ACTONEL Reviews (RISEDRONATE SODIUM)Average Rating: 1.4 (1412 Ratings)Filter ResultsCompare ACTONEL with similar:
Type: Rx Drug
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Results are sorted by Date 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 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 |
More on ACTONEL: Reviews Summary | Drug Safety Information
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR ACTONEL | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
| 1 | osteopenia | Day 1-Severe upper back pain. Arms and legs ached. Stomach cramps and diarrhea. Whole body ached, weak & lethargic like the flu. Neck and chest tightness. Day 2- stomach cramps all day and diarrhea. Day 3-some cramping, still not feeling up to par. Day 4- finally back to myself | This is a horrible drug. My dr. wants me to try boniva next month, but I'm scared to. I don't want to ever go through this again. | F | 51 | 1 days | 1/22/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | after taking one pill in the morning following directions -chest pains, back pains, flu like symptoms, muscle aches, cramps in my foot - I had all of these symptoms before I read your website | I thought this would be the easy way - as I kept forgetting to take calcium supplements - I won't be so lazy again - I would love to get this out of my system but can only think of drinking lots and lots of water. | F | 64 | 1 days | 1/19/2009 | 1 | Low bone density | Back pain, abdominal pain, frequent UTI. | I recently developed high blood pressure which is listed as a potential side effect as well. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS DANGEROUS DRUG. | M | 32 | 7 years | 1/17/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis and problems w/Fosamax | Osteoarthritis in both knees worsened (maybe Fosamax caused that in the first place?) New side effect: after about 7 years on Actonel, I started to have right thigh and hip pain about a year ago, mostly at night, more with lots of walking or climbing. | Didn't notice at the time, but switching from Fosamax to Actonel resulted in T scores of -2.5 and less for the spine L1-L4, worse than I had had using Fosamax. Up till then the osteoporosis diagnosis was only for the femur. Scores for left total femur remained about the same using Actonel as they had been using Fosamax(around -2.5, some years a little better, some years a little worse). For most of the eight years on Actonel, I took the daily dose of 5 mg; for the past 2.5 years I have taken the weekly dose of 35 mg. Never any problem with gastro or esophogical symptoms with either regime. Those were the problems, which manifest as unexplainable chest pain, despite many medical tests, that led to discontinuing Fosamax after 6 years of use, and using Actonel instead. After learning about research studies suggesting that unusual low impact femoral fractures might be related to long-term Fosamax use (not sure if there are similar findings for Actonel as well), some of which were pr | F | 66 | 8 years | 1/11/2009 | 3 | osteo-pena | I am almost 55, and been on Actonel for a few years now. Was diagonsed with osteo-pena after going into an early menopause (thanks to chemotherapy for breast cancer)at 43. I've taken both the weekly and daily Actonel. The weekly dose upset my stomach within a few hours of taking it, and I had abdonminal cramps and diarreha for a few days actually. The same thing happened when I tried weekly Fosamax. Had no problems with Actonel daily except couldn't eat/drink for the 30 minutes every morning. It became a routine. My Dexa scans still show a gradual decline in bone loss, but I guess it would be worse if I didn't take this drug. | I am concerned with effects of being on this drug for a long time. | M | 54 | 5 years | 1/10/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Took monthly Actonel according to the instructions. Fine the first day until nighttime when I awoke with the chills but had so much pain in my body that I had to force myself out of bed to find socks and a sweater. Had some joint aches the next couple of days. I had more severe side effects the second month (second dose). I once again awoke with the chills and muscle and joint pain. Had severe diarrhea 24 hours later and also noticed a red rash (with blisters) on both of my thighs, plus one lone blister on my stomach. Joint pain is still with me 12 days later. It is particularly intense at night when I feel as though someone is tugging on my ankles or wrists. The pain seems to travel up and down my legs and arms; sometimes I feel the pain in my elbows and knees. | My gynecologist (who had prescribed the Actonel in the first place) says I am apparently having an allergic reaction. He told me to call him back in two weeks to let him know how I'm feeling. I think he intends to put me on Evista. By the way, I also had a urinary tract infection a few weeks after the first dose of Actonel. The UTI (which is listed as a possible side effect) was found during a routine urine culture. I was surprised because I had no symptoms. As I told my doctor, even after experiencing some side effects after my dose of Actonel, I did want to give it a fair try. I could tolerate an attack of the chills and