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 | I took my first once a month Actonel on November 8,2009. On November 13th I developed SEVERE pain at the base of my thumbs. The pain in my right thumb radiates through my arm and around to my elbow. I am taking ibuprofen as directed but I get no relief. I happened to see an Actonel commercial on tv that said to report any bone, muscle, or joint pain to my Dr. so I began surfing the net for any info on this problem. I also have a low grade fever, chest pain, headache and fatigue. | I was not aware of the side effects of this drug. I am calling the Dr. Monday with the hopes that she can erase this pain. I will not be able to work if the pain does not subside. I am a deli clerk and I slice cuts of meat with a huge machine. I can't lift anything heavy like hams or turkeys and it's extremely painful to twist my arm in any way. | F | 49 | 14 days | 11/14/2009 | 1 | Prescribed by Dr.after Bone Density | AWFUL! Hospitalized because I woke up one morning and every joint hurt and nothing would move, plus my ribs hurt with every breath.Why is this dangerous Drug being so widely promoted?????? I took it for 12 weeks,stopped immediately when I went to my dentist with Jaw pain and he suspected the Actonel. Now 5 weeks later, I'm still limping and get wakened every morning at 5 AM by what I call the "BARBED WIRE BELT"-the ribs hurting with every breath. AND I'm STILL on Prednisone for Pain Control.HOW LONG before I might feel my age again{61} instead of over 100? The thing that hurts me most is that I WORKED for Procter&Gamble and loved it, but I SURE DON"T RECOMMEND THEIR DRUG! | WHY???????????????? is it SO COMMON?? It seems every other woman I meet is either taking it now or WAS taking it until they hit one awful side sffect or another! | F | 61 | 12 weeks | 11/10/2009 | 1 | severe bone loss | Extreme bone pain, diarrhea and feel exhausted since taking it. And that was 2 weeks ago! I feel like I barely make it thru the day at work. It hurts my bones to walk up steps and my stomach gets jittery with everything- even plain tea! Everything aches. | This was my second month of taking Actonel. I told my doctor of the symtoms I was experiencing the first time I took it. He said he had NEVER heard of anyone having a bad reaction to this medicine! I foolishly believed him and took it again this month. I can't believe I didn't take the time to look it up. And I am very upset with my doctor because I have a hard time believing he had never heard of any of the problems associated with Actonel. I am very worried about my bone loss but I will never take this drug again. | F | 55 | 2 months | 11/9/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Took 150mg and thought I was fine several hours into it. Then bam these things hit me like a ton of bricks. Severe headache non-stop, stomach pains, vomiting.Within 18 hours I feel like I have the flu. My bones hurt to the core. Jaw hurts and my ears hurt. I have to move my body around every 10 minutes or so because I feel as though bones are crushing.I am miserable! How long will this last. My doctor did warn me of side effects. He was very honest with what I would go thru. | What are we to do? Who wants this violent feeling every month? But I am only 37 and feel like I have no choice. My bone loss is advanced. I broke my hand a month ago my doctor feels strongly this was do to bone loss. I am scared but do not feel so alone since I am reading these other comments. | F | 37 | 1 days | 11/9/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | I took 150 mg (monthly dose) yesterday and within 6 hours, the diarrhea started and hasn't stopped. Within 12 hours, I started experiencing chest pain, upper back pain and neck pain. It's now 24 hours later, and all those symptoms still exist, as well as difficult breathing, fatigue. | F | 45 | 1 days | 11/5/2009 | 1 | reduced bone density | Severe vomiting and diarrhea | I wonder how often people have this reation. Mine was very severe. It was a monthly dose that I will not take again | F | 55 | 1 days | 11/4/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Took 150mg Actonel for 5 months and experienced pain in joints first hip and lower back, then knees, and now I have developed tennis elbow and have pain shooting down my arms that wakes me up at night. I am not going to continue this medication. | Based on what I have read the bone that this drug creates is not good quality and can break spontaneously. Not a risk I am willing to take. | F | 51 | 5 months | 11/2/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Achiness, lower back pain, flu-like symptoms, fatigue. These symptoms appeared the day after taking this medication. | I'm so glad I found this site! I strongly encourage anyone experiencing symptoms to report them to Procter & Gamble at 1-800-836-0658 (product complaints) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1033 or www.fda.gov/medwatch If P&G receives a complaint, they MUST report it to the FDA. If enough of these cases are reported, they will then be taken seriously and acted upon, providing better warnings for their product. | F | 59 | 1 days | 11/2/2009 | 1 | osteoporis | Took 150 mg dose Monday morning as directed. Ok until Tuesday afternoon, then shivering so bad my teeth were chattering, could not get warm, I live in Houston and it was 84 degrees,then sweats and worst headache I have ever experiences but back of head and neck pain. Bone pain all over. First 2 days felt constipated, I never get constipated, then the diahrea started Tuesday night and it is now Friday and has not stoped. Have had several accidents with the diahrea and bathroom is close by. Have not been able to get out of bed since Tuesday. Will not take this medication