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 | osteopenia | Almost from the first day I had severe pain across the tops of my shoulders and my neck. Terrible headaches. The pain increased and soon I had extreme pain left little finger and left big toe. I begn to have pain on the tops of my elbow area and up both arms. The last dose I took on April 30 devastated me. I have a high pain tolerance. With the last dose, I was in horrible pain - like a metal clamp was squeezing the top of my shoulders and neck area. My jaws hurt, my throat felt sore at the top of my esophogus and pain in my breasts. Pain in both hands and both feet. Difficulty walking after sitting for short time. I began to be frightened about my health. My family doctor thought it was side effects and told me to quit taking Actonel immediately. Pain continues. Some days worse than others, but almost always at night. The pain in the left toe and little finger feels like a severe charley horse - that does not go away. It is painful to drive, talk on the phone, or even hold hands wit | I am angry and frustrated as is my husband. We both feel I have had time and health literally stolen from me due to these side effects. I do have an appointment with a specialist as suggested by my family doctor to check and eliminate any other possible problems or causes for this pain. He felt the side effects should have disappeared by this time. After reading some of the blogs on this site, I fear it is only the result of the medication and I have no idea how long they will persists. Many of these descriptions are exactly as I have suffered. Does anyone have a prediction of how long these side effects could linger? | F | 56 | 8 months 150 mg. 1X M | 7/25/2010 | 1 | osteoperosis | back and neck pain, leg cramps, weight gain (15 lbs), sore knuckles, jaw pain (feels like tmj). | I reported these symptoms to my doctor. He has taken me off of Actonel for 2 months, then a follow-up. I will no longer take this medication and do not think that I will take another medication for this disease. I will only take calcium and vitamin D, exercise, and eat right. The pain that I have experienced is like none I've every known before! | F | 44 | 5 months 150mg 1X M | 7/16/2010 | 1 | Dr put me on it for osteoporosis | severe legs cramps, nausea, throwing up, diarrhea, headache. | I did fine on this drug the first months on it, but the last 3 months it is like I have a virus after taking it. | F | 50 | 7 months 150 1X M | 7/14/2010 | 1 | Ostopenia | Chills so bad my teeth are chattering; I feel like I've been beaten with a baseball bat; my back is killing me; my chest hurts; my head hurts; I can barely get to the bathroom and back. | I took the 150 mg Actonel yesterday morning. Last night I started chilling and just could not get warm. By morning, I was feeling tired with a head ache. I went to work and had to leave early because of back pain, leg pain, chest pain, headache, stomach burning and hurting...I wish I had read about this medication before taking it. My doctor seemed to think I had to have it after my bone density scan. I hate this medication. I will call him in the morning and tell him I'm not taking it ever again. I will also have to miss work if I'm not feeling better in the morning!! | F | 48 | 150 1X M | 7/14/2010 | 2 | Osteopenia, then Osteoporosis | Mild discomfort in my stomach, difficulty swallowing, some other achiness throughout my body that I could not attribute to the actonel due to other meds I was taking for other conditions. | While on Actonel along with calcium supplements for osteopenia, not only was there no improvement, but an overall worsening. Two years later, my new diagnosis was osteoporosis. When I learned that, despite my normal level of calcium, it was not being absorbed due to a huge vitamin D deficiency. I was then placed on a higher dosage of vitamin D in addition to my daily vitamins, but was asked to remain on Actonel. Another year later, my bone density did not improve, but remained steady, and my vitamin D level improved only slightly. My new endo then placed me on a megadose of vitamin D, but asked that I continue the Actonel. The next lab test I had for another purpose indicated that my vitamin D level had greatly increased, so I took it upon myself to stop the Actonel. My last bone density test indicated a moderate overall improvement. I also no longer have the discomfort I was having during the years on Actonel. My conclusion: Actonel was useless as a treatment for osteoporosis and did have some negative side effects. | F | 57 | 3 years 30mg 1X W | 7/11/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | Severe bone, joint, & muscle pain; stiffness | Today (7-11-2009) is my one-year anniversary of taking the 150 mg dose of Actonel. This is my third entry on this site (first was in Sept. of 2009, I believe.) The problems are still there, but it is now just on my left side & the pain is much more manageable. I started going to a PT through my pain clinic a few months ago & found out that all the muscles in my pelvic region are shot. Rebuilding their strength will take a while. (The therapist told me she hopes I will be doing much better in a year!) This experience with Actonel has been devastating, & I'm thankful to have survived! I have contacted both the FDA & Proctor & Gamble, & I have told countless people about my experience. My doctor's office no longer will perscribe the 1-month dosage of Actonel to anyone. I still do not have my old life back, but I'm feeling hopeful again, which is a good thing. | F | 53 | 1 days 150 mg 1X M | 7/11/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I wished I had read these comments prior to taking Actonel. My first dose was Friday morning. That night I went to get out of bed to go to the bathroom and could not move without assistance. I felt as though I had been in a wreck. Every bone in my body hurt and my chest felt like someone had beaten me. On top of this, I already suffer from degenerative back disease and spinal stenosis. I do not need the additional pain created by Actonel. I'm already on pain medication which does little or no good for the pain I'm experiencing from Actonel. I'm almost afraid to go to bed tonight for fear it will get worse. I think I'd almost rather have a broken hip than suffer the side effects of Actonel. | I would not recommend this medication to anyone. The doctors don't tell you how painful the side effects can be. They gloss over it. NO TO ACTONEL. I will never use this drug again. | F | 65 | 1 days 150 1X M | 7/10/2010 | 2 | Osteopenia | Never suspected that my Charley Horses could have been a side effect. Bone and muscle pain is a side effect. Two weeks ago, I suffered bloating and the feeling of trapped gas; stomach pain and rib cage pain. Then, I felt like the pain was going all the way to my heart - "trapped". I threw up numerous times, even going into dry heaves, watery diarrehea, weakness and fatigue. I think that my system has simply told me it has had enough of this drug. Took my last pill this past Tuesday morning. Noticed that the gas pains were heightened, and I had heartburn. | I will be seeing my doctor soon. I no longer wish to take Actonel. I cannot help but wonder how severe my side effects would have been if I were prescribed (I was offered the option) the 150 MG/once a month Actonel. | F | 61 | 5 years 35 MG 1X W | 7/8/2010 | 1 | osteoprosis | I took once-a-month actonel in the morning following the directions exactly. I went to a business lunch and started feeling like I had indigestion which I rarely have. I came back to work and felt so full even though I had hardly eaten my lunch. I was on my way to get my haircut and realized that I felt horrible. I went home and took a nap, woke up feeling worse and had my husband cancel our dinner plans. He called the pharmacist who said yes it was the actonel. I went back to bed and it just got worse. I had severe crippling bone and joint pain all up and down my arms, legs and feet! I was in so much pain. Then the nausea and diarrhea set in and flu symptoms. It was crazy! | I was in the bed for two and half days and didn’t feel normal for about a week. The pharmacist did tell me to drink milk or take Mylanta b/c the calcium would help the actenol absorb better and quicker. The pharmacist assured me that once it was absorbed, I would be fine. All I kept thinking was it was in me for a month! I cannot believe this drug is on the market. Since my experience, I have talked to several others who have had the same experience. It is kind of a feast or famine thing—either it agrees with you or it doesn’t. I called the nurse at my doctor’s office and she said she had two other patients that had a bad reaction. Of course, I will not be taking it again. | F | 48 | once a mon 1X M | 7/8/2010 | 3 | Osteopenia | Fosomax bothered my stomach with first dose. No problems with Actonel 1x/week. First two years my Osteopenia stayed the same (-1.7). Now tested at year 4 and have full-fledged Osteoporosis (-2.9). Went through most of menopause in the last two years so that could have caused the change. I was hoping it would stop the bone loss though. | F | 50 | 4 years 1X W | 7/5/2010 | 1 | newly diagnosed osteoporosis | I had severe heartburn within an hour of taking my first pill. The next morning I had aching hips and jaw. Two weeks later I started running a 103 degree temperature for 4 days. I was tested for a variety of ills; all negative. The fever subsided, but one week later, I started running a 101 degree temperature. This time I mentioned Actonel to my GP and asked if there could be a link. He said yes and told me not to take my July dosage. He recommends Evista. I will have missed 10 days of work. | I do not recommend Actonel and will not continue with it. I'm just wondering how long it will take to get it out of my system. | F | 64 | 1 months 150 mg 1X M | 7/4/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | severe crippling bone/joint pain. made me bedridden for days. nerve pain, like tightening. diarrhea.flu symptoms immediately for about a week. 3 months later, still have severe pain it just bounces around to different joints including toes. loss of appetite. fatigue | DONT TAKE THIS DRUG- IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I'D ADVISE EVERYONE TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE FDA AND THEIR DOCTOR UNDER ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS. THERE SHOULD BE A CLASS ACTION SUIT ON THIS DRUG. | F | 51 | 1 times 150 1X M | 7/3/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I took the monthly Actonel one time. Within 48 hours,I was bedridden with nausea, vomiting and dizziness. The doctor prescribed an anti nausea medication, but the dizziness lasted for several days. I started on the 35mg tab, first taking it once a month, then every three weeks, then every two weeks. Just took it after a week and have been nauseated and dizzy for two days and had to leave work. Very frustrating. I do believe that the drug companies are not hearing about all the side effects that these drugs cause. | I am so frustrated and mistrusting of the drug companies. I think