M | 10/1/2010 | 4 | no side effects - people need to take as directed and respect the cautions about not reclining after taking it | bone density increased | F | 68 | 3 years 150 1X M | 9/29/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | The first day I took the Actonel, my bones hurt so much I could barely stand it. I felt like I had a really bad flu bug. I now have acid reflux so bad I don't know what to do. I was on Actonel for 6 months. | I thankfully got off this product and think it should be taken off the market so others don't have to suffer. | F | 82 | 6 months 1X M | 9/29/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | i had joint pain every week, including severe neck, hip and back pain. I kept giving it another chance . But after 2 mo. of severe pain for most of each week, I stopped taking it and it took almost a week and chiropractic adjustments to get any relief. I was even trying tylenol with codeine and oxycontin. They didn't even relieve the pain. Only getting off it helped. This is the 4th drug of this kind that I have tried. | Don't take it!! | F | 62 | 2 days 1X W | 9/29/2010 | 1 | osteopedia | Diarrhea, stomach pain, flu like symptoms such as chill, aches and pain all over body, arm pain, weakness, and tiredness. | I started taking actonel Sept. 23, 2010. At 3:00 a.m. on Sept. 24,I started with chills and stomach pain. From there everything went down hill. Do not take this medicine. I should have research this med. before taking it. I relied on my Dr. to give me the right medicine, and that didn't work. Now I am suffering. I will never take actonel again. | F | 51 | 1 months 150 mg 1X D | 9/25/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | Just tried Actonel on a Friday in the a.m. By mid afternoon, felt weak and started to feel achy. I lost my appetite and started feeling like I had the flu. The next day was worse. Had off and on chills, was extremely achy, had spasms and pain in my back and chest, loss of appetite, headache. Was in bed most of the day. Had to sit up at night because of stomach pain. Felt somewhat better the second day but developed this neck spasm that went down into my shoulder and jaw. Thought I was having a heart attack. Stomach hurt. Weird body aches. By Monday, felt better; but I still feel a little bit achy and my joints, especially my knees, hurt off and on. Wonder how long the this medication stays in your system? | Just diagnosed with osteoporosis and started on Actonel, 150 mg. once a month. I told my physician about my symptoms. Since I already have GERD and take Prilosec twice a day and this medication affects my stomach, he recommended I stop the Actonel and begin IV Reclast. I looked at all the side effects to this medication, and it's even worse! Not sure what to do! I also just started on Calcium and Vitamin D. Don't want to take these medications. The side effects are brutal! | F | 53 | 1 days 150 mg. 1X M | 9/23/2010 | 2 | Osteoporosis | I developed Leukocytoses since I took Actonel. Lab test can proof it. | none | F | 66 | 4 months 150mg 1X M | 9/20/2010 | 1 | mild osteoporosis | Severe bone, joint and muscle pain, especially back of neck, shoulders and lowerback. Stabbing pain right upper abdomen and mid right back.Eyes ache and are extremely sesitive to light. Severe constant headaches, muscle cramping of jaw, hands and feet. Severe dental bone loss. Aches all over, extreme fatigue. Life robbing effects. Nausea and diarrhea. Feels like I'm dying of a brain tumor or something. Dr. sent me home with muscle relaxers and pain killers which made me feel even sicker. He never even mentioned that Actonel could be the problem. | I was diagnosed 5 years ago with fibrmyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome...thinking back all those symptoms started after I started taking Actonel.I'm getting off as of now! I, too, would rather break a leg or a hip than try to live like this. | F | 57 | 5 years 150 1X M | 9/19/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | stomach pain, bloating, feeling unsteady on my feet, face broken out. | I was amazed at the symptoms that appeared after just one dose. I have also been dealing with adjusting to new cholesterol medicine and attributed to that at first, then realized it was the Actonel. I know I have a system that does not easily accept "foreign substances". But this is getting ridiculous. It has been 5 days and I still don't fell 100% yet. | F | 61 | 1 days 1X M | 9/15/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | Immediately after taking this drug I felt my body weaken..I can't walk on my feet they hurt so much, my body aches and and my stomach feels sick..The first day I spent in a ball curled up and haven't been able to feel well since I took it..I feel like I ran a marathon and then got hit by a truck. They should never have put this drug on the market..I think I would have felt better if I broke a bone. This isn't worth it! | I would never recommend this to anyone. I wish I had