again. Prescribed by endocronologst to see how I would tolerate as he would like to give me a 1yr IV type. I do not think this will be possible. | F | 66 | 1 days | 10/30/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | I took one monthly dose of Actonel and within 2 days was experiencing severe upper back, shoulder and neck pain, as well as pain in my left elbow. After one month, I returned to my normal Fosomax dose of once a week, which I had been taking for about 3 years. At the end of the month of Fosomax, the pain was no better and so I stopped taking it. It has now been 3 months since my last dose and I still have the same pain. | No one should risk taking this drug as the side effects are too varied and long lasting. It is very discouraging to read of people having this joint and muscle pain for 6 months and longer. Amazing that doctors appear to know nothing about it! | F | 58 | 3 years | 10/28/2009 | 1 | osteopenia/border line osteoporosis | One dose of 150 mg monthly Actonel. Still experiencing side effects. Although I have previously had spinal fusions, I have never had BURNING NERVE PAIN (pheripheral neuropathy) in feet and forearms and hands before taking Actonel. I am hoping the nerve pain resolves itself and that the dose of this so called medication is out of my system soon. I have increased my Vitamin D and calcium. I cannot begin to tell you how this has affected me. My feet and body are so sensitive that even large athletic shoes begin to be hot and tight. My flats feel like they are on swollen feet and although I have had swelling it still feels like they are swollen when not. Also I experience claminess full body even though I watch my hormones. I have pain in bones, joints, and muscles and will never take a dose of this drug again. Everything aches. I also have noticed jaw pain like I am aware of my back teeth. I am fearful of long term side effects. | Is your risk factor better if your increase green vegetables, vitamin D and calcium and possibly Vitamin B complex and B12. I believe so | F | 59 | 2 months | 10/27/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | I wish I'd have found this site earlier. I'd rate this drug a 0. Within a few hours of my very first (and only) dose of monthly Actonel I began to ache. The aching got progressively worse to the point where I could hardly breathe, also had exhaustion. Uncontrollable diarrhea and nausea followed. My family doctor sent me to the ER due to dehydration. I was admitted and spent 3 days in the hospital. I was off work over a week. Never again will I take this drug. | I'd never recommend this drug. Did the FDA really test Actonel or did the drug company do it's own testing? | 62 | 1 days | 10/26/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | severe muscle pain. diagnosis of dystonia by neurologist. Orthopedic surgeon thought muscle pain was caused by bone spur which I had surgically removed along with a fusion for worn out disc. Internist/rheumatologist said it was fibromyalgia. | do not take. No muscle pain before actonel | F | 60 | 3 years | 10/26/2009 | 1 | fractured leg | I took Actonel this morning in a manner consistent with my physician's instructions. My physician actually recommended that I wait until the weekend to start taking the medication because of the likelihood of side effects. As of 3PM central, I am now feeling extremely fluish and gaseous. I do not think that I have ever experienced such side effects from a medication. | I don't know how long these side effects will continue. The length of the side effects, coupled with the results from taking it, will impact my rating. As of now, though, I feel dissatisfied. | M | 40 | 1 days | 10/24/2009 | 1 | reduce bone loss | Severe flu like symptoms. I ached all over, bones...joints...muscles...head, even my eyelids. Chills, vertigo, fever. This my 4th day...tomorrow I may be functional again. I tried Fosamax last month with fewer, but worse side effects. My shoulder and neck muscles hurt so bad that I had to take Vicodin to sleep. | When I talked to the PA in my doctor's office about these symptoms, she said that I had to be wrong because side affects were rare with this drug. She must not have read the info that comes in the package, because it clearly states that flu symptoms are Common. I won't be taking this drug again. I don't trust the pharmaceutical companies to do enough research on a drug before approving it. They should not have approved this drug. | M | 66 | 2 months | 10/23/2009 | 1 | Start of osteoporosis | Nausea, headache, acid reflux | I have severe heartburn every night for 3 weeks, which coincided with my first monthly dose of Actonel. I haven't slept properly since then. I realized Actonel is the cause when I stumbled on this site whilst looking for sudden causes of severe heartburn. I won't be taking a second dose and I'm going back to my doctor to ask him to research drugs properly before prescribing them. Like others on this site I hope this will go away but I have no idea how long - or if it will. DON'T TAKEN ACTONEL - IT'S DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE TAKEN OF THE MARKET! | F | 53 | 1 months | 10/23/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | dr. prescribed 150 mg once monthly and said that this drug is usually tolerated very well. I took my first dose and the following day woke up with stomach pains which led to uncontrollable diarrhea..which continued throughout the day. Soon after that I felt very weak and tired and could not stand up. Got into bed with severe chills and could not warm up at all I live in FLorida....I had nothing to eat except some tea because I did not want to become dehydrated. After each cup of tea...right back into bathroom. I also thought that perhaps I had food