that they down play the side effects. I encourage all women to call their doctors and report their problems with this medication. The doctors should be the ones getting back to the drug companies with their patient's complaints. | F | 64 | 1 days 150 1X M | 7/1/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Took my first (and last!) tablet 3+ months ago. After 4 days rib cage felt as if a truck drove over it. Heartburn, 2 migraines every 24 hours, diarrhea, nausea and problems with urination. Dr. told me it has to get out of my system and it will take 3 months. I STILL have the rib cage/muscle ache but do not have to take painkillers anymore. Heartburn, nausea and diarrhea still there occasionally. I will never take this kind of medication again, I rather die of a broken hip! The last 3+ month have been the worst of my life, and I have a high pain tolerance but this has been awful. | I recommend everybody DO NOT TAKE THIS or any of the other bisphosphonate medications that are around! They all have the same side effects. | F | 69 | 1 months 150mg 1X M | 6/30/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | Two years ago, I took Actonel for osteopenia. My knees swelled and hurt terribly after the second dose. I went to a bone specialist after taking the second dose, and he drained excess fluid from knees and gave me a shot of cortisone in each knee. I recovered but would never take this medication again. I understand the reaction I had is rare. My doctors are now recommending I try Evista, which I have agreed to try. I have studied this site for information on Evista reactions so I am well prepared this time. | F | 61 | 2 weeks 1X W | 6/28/2010 | 1 | bone density | Severe joint pain on left side, back, ribs, arms.... couldn't get out bed.... Had to take 600mg of Ibuprofin and topical rubs for 3 days | F | 52 | 1 days 1X M | 6/28/2010 | 1 | Osteopenia | I am trying to reply to the 59 year old female request for input posted 6/1/2010 using the email indicated with her entry but there is no way to send my message. Your site is requiring a specific address. I want to communicate with her. I, too, have tremors and I know someone who also does...very Parkinson's like! This needs to get out. Please help me reach her. | F | 56 | 30 months 1X W | 6/27/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I'm a 19 year old guy. 12 hours after taking my first 150mg dose, I experienced severe chest and back pain. I went to the ER, got some pain meds, and he sent me home with motrin and vicanin. This morning I couldn't even get up without help and I'm on the painkillers. Ask your doctor to start off on a lower dose to make sure you don't react. Maybe it'll get out of your system faster | M | 19 | 1 days 150 MG 1X M | 6/24/2010 | 1 | Osteoporsis | Took as directed. Slight stomach ache. 12 hours later, lower back and both sides of hips pain, chills, aches, no appetite. Called doctor (OB/GYN who perscribed it) he stated he'd never heard of those side affects. Day 5 after I took it and still not 100%. He stated that I should take it one more time and let him know how next month is. Spoke to the pharmacist; she had severe pain in both feet for 6 months that finally went away. She is still taking the drug and has had improved scans since taking it. | My Mother has had 3 hip replacements/revisions and a shoulder replacement. Runs in our family. I'm thin so I knew that I would need to start doing something but is the "cure" worse than the disease? Vascilating on whether I'll take it one more time or not. | F | 52 | 1 months 150 MG 1X M | 6/23/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | Took dose as directed. Twelve hours later developed severe stomach pain and diarrhea. Diarrhea and chills with dull headache throughout the next 48 hours. Black tarry stools and severe abdominal pain. Missed work. Will not take again. | F | 50 | 1 times 1X M | 6/23/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | The first day I took Actonel, I experienced diarrhea in the evening. It also seemed that my eyes became more sensitive to light. The second week, the symptoms became a little worse. Week three was a nightmare. The day after I took the pill, my ribs and back (on the left side only) became sore to the point that clothing touching them felt like needles poking me. My lower stomach felt bloated, as if my intestinal tract were swollen. Diarrhea started again, along with sharp pains. Later that week, a blistery rash appeared on the lower left side of my stomach and it did not itch but hurt and felt irritated. I did NOT take this evil drug a 4th time or I am certain I wouldn't have lived to ever have a bone fracture. I called my Doctor, who had the nurse call to tell me not to take the drug (brilliant) and that the pain should go away in 10 days, after the Actonel leaves my system. It has already been 9 days, so I can't imagine I will wake up feeling fine tomorrow. Any stories on h | DON'T TAKE IT!!! | F | 56 | 3 weeks 1X W | 6/22/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | So glad to find this site. I thought I was dying. Extreme joint and body aches, dizziness, severe diarhea. Started 12 hours after first(and only) dose. This drug is scary. Do not take it. | Warning, do not take it even if doctor downplays side effects. They are real and severe. | F | 52 | 1 days 150mg 1X M | 6/21/2010 | 1 | Slight Osteroperosis | Nausea, joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue | I took my first, once a month pill, at 8:00 a.m. I didn't eat till about ten. I felt fine all day until bedtime. I developed tremors