researched this drug before I took it. I trusted my physician!! | M | 57 | 3 days 150 1X M | 9/15/2010 | 1 | I take vitamins, calcium, and vitamin D. Exercise is good, and taking herbs like (horse tail tea, which is an herb) is great for building bones. I try to exercise everyday, at least half an hour. Taking tums is great also, it has a lot of calcium. Fish oil is great too. Also caltrate. Those little calcium and vit D, chewable chocolate carmels, you can get at any drug store is great also. | F | 56 | 0 days 0 1X O | 9/14/2010 | 1 | to maintain bone density | Severe stomach cramping 8 hours after taking drug.Mild naseau. After weight trianing with trainer, few hours later,body felt as if I was hit by a train.My lower back stiffened up,shoulders painful, chest pain and neck pain.I felt chills,feverish and could not get out of my bed without wincing in pain, was difficult to stand upright. 2 days later, I was fine.Trained again saturday and samething happened at night.Like I was hit by a train! Why does it take weight training to activate these painful joint and bone symptom??? | I am a breast cancer survivor and am taking arimidex which decreases estrogen which decreases bone density. This drug was prescribed to maintain the bone density.I'm hoping there is something else that has fewer,tolerable, less harmful side effects. | F | 55 | 1 weeks 1X M | 9/12/2010 | 1 | borderline osteoporosis | Took Actonel weekly for a couple of years minimal side effects. Heve fibromyalgia as well as chronic back pain.Began monthly dosage believe Sept./09.Had severe muscle/joint, bone pain aching all over, severe pain in toes,knees.Always felt like a truck had hit me.Bed ridden day following taking pill. Felt pain daily rest of week. Hurt to move everywhere.This pill caused excruciating joint pain.Began having severe stomache pain, below rib pain, mid back pain,black stools diarreha with refulx,some vomiting mid June/10.Now Sept/10. Consultation has been ordered re: booking of scope possible bleeding ulcer! Can't help but wonder if actonel is responsible for severe stomache problems as well! Now on meds for possible bleeding ulcer, taking Gaviscon, watching diet. Stopped pill for July dosage. Now getting relief from severe joint/muscle pain, no toe, knee pain. I will never take this horrible drug again.I am continuing with Calcium & D. I couldn't believe how many other people had such t | F | 61 | 150 mg 1X M | 9/12/2010 | 1 | osteo , several fractures | first, i followed the exact directions. several hours after taking this medication I first notices muscle weakness followed by chest pain, heart palpations. within a hour of the first side effect every joint and muscle in my body was in agony.It also affected my stomach and esophagas. Due to my illness I am use to pain and some side effects but this is horrible!!! I was teaching a class when the side effects occured, by the end of the hour my students were alarmed with the changes they witnessed me going through, I had to be driven home because I could barley move, the pain was that extreme I could not breathe without chest pain it was weeks before I started feeling better, but I now have new symptoms I did not have before taking actenol ie popping noises in my neck when ever I turn my head. | This medication should be taken off the market and a lawsuit filed. There is no benefit to this type of suffering when you are already dealing with an illness. This is the first medication that I ever complained to the FDA about My prayers all with fellow sufferers. I am going to look into Natural Meds! | F | 49 | 1 days 150 1X D | 9/9/2010 | 1 | Osteopenia | Pain in back left side. Diarrhea,chills i will not take this again this was just awful thought i was dieing. | How can they give you something like that. I have never felt that bad even with the flu.i Ended up in the hospital and let them now anything new that i took. HELLO | F | 56 | 150mg 1X M | 9/6/2010 | 1 | osteoperisis | I am a 50 yr old woman. A specialist convinced my I needed this drug. I took one pill on June 1 2010 and had the WORST reaction of my life! Intense stomach pain and diarrhea that burned my bowels. I vomited so hard even long after my stomach was empty. Back pain, leg pain, arm pain. My left arm is still feeling like there is intense pressure inside. My blood pressure has gone up since taking this drug. When in emergency because the diarrhea didn't stop for days the dr told me to stay away from any dairy. I also hd to get medication to numb my bladder as that was burned too. I am still having side effects from this drug. Now I have both constipation and diarrhea. My bowels have been ravaged by this drug. It has ruined my quality of life. This experience has really shaken my faith in the medical community. | The makers of this drug and the doctors who prescribe it should be held accountable for the damage they have done to all of us! Please allow me to join your class action suit. | F | 50 | 1 days 150 mg 1X M | 9/3/2010 | 1 | I am struck by how many people report NO BENEFIT from taking the drug! All these patients enduring torture, with no benefit.......I am so glad I never took this or other osteop. drugs..............thank you all for sharing. | F | 57 | 1X W | 9/2/2010 | 1 | perscribed by doctor | My mother is 86 and broke her femur bone from being on actonel for four years. She would always complain about how sick she would be after taking the medicine, and how her legs would also be in pain. I would tell her to stop taking actonel, but I guess some people like my mom put all there trust in the doctors and the drug companies. Well after all that has happened my mother has a different outlook about who you can trust in the medical field, and to look up the mediciation side affects that are perscribed for you. We have filed a class action law suit against procter and gambel. | These drugs should be off the market. Please if you or someone you know is taking these type of drugs stop them right away. You do not want to go though what my mother is going though. | F | 86 | 4 days 1X W | 9/1/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | no side effects until shooting pain in feet and toes 3 weeks ago, stopped actonel, pain in feet disappeared the first week, now I have pain in both arms. Are there any side effects after stopping? Or is this unrelated? | No change in bone density after 2 years (-2.9) | F | 57 | 3 years 35mg 1X W | 8/30/2010 | 1 | prescribed by my Doctor | Like everyone else, I suffered from diaherra, chills, upset stomach, achy eyes. This lasted about 3-4 days. I felt better for about 2-3 days then started experiencing back and joint aches. The pain was so bad, I could not sleep and hurt everytime I moved. After ten days of suffering, my husband took me to the Doctor. From his office he gave me 3 days worth of ZIPSOR. I am to take ZIPSOR twice a day for 3 days. I took the first tablet about seven hours ago and I feel so much better. The pain is still there but not as severe. By the time the ZIPSOR is done, I believe I will feel completely better. If there is ever a class action lawsuit you can include me. | If you are suffering from the effects of Actonel, have your doctor or healthcare provider prescribe ZIPSOR. It is really helping me and I think it will help most people suffering from the effect of Actonel. An additional note: my doctor has taken me completely off of Actonel. I will never take it again. Hope this help somebody. | F | 51 | 10 days 150 mg 1X M | 8/27/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | Became wheelchair bound due to inability to eat, jaw pain. | Don't take this! No chemical can make bones stronger. I took this for 4 months, 35 mg once a week, became weaker and ached till I became wheelchair bound. I took actonel 8 years ago. A well known pharmacist and nutritionist who has successfully advised me in the past recommended vitamins and told me the side effects will last at least 10 years. After 8 years I can walk some with a walker. Take vitamins, yogurt, milk, soy, even ice cream! Don't put yourself through this hell. | F | 68 | 4 months 35 1X W | 8/26/2010 | 1 | To prevent osteoporosis | 1. Severe chest and back pain. 2. Weight loss. 3. Irregular heartbeat, to the point where my internist said I needed a pacemaker. My pulse was 32 beats per minute. | My physician said this drug was like taking a vitamin. It nearly killed me! My wife and I started to discuss "end of life" issues. I didn't think I was going to make it. It took six weeks for the effects to wear off. NO MORE ACTONEL! | M | 70 | 1 times 35 mg 1X M | 8/25/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | New bone scan revealed I went from osteopenia to osteoporosis, so subsequent to fractures in both my feet, it was recommended I try Actonel again (I had negative response to Fosamax in the past). Following one year of Actonel in the past, I experienced jaw necrosis and required removal of 4 dental implants. Three years have passed since this problem. With my current less favorable bone scan, I reluctantly decided to try again. Within a couple days, my arthritic left thumb pain now includes the right hand. As well, I have aching knees and joints generally, troubled sleep with increased fatigue, decreased stamina, chills, heartburn in the middle of the night every day, and increasing episodes of DIARRHEA EVERY DAY - 5+ times/day. As soon as I eat, in an hour or less I have to be near a bathroom. This symptom continues during my waking hours. OH, unfortunately, I think I am experiencing additional gum erosion. I am done with Actonel. The treatment is worse than the d | F | 65 | 45 days 35 mg 1X W | 8/24/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | I was about to give in and take Actonel due to my doctor's pleading with me to do something. I have been going natural and now will continue to do that. I am so sorry for all the suffering you are going through and I thank you for taking the time and effort to warn others. I