poisoning but after reading all the posts convinced me that the ACTONEL is the cause. I do take calcium with vitamin d and hopefully that will be sufficient. The side effects that are printed with the med goes over them very lightly and does not have all these that we all are talking about. | DO NOT TAKE ACTONEL!!! | F | 73 | 1 days | 10/23/2009 | 1 | ostopenia | heart palpations,high blood pressure,nerviousness,panic attacks,name it i experienced it .I took it for 7 weeks,i will never forget it .Had to go to emerg twice bp 170/110,my bp was always low 110/70. my face was flushed very cold feet had to go to bed to get warm at 2:00 pm.ITs been a year now ,just recently the effects have faded not as severe now. Jane | F | 62 | 7 weeks | 10/22/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I have been getting violently ill once a month for the past few months with projectile vomiting and diarrhea, then I would get so cold I would have to pile blankets on. Each time I would lose 5 pounds (after I had worked hard to gain 5 pounds). I blamed it on food poisoning, the flu, etc. On October 9th, I took my Actonel at 3am. At 6am I started vomiting and knew the diarrhea would follow. It did one hour later. I felt as though I had been poisoned. I had no control of my bowels and couldn’t even keep a drink of water to stay down. Then, I started having dry heaves. I considered calling 911, as I was concerned about dehydration. I looked at my calendar as I had marked down the day to take the Actonel and realized every day I had taken it was the day I got sick. Each time, it has lasted longer with this last time being 3 days of not being able to keep anything down and not being able to eat anything until the 5th day. This time I lost 10 pounds. | F | 72 | 5 months | 10/21/2009 | 1 | I've taken it for two months as REQUIRED by my insurance company. I have had joint pain, chills, diarrhea, stomach upset, burping, gas and cramping. The Actinel site lists "short term" flu symptoms. No way. Last month they lasted for several days and this month, I am still fighting fatigue and other symptoms after 3 days/ I have missed work each time and this past month missed my daughter's senior homecoming dance, theater tickets have gone wasted. This is a high priced cure. | F | 56 | 2 months | 10/19/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Gastric reflux | I took Actonel once per week for 8 months, following the instructions to the letter. I developed severe stomach pain and reflux, and my doctor stopped Actonel and prescribed Prilosec for 1 month and restricted my diet. Two years after stopping Actonel, I still have episodes of moderate to severe heartburn, which I never had before taking Actonel. I still take Prilosec when I cannot tolerate the heartburn. Unfortunately, I researched this drug only after I became ill, and was surprised to learn its contents and history. I now take a multivitamin for women over 50 and recommended doses of calcium with D. I'll take my chances with my bones, as women have for decades before Actonel and like drugs. And from what I've read, bisphosphonates may preserve bone density, but do not make them any less brittle and breakable. Do your own research. | F | 55 | 8 months | 10/18/2009 | 1 | osteopenia & quick bone deteriation | From the first day of the first week I took it, I had the muscle pain in my left arm, and always had the nausea and light-headedness each week after I took it. As time progressed, my whole left side had pain...ankle, knee, hip..then on my last day of the 3 months, it hit my jaw and teeth. Incredible pain. Visited the dentist twice, but he couldn't find anything. Lived on pain killers for 4 weeks, and gradually the pain subsided and it's now been 7 weeks since my last pill. It's taken that long to get this drug out of my system. My teeth are still not 100%, they no longer 'line up' on the left side, but I can finally start chewing on that side again. I didn't realize how dragged out I had become over the period when I was taking this. This week was the first time I could now sleep on my left side again, after almost 5 months. | I've heard of people taking this with no side effects, but this drug almost killed me. I would have lived with the muscle pain, but when it hit the teeth it was the worst pain I've ever had in my life. I'm now trying to do better with natural solutions, but have always been very active and healthy. Started taking vitamin K1, which is supposed to help bones as well. I haven't told my Dr yet that I've stopped the drug, but you couldn't pay me to take this. I'll just take my chances. | F | 52 | 3 months | 10/17/2009 | 2 | osteoporosis | changes in teeth and jaw bones, spacing in teeth, after one year I had hip and bones pain that ended after I stopeed taking it. I had terrible pain in my leg bones and after I stopped taking Actonel, within two weeks it stopped. I'd been taking it about two and a half years. | Stomach upset, acid indigestion increased and I never had this before | F | 55 | 2 years | 10/14/2009 | 1 | the worst pain all over. i feel like like my bones are going to burst, the worst muscle pain chest pain.shoulders neck this is the most awful pain how long it will last i wish i knew this has been going on for 3 months | DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG | F | 45 | 3 months | 10/13/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | I was hesitant about taking the Actonel. The prescription was written for me in July and I waited until October to try it. Yesterday, I took the weekly pill for the first time at 8:30am. Then, like many others on the site, I began to experience the terrible side effects. That night, I woke up at 4am with flu-like symptoms: chills (apartment was very warm), strong aching