flu-like aches and pains if they only lasted a day or two. Unfortunately, the side effects of the second dose were much more severe. I have sensations in my arms and legs as I type this. I think it's my joints, but maybe it's radiating along the muscles. Remember "Indian burns" from when you were a kid (when you'd place your hands on someone's arm and twi | F | 52 | 2 months | 1/10/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | After taking the first pill (wkly dosage) I had flu like symptoms. Second week I had severe joint PAIN and all my bones HURT BADLY. The third week's dosage left me feeling like I would be crippled for life! I could barely get out of bed, my legs shook and trembled when I stood up in the morning and my back hurt so much (NEVER EVER HAD BACK PAIN BEFORE) that I thought of the possibility of permanent damage, I WAS TERRIFIED. I don't know how I made it to work. I stopped taking it and it took over one month to regain steadiness on my feet and not feel so much back pain. HOWEVER I FEEL I HAVE RESIDUAL HIP PAIN, NEVER HAD THIS BEFORE EITHER! I would not recommend this drug to ANYONE! | Stronger warnings concerning contraindications should be made known. As a patient, we place a lot of trust in what is given to us, we need to be TOLD specifically what to look for. I WOULD HAVE NEVER TAKEN THE THIRD DOSAGE HAD I KNOWN HOW SEVERE THE PROBLEMS COULD BECOME. | F | 60 | 3 weeks | 1/8/2009 | 1 | recommended by doctor for pre osteo | extreme chest pain the night after taking my first dose. 3 days later feeling lethargic, hip pain, headache, upset stomach. i will not take it again, especially after reading about other women experiencing the same side affects | F | 58 | 1 times | 1/6/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I was on Evista for about a year because of low bone density. I had nightly leg cramps but did not attribute it to the medication because I have an auto-immune disease. I just thought the disease was getting worse. Then my doctor put me on Actonel since Evista was not showing to improve my bone density. Within a short time the leg cramps got much worse. It was so bad that my neurologist was testing me for other diseases such as MS. After talking with a neighbor that had leg cramps brought on by taking actonel, I quit using it. It has been three months now and I am finally back to normal. I will never take any of this type of medication again. My doctor said she has never heard of a reaction like this so I will be eternally grateful to have heard someones story | There needs to be a stronger warning about the side effects of this drug. | F | 58 | 3 months | 1/6/2009 | 1 | bone scan showed osteoporosis | Took the once a month dose. That night started chilling. Next day had temp with flu-like symptoms. Was weak and couldn't eat. Had headache. Bones ached. Eye ached. Next day had backache. | Won't take this medication again. Think the once a month dosage is too large an amount to take at one time. The weekly dosage might work better, but I don't plan to find out. | F | 64 | 1 days | 1/4/2009 | 1 | bone density was low | I've taken two pills, monthly doses, and after taking the first dose I experienced severe rib cage pain and leg cramps. About a week later I experienced the worst case of lower back pain I've ever had. My husband had to help me dress, go to the bathroom and walk. We went to an immediate care facility where they treated me for the pain which enabled me to walk on my own. I asked the pharmacist about the leg cramps in association with the actonel. He told me it only occurred in 1% of people in a study so I didn't think more about it. After taking my second pill and now experiencing severe back pain for the last three weeks, I began to think it may be the actonel which caused me to google actonel side effects. I was literally shocked to read many of the same symptoms and now I am very angry at my dr and the pharmacist for not warning me. I'm now wondering how long will this debilitating back pain last and I will certainly not take my 3rd dose which I was due to take tomorrow. Thank God I | F | 54 | 2 months | 12/31/2008 | 1 | osteoporsis | I was taking the once a week pill. First time I took it, I had chest pains and muscle and joint aches. Second week, I had muscle and joint pains. I was determined to give it a try and took it for two more weeks with some minor muscle and joint pain. After the fifth week within hours of taking it, I had pain in my eyes, sensitivity to sunlight and then swollen eyes the following day. the pain was so bad, I could not focus and had to keep my eyes closed. Thankfully, since I stopped taking the drug, my symptims have gone away. I think that this pill is very dangerous for some people. | F | 56 | 5 weeks | 12/29/2008 | 2 | Osteopenia | I had an upset stomach for a week after I took the monthly Actonel. | I have been on weekly Actonel for about 4 years and have had success with the medication. Bone density tests have either improved or stayed the same. No side effects to speak of except within the first hour. I decided to try the monthly and I was very uncomfortable for a week after eating. Had gas pains and a stomachache off and on the entire week. Spoke to a Nurse and only relief