and chills. My muscles tightened, I became nauseated, and my joints hurt. All night long I fought throwing up. Finally, in the morning I had to. I was so sore and in pain my husband had to help me out of bed and into the chair by the bathroom. I slept a lot the next day...felt like I'd been hit with a bat all over. Kidneys hurt, jaw hurt, teeth hurt, hips hurt, shoulders and back in agony. My husband put his hand on my forehead to see if I had a fever and said he could take my pulse there. This is day three and now I feel better...by "better" I mean like I have the flu. I have sucked on ice chips, and can finally take an Ibuprophen, which seems to help the muscle pain. I sure hope this goes away soon. Needless to say, I won't be taking this (in any form)again. | M | 59 | 1 days 150 mg. 1X D | 6/13/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | Severe chest pains 10 hours after taking the tablet. Could not fall asleep that night until I took Extra Strength Tylenol. Next two days experienced muscle aches as well as joint and bone pains. Finally went to see my doctor. (Advised me that everything is ok and that it's only a chest wall pain I had...) Did not comment whether or not Actonel could have been the cause of it. | F | 62 | 1 times 150mg 1X M | 6/13/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | I took one 150mg actonel caplet (one/month)as directed and within 12 hours was experiencing muscle aches, joint and bone pain. Pain increased that night- tossed and turned. The next morning I could hardly get out of bed. By night two I was barely able to walk. Crawled into bed and took Aleve. At 4:00AM I realized that the only thing I had done differently was Actonel. Nothing else in my routine had changed. Day three was miserable. Called family doc and she was very off-hand. Suggested I try it again in another month. NO WAY. Night three was the worst yet. Day four showed some improvement. By day five I was almost out of pain - could stop taking NAIDS. | Only took once and will never take again. This drug needs to be pulled of the market. DO NOT TAKE drugs of this class (risedronate sodium) Write your letters of complaint to both Proctor and Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Cincinatti, OH 45202 and Norwich Pharmaceuticals, Inc, North Norwich, NY 13814. Insist on compensation for your injury. Money is the only language that Big Pharma understands. | F | 56 | 1 days 150 mg 1X M | 6/10/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | Tried Fosamax last year and had immediate swallowing problems as well as bad bone pain within a day. Then 2 days later got Bells Palsy (paralisis of the left side of my face). My doctor waited a year, and we tried Actonel. I took it in her office, staying there for 4 hours without incident. Thought everything was going to be good with this treatment. Within 12 hours the full body bone pain began along with nausia and swelling in my fingers, eyes and lips. It has been 2 weeks since I took the pill. Living off pain meds and Biofreeze so I can move and sleep. Just wish I knew when this would run its course. Seeing an orthopedic surgeon next week to ensure there is no permanant damage. | My 87 year old mother takes the weekly dosage and has had no problems. For me this is POISON! | F | 63 | 1 months 150 mg 1X M | 6/9/2010 | 1 | BUILD BONE DENSITY | scratchy throat, ache in shoulder bones, left little finger stiff and sore, tail bone ache, generally sore all over | stopped taking this medication and wonder how it ever got approved | M | 75 | 1 weeks 50MG 1X W | 6/9/2010 | 1 | osteoperosis | I followed instructions and took one pill 7 am. By 11am I had the worst stomache ache of my life. By 2 am the next morning I had explosive diahrea, by 3am vomitting and diahrea. Then aches like I had been beaten and extreme dry mouth that has lasted for a week so far. I still have a stomache and am afraid to eat anything. No wonder weight loss is a side effect. Not the medication for me! | Prescribing this drug is totally irrresponsible. I'd join a class action suit for sure! | F | 50 | 1 days 150 mg 1X M | 6/6/2010 | 1 | OSTEOPOROSIS | TOOK AS DIRECTED. NAUSEA RIGHT AWAY. DRANK GINGER ALE--FELT BETTER A FEW HOURS LATER NAUSEA AND MIGRAINE HEADACHE. THREW UP SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE NIGHT. VERY ACHY AND WEAK TEMPERATURE. STAYED IN BED FROM WED. THRU SAT. BECAUSE OF THE NAUSEA WAS CONCERNED THAT IT COULD BE A HEART ATTACK. CALLED THE DR., SHE DIDN'T TALK TO ME. HER INEPT STAFF ASKED IF I WANTED NEXIUM, I REFUSED. SAID I FELT AWFUL THOUGHT THE DR. WOULD CALL--THE NEXT DAY HER OFFICE CALLED BACK TO SEE IF I FELT BETTER. I SAID--NOT REALLY. I WAS TOLD THAT ALL THEY COULD DO IS OFFER ME RECLAST. I REFUSED AND SAID THAT AFTER A MONTH I WOULD GO BACK ON EVISTA THAT I HAD BEEN ON FOR 10 YEARS. I WOULD NEVER TAKE ACTONEL AGAIN. PEOPLE SHOULD BE WARNED THAT IT CAN HAVE SUCH DEVASTATING SYPTOMS. | F | 67 | 1 days 150 MG 1X M | 6/5/2010 | 1 | No | I have not yet taken Actionel but I was on Fosamax for 3 years. 