in my bones and joints (hips, legs, arms, shoulders, and hands), gas, and stomach cramps. When I finally got out of bed at 10am after barely sleeping since 4am, I had diarrhea. At first, I thought that it must have been the flu, but I rarely get sick. So, I googled until I found this site. Everything made sense. Unfortunately, I had to go into work. I'm still feeling sharp pains and general aches all over my body as well as a dull headache. I would taken the day off if I weren't taken two days of vacation at the end of the week. | As others have said, the cure is not worth the cost of the side effects. I don't plan on taking this drug, again. Will just take calcium/vitamin D pills and exercise. | F | 35 | 1 days | 10/13/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | flu syntoms, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness. lethargic, fever, chills, anxiety | Following my post on 10/11, I'm on day three of the syntoms. The fever and chills have subsided as well as the neck, back, shoulder, sternum, ear pain. Now I am experiencing anxiety, depression, eye irritation. Sleeplessness continues and the lethargy. I too ask how severe is my osteoporosis and how easy the doctors prescribe the medications. Since my 30s I have taken a daily supplement caltrate with vit. D. For the past year, I have added fish oil, vit. E. I exercise regularly...I am very upset that I ever put this drug in my body and cannot wait for it to cycle out. I also rang the doctor who presecribed the medication and thought I was simply fighting off the flu...this doctor was unaware of these syntoms and sounded doubtful that there is indeed a connection. | F | 50 | 1 days | 10/12/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | At the time of taking it I feel like I could easily vomit, although I took it as instructed. I am having several headaches a week which I never had before. My eyes are red, very sensitive, and water excessively. | I hate taking drugs. I need to ask "how bad was my bone density"? Why did i not ask this before starting a dangerous drug. (I am a nurse, still working, and know better) I exercise and I am healthy, I take calcium and Vit. D. My Dr. wanted me to take the one IV that lasts a year! Thankfully i was smart NOT to follow that advice. Reading this site - actonel is over and out for me. | F | 65 | 2 months | 10/11/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Tiredness, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, extreme chills, fever, vomiting, bone pain, musle pain, sleeplessness, lack of appetite | Results from a bone density scan revealed a level of osteoporosis; resulting in the recommendation to take actonel. Following the instructions, I took my first monthly tablet of 150mg in the early morning. Later in the evening, began the uncontrollable chills, fever and the strangest and very frightening flu-like symptoms. In addition, neck, ear, shoulder, sternum pain. Difficulty breathing, vomiting, equilabrium problem, inability to sleep, anxiety. This lasted 2 days. I would also like to add, my primary care physician prescribed the actonel (actually gave me samples). First, I would recommend seeing a specialist if diagnosed with osteoporosis--and get a second opinion. Next, I would not recommend actonel. The published side-effects address the most common ones and not these extreme ones. | F | 50 | 1 days | 10/11/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Very bothersome leg pain at night. | I'm writing for my mother who was taking Actonel for osteoporosis. She took it for a number of months but was very unhappy with it. She would wake up at night due to leg pain and have to walk the floor and stomp on her leg to get it feeling right again. She insisted her docotor take her off of Actonel, which he did. She stopped the drug in December of 2008 and was then diagnosed with lymphoma, which ended her life in July of 2009. | F | 85 | | 10/11/2009 | 1 | Took this drug for 3 months late last year. I had researched the side effects, so when I experienced a burning sensation and tiredness, I knew it was from 150mg Actonel. The burning got bad the 3rd dose. No more for me, I decided. Then on 10/4/09 gave it another try. The burning was there. This time I felt other effects. I spent 3 days with chills, the worst cramps I've ever had, and diarrhea. My energy level is not where I want it to be. Right now I'm thinking the cure is worse than the disease. | F | 53 | | 10/10/2009 | 1 | perscribed by doctor | Am taking vitamins, herbs (horsetail tea,etc.) extra calcium, fish oil is good also. Also weight building exercises, if possible. Caltrate and Oscal is good. | F | 55 | 0 days | 10/9/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | In September I started the 4 daily pills of Actonel (35 mg each) for the first four days of the month--no problems. In October, took 1 pill (150 mg)on Saturday. By Monday, beginning of stomach cramps and had to miss work that day. Tuesday, continued cramps. Wednesday, standing in Walgreens, a rush of diarrhea that I could not control. Had to take a shower in my clothes. 