was to take lots of Rolaids, Tums and Gas-X and modified my diet to small meals and no vegetables or beans. Problems finally started to go away after a week. I will not take the monthly again. | F | 53 | 1 times | 12/22/2008 | 1 | osteoporisis | Aches, pains, heartburn and a broken arm that didn't heal correctly. | After reading all the side effects on those taking this 'drug' only days, weeks and months.... I wanted to add my two cents. Don't take it! I stopped after being on it for 4 years, and it's been a year without it. While on it for 2 years I fell and broke my arm. After the 6 week healing period I was still in excruciating pain and after an x-ray was told there was no new bone growing. My arm never healed correctly and I blame it on the Actonel - but I'm sure the doctors wouldn't agree. Then I started with heartburn. To the dismay of my doctor I stopped taking it. Felt I needed supplements so started on a multivitamin and within 7 days I thought I was having a heart attack. Stopped taking the vitamins and the pain went away. Then started on Vitamin D (3,000 units a day-recommended by my doctor) and ended up in the emergency room with symptoms (again) of a heart attack. Figured out the damage that was done to my stomach/esophagus was being irritated by the vitamins. It's call | F | 63 | 4 years | 12/21/2008 | 1 | found bone lose | When the doctor told me to try the sample Actonel, I had asked about whether the once a month 150 size would cause more side effects, because I already have some pain in my joints and they said it's a small number of people who get the problems. WELL, seven days after the first pill I started to feel pain in my chest and back and thought I was having a heart attach. I felt a terrible pressure and couldn't get a deep breath. Then I got bad chills. I took a hot shower hoping that would help, but by then I could barely stand without collapsing, feeling my back bone either popped a disc or was broken. After a horrible night I am still having trouble moving, getting up, sitting, standing,everything. The rest of my joints are also painful and my finger is swollen. I have a busy holiday coming up and then vacation and have NO idea when this will go away. At first I thought to go to the hospital, but after reading this site I realize there is no point! I would like to know how many other | F | 56 | 7 days | 12/20/2008 | 1 | Osteopenia | Doctor has prescribed Actonel because last bone scan showed bone loss. After reading this site I am afraid to take it and afraid not to take it. I don't want to risk fractures but don't want to be sick like all these people. CONFUSED | F | 44 | 0 days | 12/17/2008 | 1 | osteopenia w/ long term steroid use | overall stiffness, constant muscle fatigue and ache, and joint pain | I took the 150mg monthly tablet of Actonel as prescribed. By that evening my shoulders and back ached. The next day I awoke feeling fatigue and achy all over. My joints are stiff and ache. My collarbone and ribs ache. It's been 12 days since I took it and my symptoms haven't lessened any. Today my wrists and upper arms ache. It's difficult to raise my left arm over my head. It has been miserable. I am concerned about lasting effects particularly because I have Lupus. I would never recommend it, it's toxic. If for some reason you must take it, I implore you to start off on the smaller weekly dosage. | F | 50 | 1 months | 12/16/2008 | 1 | osteopenia | 12 hours after first monthly dose, chills, achey and painful back, neck, hips, knees, and shoulders. Debilitating headache, upset stomach. It has been 3 days since dose and I am still achey, lethargic and have a headache. | I typically don't read about side effects as I don't want to be suggestable. These symptoms are very real. After reading these posts, I am very sorry I let my Dr. talk me into this drug. I already have many dental issues due to soft teeth and many crowns, I don't need to kill my jaw bone, develope ulcers, or cancer. I will up my calcium foods, take my supplement and take my chances with a broken bone. | F | 61 | 1 months | 12/15/2008 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Took the once-a-month pill in the morning. After dinner, developed heartburn, which became more severe as the night progressed. I hardly slept at all that night. I had chills, muscle aches, fatigue, diarrhea and severe back pain. Two nights later, the symptoms occurred again. This time they were so severe, I almost went to the ER. It's been two weeks since I took the dose, and last night the severe back pain, abdominal pain, and diarrhea came back. The back pain is horrible...the only thing that helps it is pain meds. (Over the counter drugs don't even make a dent in the pain.) | I won't take this again! | F | 53 | 18 days | 12/14/2008 | 1 | 12 hours after taking my first monthly dose I experienced chills, upset stomach and severe back, shoulder, and hip pain and a debilating headache that even Naprosen wouldn't help. | It has now been 48 hours and I am still achy, in pain with a headache. I don't read about side effects first as I don't want to be suggestable. I'm very sorry I ever took this Rx. Hopefully my physician will listen to my concerns when I call this week. | F | 61 | | 12/14/2008 |