believe we put too much faith in our doctors and not enough in ourselves. I never trust drug companies out to make money with little regard for a real healthy cure for illness. I hope you all feel better and hope for your recovery. Regards and thank you. | F | 71 | 0 days 1X M | 8/22/2010 | 1 | Have osteopenia | numbness, pain in the face, neck and head pain now arm pain in right arm. | I am going to go off it for a solid month and see if there is any change I can not stand the pain anymore. I've had bone scan, MRI head scan, and other tests for other things as well and also saw a neurologist with no results. They just want to give me pain meds. I also get a neck shot of steroids every three months, this helps the neck pain but not the face pain. I'm at my wits end I swim four days a week and do aquasize and also do machines and life weights, otherwise my body is in excellent shape. | F | 78 | 4 years 35mg 1X W | 8/22/2010 | 1 | Osteopenia | I did pretty well until around 10 pm of the day I took it. Then I had violent chills, shaking, fever and aches. I ran a fever all the second day and had bad stomach cramps. Today is the 3rd day and I have diarrhea and a low fever. | I am pissed that doctors prescribe this medication without warning adequately about side effects. My doctor already knew I had similar side effects with Fosamax, yet she started me on the once monthly 150mg dose of Actonel. I think that weight-lifting exercise 3X per week is going to be my pathway to building my bones. But I can tell that I will have to monitor my bone density regularly to see if it's working. I would never recommend this medication to another woman. Why be put out of commission several days per month or worse? How many men do you know who would put up with this? I read another site which recommended a book by Gillian Sanson called "The Myth of Osteoporosis." I am going to read this book for starters. | F | 50 | 1 days 150mg 1X M | 8/22/2010 | 1 | within a few hrs I began to hurt all over-abt 1 1/2 days later my face got red blotches all over it & then scalled up whic has lasted 5 1/2 mnths so far, I have been back to my primary care dr who prescbd Actonel & then to my dermatologist, have taken massive dosage of Prednisone but the blotches keep coming back, so misserible, now being snt to a dermatologist specialist out of town. I took 1 pill 150mgs & will never take it or any other type of this medication again. My doctor said she had never heard of anyone allergic to Actonel, well she has now. I will gladly join a class action suit if one is filed.I am wondering just how much longer I am going to have to put up this this mess on my face, it also swelled up that my eyes were swelled very bad, I had 1 time that I had trouble breathing. | F | 71 | 1 days 150 1X M | 8/21/2010 | 2 | osteopenia | Didn't seem to have any side-effects | A bone scan taken five years ago showed osteopenia so my gynecologist placed me on once-weekly Actonel; follow-up bone scan two years later still showed osteopenia so my gynecologist kept me on the Actonel but switched me to the once-monthly pill which was much more convenient. However, I had to switch to the generic Fosamax early this year since I am now required to obtain all maintenance medications from a mail order pharmacy and the generic Fosamax is the only "approved" medication for osteoporosis (i.e., I would have to pay six times more if I elected to continue on the Actonel!). Given that the Actonel really didn't seem that effective, I wonder if the generic Fosamax will be any better. Will have to wait and see if my next bone scan shows any difference. | F | 61 | 4 years ? 1X O | 8/17/2010 | 1 | Sore joints ever where. I have to have two teeth pulled now and the oral surgeon will not do it until my blood work comes back clean or low numbers of Actonel in my system. I havent taken it in maybe 4 mos and the count is still to high. Cause of a major infection that can be caused from the actonel and there is no medicine that can cure it I have to wait. OH course I can tak my changes I guess but would rather not. Has anyone else had this problem? | F | 52 | 2 years 1X W | 8/17/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | FIRST MONTH TAKING THIS MEDICINE ONE DAY AFTERWARD, I HAD A BAD FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS SUCH AS CHILLS, BODY ACHES, NAUSEA, AND HORRIBLE STOMACH PROBLEM. DIARRHEA FOR OVER 10 DAYS. I THOUGHT I HAD A BAD FLU AND SOME HOW DID NOT FIND CONNECTION WITH THIS MEDICINE SO ONE MONTH AFTER I TOOK IT AGAIN FOR THE 2ND TIME. I'M GETTING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LAST MONTH AND DEFINITELY I KNOW ITS THE ACTONEL. I'M HAVING A PAINFUL BODY ACHES WITH NAUSEA AND FEVER. ITS A DAY TWO AND IM HAVING A BAD DIARRHEA AGAIN. I WILL NEVER EVER TAKE THIS MEDICINE AGAIN!! | F | 27 | 2 months 150 1X M | 8/9/2010 | 1 | prolonged prednisone use | flu like symtems feel like i been hit by a truck every morning ache everywhere latest is inflamed achellies tendons