30 minutes later, same thing while sitting in my living room. By Thursday at 3 a.m. I was having extreme cramps with accompanying diarrhea non-stop until 5 a.m. Missed work Thursday. Today, return to work with cramps that have not stopped since Monday. Pain in my knees and elbows. I called my doc, said must have a bug that's going around which is what they told me last year when I tried taking Boniva and that almost killed me. I'm done with Actonel and Boniva. | F | 62 | 2 months | 10/9/2009 | 2 | osteopenia | After taking the first dose, five hours later onset of headache, followed by bone pain in almost every bone, fatigue. Two days later I still had the same symptoms with the addition of lower abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The diarrhea only lasted 3-4 hours but the cramps lasted another two days. Since that time these symptoms have improved but now I am exhausted by noon and having trouble with my eyes focusing and feeling half sick the rest of the day. I consulted my doctor and he said not to take another monthly dose. He didn't feel anyone should have to live with those symptoms. I am hoping they will go away during the next two weeks. It has been two weeks since that first dose. I don't like the reviews I am reading. Some of these poor patients seem to have their symptoms a long time. It makes it very hard to function at work when you feel so bad. | The only side effect that I was informed about was stomach upset. My stomach is the only part of my body that did not hurt! | F | 57 | 15 days | 10/1/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | I am 62 now. I took Actonel weekly for almost 2 years. I would wake up exhausted as though I never slept...tired all day. Worst of all, I had a slight retinal bleed and went to an eye specialist. Then more recently I was diagnosed with a macular pucker (a wrinkle on the retina) that blurred my vision. My eyes became extremely sensitive to sunlight and even INDOOR lighting so I stopped taking Actonel. My eyesight has greatly improved, and no more sensitivity to light! My vision has returned to NORMAL! I'd rather break a bone than go blind!! I recently met a younger woman who is having the same problems. Stop taking actonel now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | F | 62 | 2 years | 9/30/2009 | 1 | Bone Loss | I took the medication in the morning as directed (once a month )for the first time, after one hour I had a headache and felt very tired until late evening at about 9pm I got severe chills, neck pain, lower back pain, in addition all my joints were hurting, I experienced the same as a previous comment which was that I was freezing cold and could not get out of bed. My husband also had to wrap me in blankets and heating pads to warm me up, this lasted about 2 hours. I couldnt get out of bed because I was so disoriented. All night I was breaking out in cold sweats and had extreme pain throughout my body. thought maybe I had caught the flu but when I took flu medicine and It didnt do anything, my husband read the side effects and we realized that it was the medicine. Was in bed for 3 days. Maybe we all should bill Proctor & Gamble for Wages Lost for not being able to go to work and pain and suffering??? I called my doctor and she was going to check to see what other alternative I shoul | Do not take this medicine "Actenol",, the side effects are not worth it. Best to take the oscal 500+vit D and I will look for a more natural alternative to work with the Oscal instead of the Actenol. | F | 51 | 1 days | 9/28/2009 | 1 | osteopenia in the hips | Extreme pain in my legs, especially left leg. I am unable to bend or stand straight my muscles are so tight. My back and arms are sore as well but tolerable. My hips hurt at night. I wake up from the pain everytime I turn in bed. I have a hard time standing when I get up in the morning. Simple things like putting on a pair of socks is very difficult. | I've stop taking actonel about 10 days ago. I was on a weekly dose. Has anyone felt this bad? How long will it take for the pain to go away?? | F | 35 | 2 months | 9/28/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Started Actonel in Nov 2007 and stopped after reading newspaper article about pain in muscles and joints (which I experienced in hands) Re-started Actonel in Mar 2008 since still concerned about bone loss and was being treated for carpel tunnel syndrome. But now have pain in hands and feet(big toe is painful all the time). I thought I might have fibromyalgia since I have pain everywhere: front of my left lower leg, mear left ankle, both arms below the elbow,hip... But now I'm convinced it is from the Actonel and will stop the weekly doses right away. | Should have discontinued actonel a year ago. Going to trust what my body is telling me. | F | 55 | 1.5 years | 9/28/2009 | 2 | osteopenia | Started Fosamax about 7 years ago and got severe knee joint pain and general stiffness in my knees and hips. Switched to Actonel, which helped with the severe knee pain only. I figured the stiffness was about just getting older (had a complete/total hysterectomy at 42, which apparently speeds up the process). The Dr. didn't tell me the stiffness could be drug related, just the knee pain. Also, I had incomplete bowel movements (needed two trips to the bathroom in the morning - colonoscopy showed all is normal internally) on Actonel and had developed regurg, which both parents had w/o such meds so I never thought twice about a causal relationship. I stopped taking the Actonel about 5 years ago for no other reason than I wanted to stop, but all of those symptoms persisted. Again, I thought it was just about getting older and not the meds I took five years ago. Question: does Actonel really have a 10-year half life? (Please email me with any info.) Currently, I am back on Actonel b | It's time to stop poisoning my body. Calcium, Vit D and exercise are the way to go for me. | F | 48 | 3 months | 9/26/2009 | 2 | osteopenia | I switched from weekly Actonel to monthly Actonel for convenience. I was taking the monthly dose for approx, 6-7 months. The last few months I was experiencing SEVERE stomach pains & heartburn. Being a nurse it only took me a few months to figure out that the Actonel was causin this. Although, the 1st month it happened I thought I had food poisoning. | The stomach pains were so gruelling @ times that it took my breath away. I notice these symptoms aprrox 