2 years into Fosamax I developed Lichen Planus. They do not know the cause of it so as a last resort I stopped taking fosamax (much to my Drs dismay) and the lichen planus stopped. While I was on fosamax my osteo never improved. I stayed off fosamax and on calcium, vitamin D3 supplements and exercise, and after 18 months my osteo numbers were stable. I might add that 13 months after stopping fosamax the lichen planus returned on my scalp. I still blame the fosamax for knocking my immune system out of wack. Has any experienced Lichen Planus after taking these types of drugs? | Now my doctor has prescribed Actonel. After my experience with fosamax and reading about your experiences with Actonel there is no way I'm going back on these types of meds. I'll stick with the calcium, Vit D3 supplements and exercise. | M | 64 | 0 days 150 mg 1X M | 6/5/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | This drug has been a nightmare for me. Took drug as directed, following a.m. awoke to severe pain in back, left side, could not bend, would cry out in pain. Next day severe pain back, headache, back of neck, swelling in arm, hand and fingers. Next day, arm/ hand fingers so swollen and could not move fingers. Went to E.R with so much pain, given injections for pain. Only relieved about half of pain. X-rays and blood work done. Had pain in my chest, I thought I was having a heart attack. Was told it was Actonel reaction. Given prednisone. Next day, had a doctor visit. More blood work and horrible pain, given another injection for pain. I had the following: acid reflux, pain in neck, back pain, back of neck pain, headaches, leg pain, muscle pain, nerve pain, bone pain; face pain ( all teeth hurt also) swelling. | I took the actonel April 3rd and it is now June 3rd. and I was at the doctor's yesterday with problems. I have also been to a neurologist and another appointment next week. Yesterday, I also had more blood work done. This pill should be taken off the market. I believe there should be a class action lawsuit. | F | 68 | 1 days 150 1X M | 6/3/2010 | 1 | to improve bone density | severe weakness, can not walk, get up, my husband has to help me walk, and help with all the things like cooking,house work. every joint aches, the few places that I had arthritis became extremely swollen and painfull, leg and foot cramps, no appetite, the nightly regurgitation while in bed painfull and burns,I can not sleep on my stomache because of this. | I took fosax last June and experience this problems but to a lesser decree and immediately stopped. Then in March was prescibed Boneval and everything came back so in April the doctor prescribed Actonel and all hell broke loose, No one said these three drugs are the same!!!Now in June still battling the side effects of this drug. At 81 I feel robbed of some of the life I have left. Never, ever take any of these drugs | F | 81 | 1 days 1X M | 6/3/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | Although I have had severe leg and foot cramps, along with other symptoms, my biggest concern is having hand tremors. Is there anyone else having this reaction? | If anyone is experiencing tremors, PLEASE let me know by writing on this site, or by emailing me directly. I am going crazy wondering what is going on with my body. Thank you. | F | 59 | 7 months 150 1X M | 6/1/2010 | 2 | Osteoporosis | I did not notice side effects immediately after taking but am experiencing possible reactions closer to the time for taking the next monthly dose. These reactions include tingling in the extremities and general aches particularly in my legs and back. My eyesight has also not been good though I do admit to having a cataract. I'm wondering if anyone is noticing these reactions closer to the time of taking the next dose. | Considering the way I'm feeling now and after reading all other comments, I will not refill my prescription. | F | 66 | 3 months 150 mg 1X M | 5/29/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I am a very active thin small women that exercises many times a week. My doctor did a bone density test and advised me that I had osteoporosis and that I need to take Actonel. I was not on medication at all until this evil drug. I took it as prescribed 8 days ago and have been deathly sick since then. I have had fever, flu symptoms, total body aches in every joint, severe diarrhea, coughing and chest pains. Now my left arm is totally immobile with very severe pain. This is a non ending nightmare and I have gone through most of the side effect and am hoping that it ends in less that the 30 days. BEWARE because the Dr's staff told me to go to my primary and that I probably only have a virus when I had the fever and diarrhea. Of course the primary took blood tests so we are still waiting but I know there's no virus only horrible side effects from Actonel. | PLEASE, IF YOU READ THIS DO NOT NOW OR EVER TAKE ACTONEL. IF ANYONE IS DOING A CLASS ACTION SUIT PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THIS DRUG SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET. | F | 56 | 8 days 150 MG 1X M | 5/29/2010 | 1 | Osteopenia | Less than 22 hours after taking Actonel, I was awakened by severe back spasms making it nearly impossible to breathe. At my weekly Chiropractor appt. that day, I was in such bad shape that they took my blood pressure and temperature. Both were very low. My temperature had dropped to 96.2. My back muscles were sticking out through my clothes. They didn't relax for over a week. The horrible stomach pains were unlike any I had ever felt... hard to describe. By the 2nd day, I had strange blister-like sores popping up on my fingers on both hands. The blood pressure and temperature drops were very frightening. | After twice describing in detail the side effects I experienced, my dr. finally suggested giving the drug 6 weeks to get out of my system and then looking at other possibilities. The experience was so horrible, I can't imagine having the nerve to try anything else. Surely the treatment was worse than the disease! | F | 51 | 1 days ? 