and ankle areas very painful to walk.the stangeness of the symptoms finally made me suspect actonel | its been 10 weeks since last dose ankles coming around a little,usally i always skipped weeks or months so never really noticed anything but this spring i took 3 doses in 11 weeks a week after the 3rd dose is when i really flared up | M | 53 | 2 years 150mg 1X D | 8/9/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | I don't know where my last entry went, but I want everyone to know that I also experienced severe and extreme side effects from taking the Actonel 150 mg tablet just once. It started with itching on my neck and face, progressed to chills at nights, sweating in the morning, and joint pain (severe) the following night. The next day the side effects where still there but somewhat less. It is three days later and I still feel achy and sick. I will never, ever, take this drug again. There should be a stronger warning and the doctor should advise. Nothing was said to me! | Never, ever, ever take this drug. Find an alternative method to keep yourself in good health. | F | 56 | 150mg 1X D | 8/7/2010 History | 1 | Osteopenia | Just had to edit the dosage amount. It is 150 mg not 125 mg as I had posted previously. | F | 52 | 3 months 150 mg 1X D | 8/7/2010 History | 1 | loss of bone density | Experienced extreme heartburn, weakness, back ache, swollen throat and eyes, numbness of big toe, nausea, stomach pains, headache, chills within 48 hours of taking. Looking back, I was sick after the first dose, but didn't make the connection. | I won't be taking this any more! I was supposed to start a year ago, and somehow let it slip thru the cracks. Finally, decided to "get with the program" and have taken it twice. I missed a day of work, and after three days, still have a backache. | F | 57 | 2 months 150 mg 1X M | 8/5/2010 | 1 | Dr. recommended for osteoporosis | HORRIBLE diarrhea the next day--probably 8 times...and excruciating backaches in upper and middle back and hard time breathing with chest bone pain. Seems it has the OPPOSITE effect of what it is supposed to do: build bone. It feels like my bones are deteriorating. Is this drug a CRUEL JOKE--invented by someone who gets sick pleasure out of knowing the pain it causes?? | F | 58 | 2 days 1X M | 7/29/2010 | 1 | Ostopenia | Could not put it all together until I heard a commercial and actually listened to the side effects. Thought at almost 60 I was getting arthritis. In 2009 my right foot swelled had 6 hair-line fractures. Stabbing pain in both feet at night. Not a cramp a stabbing pain, afraid to go to sleep. Recently both knees are stiff and both joints in hands, thought I was getting the flu or arthritis, But my knees and hands were quick, not like the pain in both feet. I heard that commercial, read the side effects. What was I thinking? All this time just get off the Actonel. My bone density test showed little improvement if any. My mother has more energy at 85 than I do at 59. | Doe anyone know how long it takes to get this out of your system? | F | 5 | 3 years 1X W | 7/29/2010 | 2 | osteopeinia | While taking it I fractured a thumb and then 3 months later fractured middle finger. Developed mallet finger. Finger imbolized 9 months - had surgery - still have mallet finger and pain. Bone density still decreasing fast. | I am thinking of stopping drug | F | 64 | 3 years 150 mg 1X M | 7/27/2010 | 1 | Osteopenia | My doctor said that he had never heard of anyone who had suffered side effects but three hours after taking the one pill I had severe stabbing pains in my back and I couldn’t stand or move. Over the next four days the most excruciating pain spread around my body, it felt as if I was being stabbed with a knife. My stomach hurt as if it had glass in it and my body felt like an elephant had trampled on it. On the fifth day, with the aid of crutches I attended the doctors where I was told there would be no long-term affects, I wasn’t even examined, I was told the pain would be gone in two days. Two weeks on my body still has aches and pains, less severe now and my stomach feels sore and hurts a bit. I dread to think what this pill has done to my poor body. | This is a dangerous drug and I have warned as many people as I can about this medication. I do not recommend anyone to take Actonel. It was a terrifying experience but I am just happy to be alive and just hope I can get it completely out of my system and that there are no long-term effects. | F | 60 | 1 days 1X W | 7/27/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | severe bone, joint and muscle pain, watery diarrhea, weakness fatigue, flu like symptoms and loss of appetite. Abdominal pain and diarrhea still 4 days later.One time dose on 07/23/2010 did so much damage on 07/24/2010 | What's in this medication to cause a person to feel so bad after taking it? Aren't the purpose of taking medications to make you feel better? Never will I take this again! | F | 54 | 1 days 150 mg 1X D | 7/27/2010 |