12 hrs after takin the pill. I am stopping the pill, ya, givin my gut a rest and will try the weekly Actonel in a few months. If I experience any ill side effects I will have to find sum ting else for my bone health. I am hopin that I can tolerate some kind of bone building med in the near future cuz it is so important to protect ur "skeleton"!!!! | F | 36 | 6 years | 9/25/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | I took the pill for first time on a Saturday morning. That night I woke up with extreme pain in my chest, left arm, and shoulder. The next morning when I woke up I felt like I had the worst case of Flu. Every bone in my body hurt for 2 days. Later that week I started having trouble getting my pills down. I felt like my food was getting stuck in my esophegus. After a couple of weeks with no relief, went to my Dr. and had to have a EGD. Now I have a hiatal hernia and Gerd. Still having trouble getting pills down. Will never take it again. | I would not recommend Actonel to anyone. I wish my Dr. would have gone over the side affects with me. She just thinks I'm allergic to it. | F | 58 | 1 days | 9/24/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Flu like symptoms, terrible indigestion, burping and stiff neck and back pain. Very lethargic and weight gain, bloated feeling. In bed for several days each of the 3 months I took the actonel and couldn't believe I could catch the flu so often. I would wrap myself in 2 blankets due to the chills and I live in Miami!! I was taking the once per week tablet and followed the directions regarding water only and no eating or laying down for 30 minutes. Doctor only had told me about the osteonecrosis as a side effect so I am very dissapointed in her. | Thought I was going crazy until I found this site. Had flu like symptoms for approx. one week each month I took the drug. Finally googled "actonel and flu" and found this site. Stopped taking the medication just this week and found the neck and back pain disappeared immediately and most of the stomach pain and indigestion has subsided.Hope the weight comes off and the burning and indigestion go away as well. I will find alternative means to manage my osteoporosis. Calcium and Vitamin D for me. | F | 53 | 3 months | 9/24/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Within about 4 hours after first dose of the 150mg/month pill, I had an upset stomach that later in the day turned in to severe abdominal pain, bloating, couldn't burp to get the air out, my entire body hurt.I attributed the pain in my muscles to the bloating- so severe i wanted to have a tube put down my throat to let the air out. It has been 3 days now. I still have the nausea and upset stomach, weak from very little food. Will never take the drug again | will never take the drug again | F | 43 | 4 days | 9/23/2009 | 1 | bone thinning | severe pain in joints, difficulty walking, flu-like symptons. Pain lasted for approximately 3 weeks. Taking 1 month pill - will never take again. Reported to pharmacy, dr. | Do not take drugs often - this hit me so hard would not recommend to anyone and believe it should be removed from distribution. | F | 65 | 1 days | 9/22/2009 | 2 | my doctor said i need to be on this | My bone density showed last year I needed to be on this and that's when I got severe pain in my bones and joints starting with an unexplained reason for severe pain in my groin area which didn't allow me to do my walking and I had a very hard time getting in and out of the vehicle. I'm not happy to be in this much pain. My bone density this time showed improvement, I wonder how true this is. I'd rather take my chances, eat well, add calsium and suppliments and be able to exercise like before along with walking then be in this much pain. I'm thinking of discontinuing this, take my vit. D and calsium and see what my bone density shows next time i get one. Interesting isn't it????? | | 9/12/2009 | 1 | Bone Density results | Took the first monthly dose 5 days ago. Woke in the night with stomach cramps. My left eye began to hurt and then I got scared. called the doctor the next day and informed him of this. He had never heard of this side effect but on the brochure it mentioned eye pain. I am also experiencing a lot of hartburn which I never have. | I will not take any more of this medication. I will take a chance on my bones. | F | 75 | 1 months | 9/11/2009 | 2 | Osteoporisis | First 35mg dose I had gastric upset. Stayed on it like a good little patient for 6 weeks but finally decided the cure was worse than the disease. Went off but Endocrinologist insisted I go back on it. After 2 doses the back, abdominal and general muscle pain plus a 100 degree temperature told me this drug is bad news! Already tried Boniva...same result...extreme gastric upset. I already know the doctor will want me to go on a I.V. version and told me there would be "flu like" symptoms. Not sure that is something I want to endure. | Be afraid...be very afraid! | M | 66 | 2 months | 9/10/2009 | 1 | bone loss | It started with pain in my legs. I kept waking because the pain was so severe. Had trouble going up and down stairs. Now having jaw pain. The oral surgeon told me to stop the actonel. Now I am going to have a a bridge broken but waiting for blood work to come back. Have to see how much damage the actonel did to my jaw bone | Please have blood work done first. This blood test consists of fasting for 16 hours first. The bone density test is not better. My oral surgeon says only certain cases should be on this drug. Take your calcium pill with vitamin D twice a day and eat a balanced diet. | F | 53 | 3 years | 9/9/2009 | 1 | Ostopenia | I'm so glad to find this website to validate that Actonel produced the side effects I felt last Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009. When I reported the terrible side effects -- major flu-like symptoms, sweats, freezing cold chills (in the heat of Houston's summer!) and wooziness - he was in dismay that he'd never heard anything reported like this before. Luckily it was Labor Day weekend and I didn't have to go to work the next day (not exactly how I wanted to spend my vacation, though.) There's no way I'm taking this pill a second time and risk going through what I went through again. | I took the pill at 6 a.m. and was fine until evening -- 6:30 p.m. or so I started feeling head-achy when out with husband and friends. By 11:30 p.m. at home, I started getting severe chills -- was freezing cold. My husband literally had to wrap me in blankets in bed to try to warm me up. Then I got the sweats and was dizzy. I didn't sleep well at all -- like when you have the flu -- was up about three times during the night and virtually cursing my doctor as to why he didn't give me an alternative to taking this drug. I was mad at myself that I didn't read the Actonel brochure until AFTER I'd swallowed the pill. Then again, I do what my doctor says to do and that was to take this thing. Anyway, I awoke at 7 a.m., feeling better, but dizzy when I got out of bed and stood up. I went back to sleep till about 9 a.m. and fortunately, the wooziness had gone away and I began to feel that I had "control" over my body again. It was so exhiliarating! So far, I haven't felt any other effects. I called my doctor's office to report this to his nurse. My doctor was very unapologetic and said he'd never heard of such a response to the drug and questioned me if I'd had anything to drink that night, etc. (All I drank with dinner was water because I was head achy.) He finally agreed that I should stop taking the drug and continue with Calcium D tablets and exercise. BTW, check out NY Times article in Sept. 8 "Science" section about overprescribing of drugs fo | F | 54 | 1 days | 9/9/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I have not felt like myself for several years and have attributed it to aging. Starting in Jan. 09 I started having severe pain in arches, foot and leg cramps, general low grade aches and pains all over, more severe sore spots, mood swings, upset digestion system, constipation, hot flashes, sore tooth | I do not recommend taking this drug. I was taking 35 mg weekly. I don't think Doctors are aware of these side effects and that osteoporosis can be treated naturally. I stopped taking it one month ago and everything has improved with only occasional pain in one foot. I now feel like my old self. This drug has a Half Life of ten years. | F | 60 | 4 years | 9/8/2009 | 1 | bone loss | Without pinning anything down, I've been getting sick for a few days every month for the past 10 months. I always though I caught a bug. This last time, it all fell into place because I was sick the night of Sept. 2nd and all day Sept. 3rd and for the first time I charted back to the last time I was sick which was the evening of August 2 and all day August 3rd and then realized that this had happened every previous month. It all came together for me that I take Actonel on the first of each month and that was the answer. Stomach upset is just starting to ease up today, September 6th. Flu symptoms of fever over 101 degrees, sweats, chills, aching muscles and muscle pain. I am curious about person who reported cracked teeth because I've had 2 cracked teeth since January. Can't remember when I switched from weekly Actonel to monthly but it's been at least since last November. I Can't believe that after getting sick every month, I never put it together until now. I will report this to FDA o | F | 62 | 10 months | 9/6/2009 | 5 | Osteoporosis | None | F | 70 | 12 months | 9/4/2009 | 1 | Osteoperosis | Started taking 1 month dose of 150 mg of Actonel 9/1/09 6:30 a.m. At 10:00 p.m. severe flu like symptoms started. Chills, fever, sweats, stomach upset. Took Tylenol & Pepto @ 10 p.m. and then again @ 2:00 a.m. because I was still awake. I had to keep stretching my legs because they ached so bad. Fell asleep and woke back up @ 4:00 a.m. because of the aches in my legs - laid there until 6 - took more pepto and Midol to help the aches it my legs. The pain subsided a little and I fell back asleep at around 7:30 a.m. and slept until 12:30 - had to miss work that day because I was so lethargic. Did not eat anything that day - had no appetite. It's now 9/4 2:00 p.m.and for the 1st time am able to eat something little. | Will not take a 2nd dose next month. Don't want to chance having to go thru 3 days of pain - let alone the possible side effects years down the road. I think before the doctors are able to prescribe this type of new medication - they should all have to endure what we have endured - along with the FDA approval panel. | F | 54 | 1 days | 9/4/2009 | 1 | Diagnosed with Osteopenia | I took the one month Actonel pill on July 11, 2009 & within hours felt stiff (like an old woman). By the next evening (on the 12th), I was in the ER with severe bone, muscle, & joint pain. I was given a shot to relieve the pain. It is now 8 weeks later & I just revisited the ER last night due to severe back pain (above my pelvis). The backs of my thighs burn with radiating pain. When I touch my thighs, they feel bruised. I "feel" every bone in my pelvic, buttock, & hip area. This drug has greatly disabled me. The doctors I have seen keep saying they have never seen this kind of side effect, but I'm living it. Before I took this drug I exercised & walked at least 3 days a week. Now I find it difficult to stand upright without pain. | I'm a teacher, & I'm scared that I will not be able to start the school year with my students. No one