1X M | 5/28/2010 | 3 | osteoporosis | I have developed mild arthritis in my left knee, with a severe inflammation which resulted in a cortisone shot. I have always excrercized reularly and am not overweight with no history of arthritis in my family | was looking to hear from others wiht ths same problem. Don't know if its from actonel have to do more research and consult my primary. | F | 56 | 4 years 35t mg 1X W | 5/18/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | ALL OF THE ABOVE INCLUDING TEMP OF 104.5 - MISSED WORK 4 DAYS. GLAD I FOUND THIS WEBSITE AS MY DOCTOR SAID TEMP WAS NOT A SIDE EFFECT AND PERSCRIBED CIPRO. AND NOW I HAVE TO TAKE IRON. THIS DRUG HAS ROBBED DAYS OF MY LIFE AND NOW DUMPING MORE DRUGS INTO MY BODY. DO NOT TAKE THIS POISON. | THIS DRUG SHOULD BE BANNED AND WE SHOULD FILE A CLASS ACTION SUIT | F | 55 | 1 days 150mg 1X M | 5/18/2010 | 1 | Borderline osteoporosis | I took actonel exactly as prescribed this morning. When I tried to eat, approx. 2 1/2 hrs. later, I had horrible heartburn, which I seldom have, and extreme difficulty swallowing. I was sweating and thought I was having a massive heart attack. I'm not an alarmist, but I told my husband to call 911 and that I was dying. Paramedics came and checked my heart which was ok. They convinced me to get to the hospital ASAP. Before going and during the ride to the hospital, we all could hear a gutteral noise that I was making and my esophagus felt like it was being burned and I couldn't swallow. Gradually, I felt some relief and was discharged from the emergency room with orders to see the dr. who prescribed actonel tomorrow. | I had read the insert for actonel and highlighted parts of it in yellow. My husband got it as soon as the paramedics came and they didn't seem surprised at my difficulties. I feel fortunate to be alive and will NEVER take any of these horrible pills again. | F | 71 | 3 weeks 35mg 1X W | 5/18/2010 | 1 | bad bone density test | my whole body feels like i've been hit by a truck. My shoulders hurt bad during the night so i can't turn myself in bed. My hands are numb and tingling all the time. | I was in great shape before this drug, what is going on with the drug companies are they so greedy they force us to buy all this poison! I'm researching natural cures and sticking with them. | F | 55 | 2 months 1X M | 5/17/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I took it as prescribed on 5/14 at 6:00 a.m. By 6:00 p.m. I started having pains in my chest, but it felt like muscle pain and only when I moved certain ways. By midnight, I couldn't even lay down comfortably and tried to sleep sitting up on the couch. I went to back to the doctor the next day and explained my symptoms. They said it was probably muscle strain since I had done some yard work and jogging a few days before. I've never had that problem before. I wanted to believe this, but after doing some research, I know that it's this drug. I can't believe they would prescribe this to me. After talking to a few friends, I found out that a lot of people get very sick from taking this drug. | I will NEVER take this again. I'm looking at www.saveourbones.com to find a natural treatment. I wish I had done more research before taking it at all. I hate that they can prescribe this awful drug! | F | 52 | 1 times 150mg 1X M | 5/17/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | By nighttime after taking my first dose, I had pain between my shoulder, midline and neck. Then through the night, I was nauseated. Upon waking the next day, I felt as though a sledgehammer hit me in every major joint in my body--hips, knees, elbows, wrists. Then came the diarrhea. Two days later, I am still having joint pain and severe headache. I didn't check side effects until the day after I took medicine. | I will not take this drug again. I have a call into my doctor to see if I can purge this stuff out of my body. (I talked to my sister 2,500 miles away and she said she had the same reaction and had to go on prednisone to get rid of the joint aches--I hope I don't have to do that). I can barely make it through work today. | F | 62 | 1 days 150 1X M | 5/17/2010 | 1 | Osteopenia | It took me till the second dose of Actonel to figure out that I was not dying and the terrible pain and flu-like symptoms I was having were side effects of Actonel. Stabbing pains in my shoulders and back, cramping in my stomach, nausea and generalized inability to move without pain. My ears get a pulsating noise that wakes me up at night. My whole upper body, ribs, back and chest ache and I took May's dose 2 and a half weeks ago. | I will never take another one!!!! Does anyone have an antidote??? | F | 63 | 2 months 1X M | 5/16/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I took one dose of this medication exactly as prescribed on 4/15/10 to try to minimize any side effects. Within 10 hours I experienced extreme flu-like symptoms. Could not get out of bed the next morning to go to work (I never miss work), and was in bed for 3 days. Felt like I was hit by a train - nothing seemed to ease the headache and body aches. Finally, after about a week, it got better, but I still now have intermittent joint pain and swelling in hands, legs, shoulders, back. My left index finger has been swollen and sore for over a week. I am a very healthy and active person and have never had these ongoing symptoms before. I also immediately began having hot flashes and missed my monthly cycle which makes me wonder if it is related to Actonel. | I talked to my doctor and they told me not to take Actonel again and they would put me on Boniva. I am equally worried about taking it and will probably try to be consistent with taking calcium and vitamin D vs. prescribed "nightmares". I also hope the side effects eventually go away so my life can get back to normal. This is ridiculous!!!! | F | 52 | 1 months 150mg 1X M | 5/12/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | Took this evil drug for the first time yesterday morning. By afternoon, I developed severe back pain. I cannot bend down and it pains to even walk. I am missing an important appointment this afternoon. Just thinking about getting in and out of my car is painful. I am going to be more diligent about taking my calcium & vit D3. I have always been healthy, eat right & exercise. I will not take this drug or any "bone building" drug. To be honest, I think all drugs are harmful. | F | 60 | 1 days 35 1X W | 5/11/2010 | 1 | osteopaena | Here we go. After years taking Fosamax, and many bad side effects, I went off it for several years. I had a bone density scan, and my doctor's office called to say I now had osteoporosis. I NEVER trust what they say, and always ask for the actual diagnostic report, to read it myself. Well now, I had osteopaena, not osteoporosis, in fact, nothing had changed since my last bone density scan. THEY LIED TO ME! But, I am older, so I thought I should get a jump on it and try Actonel. When I take it, I have a feeling like something is bubbling in my stomach, trying to get up my throat, and I salivate like a crazy dog! After taking Actonel, I just don't feel right for a day or two, so, I'll probably not take it, especially when I see the problems I've seen on this website. What an ugly drug, which is worse, suffering bone loss or the discomfort and reduction of quality of life this drug brings? A no brainer, I'm probably not going to take it long term. Reclast is an option but | F | 57 | 2 months 150MG 1X M | 5/10/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | I started with loose bowels. Next day had fever and chills and couldn't get warm. Sharp pains in stomach worse then cramps. Gas, Eyes were tired and I was weak. Since it is only 36 hours I am praying that these symptoms don't persist. | Took on Sat May8,2010 in morning and began having loose bowel movements, nothing to alarming. By 4:00 pm following day, full blown fever and chills and weakness. Couldn't even get out of bed to get a drink. Finally went to bathroom and got a drink at 9:00pm. It is the next morning now and am very weak and almost afraid to get up and get going. I am hoping that symptoms don't continue in the coming month. It's hard to be well one day, since we really don't feel osteoporosis and take a pill for it and feel so bad, I just can't believe that this is the right course to go in fighting osteoporosis even though I believe that mine is directly linked to genetics I will not be taking another dose. I wish I had seen this page before taking Actonel, because I wouldn't have taken it. I am sending this link to my doctor. | F | 55 | 1 months 150 mg 1X M | 5/10/2010 | 1 | borderline osteoporosis | I was told by my Dr. today to begin taking Actonel as I am borderline osteoporosis. I'm 61 years old and in fairly good health. Take Citracal with Vit D 2-3 times a day already and will continue this and try to exercise more. After reading these reviews I am not going to start taking the Actonel, no way! Thank you so much and I'm glad I found this website! For all of you that have gotten ill from this med., I wish you better health very soon. | F | 61 | 0 days 35 mg 1X W | 5/7/2010 | 2 | osteopenia | Debilitating foot and leg cramps. I don't know if this is what is causing them, I am trying to find out. The cramps are becoming cripiling. It mostly happens at night, and my muscles are so sore I can hardly walk for days. | The cramps are getting worse. Quinine has always helped and now I cant get them. I am seeing my Dr. tomorrow. My Chiropractor wants me to do a 2 week detox without any meds and then start back one at a time until we see what may be causing this. | F | 68 | 4 years 35mg 1X W | 5/6/2010 | 1 | Osteosporosis | Reply to DEVA: Hello Deva, I'm sorry to hear that your mom is having so much pain. When I experienced the pain it was sharp and the episode lasted for 1-2 days the max. although it would come back all of the sudden in a few days, and then it will not hurt again. When I had this pain I took Ibuprofen 800 mg with food. Since I stopped taking Actonel, I had pain but not with the strenght that I felt it while taking the drug, or as often. I sincerely recommend that she exercises as much as she can and eats healthy and stays away from these kind of drugs. I am going to have my Dr run a test called NTX which measures the collagen level in the bones which I read in the blog someone else is doing to monitor her bone health. I'm taking 600mg daily calcium w/vitamin D and extra 1000mg daily Vitamin D as well. I hope she feels better soon. Hope sharing my experience has been of help to her. Thanks, | F | 57 | 10 months 150 mg 1X M | 5/6/2010 | 1 | osteopenia | The first month I never even considered that the severe headache, flu-like symptoms, nausea, stiff neck, sore throat, fever, chills, back pain, jaw discomfort, muscle cramps, tremors, extreme fatigue, numbness, and sore ears and eyes should be attributed to medicine my doctor prescribed for me with no warning. Going through this a second time is unforgivable. I’m through with Actonel and the doctor. A combination of symptoms like these are not reasonable or humane. | This product should be banned and the manufacturers forced to take it. | F | 61 | 2 months 150mg 1X M | 5/5/2010 | 1 | bone loss | I took my first May 1, 2010 (Sat.), Sunday passed me by don't remember much, black diarrhea, pain all over, cold sweats, weak. May 5th, feeling much better. WILL NOT TAKE AGAIN!!!. Caltrate D twice a day is the plan now. | I felt like it flushed all the iron out of my body. | F | 52 | 1 days 150MG 1X M | 5/5/2010 | 3 | osteoporosis | I took my monthly dose yesterday, then felt like i had the flu today. Will see how long it lasts but docotr said my arm was so bad it would fracture if i fell so I'm going to continue and see what happens with my bone density scan. | Calcium is important, but I'm not sure calcium and exercise are enough as i am a heavy exerciser and still have osteoporosis. I'm willing to risk feeling bad for a day or two to be able to stay active (tennis, running etc.) and not risk fractures. | F | 56 | 3 months 1X M | 5/3/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | 16 hours after first dose yesterday I felt light headed and nauseous, then started feeling achy all over, chills and rapid heart rate. Went to bed, but felt too achy to sleep well. Got up to go to the bathroom and nearly passed out. Now I'm sitting very still at the computer, afraid to walk around. My mouth is dry and throat is scratchy and I have a cough. I will be calling my doctor to tell her I will not be taking Actonel or anything like it ever again. | F | 65 | 1 days 170 mg 1X M | 5/2/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Extreme pain, chills, weakness, fatigue. Slow improvement, but pain/weakness/fatigue comes in cycles. I took the one dose on 9/2/2009 and I am still having the waves of pain/weakness/fatigue. I might improve for a month, and then suddenly just unloading groceries wipes me out. I have been reading that there is a possible cross reaction or sensitivity with aspirin and sulfa drugs, too. If you experience any kind of muscle pain, unusual bone pain, eye pain or vision problems, STOP taking these drugs immediately. Don't let the Dr. scare you into taking a toxic substance that doesn't benefit at all. QUESTION: has anyone found a good workout or other solution to the muscle fatigue and neck pain? I can't exercise and I am putting on weight. | I took Fosamax before for about 4 years and stopped taking it because I was taking all these other drugs in response to the reactions I was having to Fosamax (GERD, night cramps). I know from my own experiences and yearly bone scans that targeted exercise along with diet and the right supplements can ADD bone density. At the very least, taking calcium/vitamin D complex vitamin at the right doses every day will stop the bone loss. | F | 50 | 1 days 175 1X M | 4/29/2010 | 1 | ostoeporosis | Oh, my God. The headaches have set in that so many other people on this page have noticed. I took this drug about a week ago, and it is still horribly affecting me. The effects of this drug are nothing short of torture. DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG UNLESS YOU ARE WILLING TO SUFFER FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF DAYS, AND CAN TAKE OFF WORK FOR THAT AMOUNT OF TIME. Worst drug I ever took. Never again! | Horrendous. | F | 54 | 1 days 1X M | 4/28/2010 | 1 | white anglo saxon female, age 63 | Did not associate mild flu like symptoms with first week's dosage until NOW as: took my 2nd week's dosage this morning at 9:00 am. It is now 4:00 pm and I can barely sit at this computer. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION unless you want instaneous FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS. Began with horrid taste in mouth with slight dizziness, fatique; escalating to nausea, dirrahea, chills. | DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION. Sorry but it has to be said....... symptoms are worse than food poisioning. I am hoping they will quickly fade. | F | 63 | 2 weeks 35 mg 1X W | 4/27/2010 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Muscle aches, joint and bone pain, especially in the knees, shoulders, elbows, & hips. Swelling in legs & ankles, cough, headache, nausaeu, and general feeling like crap. | FDA needs to pull this horrible drug off the market and I think doctors need to be more truthful about side effects and leave it up to the person if they want to risk the side effects or the disease. This is one medicine when the side effects are worse than the disease!!! | F | 52 | 6 months 150 mg 1X M | 4/25/2010 | 1 | osteoporosis | I took this drug yesterday morning, and by last night thought I was going to die. It the next night and I still feel horrendous.DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!!!!!!!!!! Sore throat, pain, upset stomach, dizziness, extreme fatigue, headache, nasal pain, pain in legs, back and hands, shaking. I am still in bed. I had to take off work. NO drug company should torture people like this. I told my doctor I refuse to take it again. I could not imagine torturing myself with this drug every month or once a week. I would rather die. | DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For ANY REASON!!!!! Death is preferable to the side effects of this drug. No drug company should be so greedy. | F | 54 | 1 days 1X M | 4/24/2010 | 4 | Osteoporosis | None so far. | For all the ladies who are not continuing with Actonel, all I can say is good luck. I tried 1500 mgs of calcium a day plus vitamin D and I went from osteopenia to osteoporosis in 8 months. So I hope you have better luck than me. I will stick with actonel until I have my next bone density test to see if it is helping me. | F | 56 | 365 days 35 mg 1X W | 4/23/2010 |