can tell me exactly how long this drug will stay in my system, causing this debilitating pain. The first perdiction was 7-10 days. Oh how I wish that were true! My recommendation: Do not take this drug! | F | 52 | 8 weeks | 9/4/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | The first day I was fine considering my doctor switched my from Fosamax to Actonel. Day two I had the same side effects as Fosamax but worse. I could not get out of bed because of the joint and muscle pain. I could not regulate my body temp. I had chills and sweats, all at the same time, my head felt like it was going to explode. This was a nightmare. It felt like a really bad case of the flu. I got better on the third day or so I thought. The muscle and joint pain subsided but the diarrhea and the stomach cramping came along. I'm no day four and I still can't eat, my stomach is cramping and I'm tired. If I take a sip of water my stomach cramps, not to mention the gas. This drug should not have been placed on the market at all. | I wish I had found this site before taking this medication. Actonel really should be looked at closer by the FDA. I know they tested this out on some poor animal before giving it to a human. I just hope these side effects don't last all month but I would not recommend this to my worst enemy. This is my first and last dose of Actonel. | F | 37 | 4 days | 9/3/2009 | 1 | Bone loss | Severe flu-like symptoms with fever, joint pain, muscle pain, and muscle cramps. Uncontrollable chills, but my skin was hot to the touch. This started 18 hours after taking the pill and lasted 24 hours. Some stomach pain with mild diarrhea | The day after that I broke out in a rash with blisters--very itchy despite repeated doses of benedryl, and I had difficulty swallowing. Almost went to the ER. Will call doctor tomorrow about possible cortisone shot if rash is still present. | F | 55 | 1 days | 9/1/2009 | 1 | bone density | After reading the comments here - I will not take Actonel. I had a bad reaction to Evista so I am not going to chance this drug. I was just wondering how many people think they have fiber myalgia - but may be experiencing side effects of these bone density drugs. It might be worth checking into if you have a loved one with f/m. Too bad doctors are not reading this site. They might be more timid about prescribing these drugs. | F | 57 | 0 days | 9/1/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | severe back pain, flu-like symptoms, fever, nausea, fatigue | it is a poison that needs to be investigated more closely by the FDA. Never had a drug reaction like this before. After discussion at work, it seems that five other women at work had similar experiences and two more had taken it with no reported problems | F | 58 | 1 months | 8/29/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis of spine | About 12 hours after taking the 250 mg monthly dose, I experienced extreme pain in the lower back, joint pain, muscle pain, and stomach pain. It hurt so bad, I described it as feeling like someone beat me with a baseball bat and then ran over me with a truck. A few days later, as the muscle and joint pain started to lessen, I became sick to my stomach and could not eat for nearly 4 days. For over a week I had no appetite and had to force myself to drink fluids. Then, horrible headaches began and I couldn't sleep, even though I was constantly exhausted. Now, 2 weeks after taking the monthly dose, I am beginning to recover (with the help of an over the counter antacid). This has been a horrible experience. I even dreamed I was in hell! | I had no bad reaction to 1 dose of the weekly Actonel, so I thought I would be safe with the monthly dose. WRONG! It made me feel near death. I will never take it again. I only wish I had found this site before taking the plunge. At least others may be spared unnecessary misery as the word gets out. | F | 56 | 1 weeks | 8/29/2009 | 1 | beginning osteopemia | Took the weekly dosage from May 2008 to March 2009 (10 months) with no apparent ill effects. In early March, I started getting severe leg cramps and muscle pain and weakness in arms and particularly in my legs and hips. Walking became an effort; climbing stairs, suddenly, nearly impossible. I have to pull myself up each step. I checked the Actonel side effects and stopped the Actonel. My leg cramps stopped nearly immediately, but muscle pain and fatigue continue 6 months later. Doctors tested me for lupus, and several other things -- all normal. Have had nerve and muscle tests (normal), but need Ibuprophen to struggle through each day's activities. How long will the pain and weakness last, I wonder. Will I ever return to normal? Don't take Actonel!!! | When I read the problems others have had, I realize I'm fortunate that my problems are comparatively minor. However, I continue to suffer daily with pain and weakness I did not have before taking this drug. Surely, the manufacturers were aware of these side effects. Why does this drug remain on the market? | F | 68 | 10 months | 8/29/2009 | 1 | Took the medicine as directed. That night I had muscle pain so severe I couldn't sleep. I also had a nasty, lead-type taste in my mouth. I could not get up to brush my teeth as that would have been physical activity too taxing. My husband phnoned the office of the prescribing endocrinologist and they denied the symptoms!! So,he took me to primary care Dr. the next day, who was familiar with these side effects and prescribed meds to treat the symptoms. Good thing he did that, as I was curled in a ball of agaony in bed. | NEVER AGAIN. It took about 10 days to feel better. These anti-osteo[penia/porosis] drugs are POISON. Eat right, exercise, stop trying to "cure" aging with crazy drugs. | F | 53 | 1 months | 8/28/2009 |