ACTONEL Reviews (RISEDRONATE SODIUM)

Average Rating: 1.4 (1412 Ratings)

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 BISPHOSPHONATES

 Type: Rx Drug

  

ACTONEL  (RISEDRONATE SODIUM):  Risedronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis) in adults. Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break more easily. Your chance of developing osteoporosis increases as you age, after menopause, or if you are taking corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone) for a long time. This medication works by slowing bone loss to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones (fractures). Risedronate belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates.   FDA Approval Date: 2008-04-22 (Sources: U.S. Centers for Medicare Services, FDA)

  

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Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.)
5=HIGH (this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal.)

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RATING  REASONSIDE EFFECTS FOR ACTONELCOMMENTSSEXAGEDURATION/
DOSAGE
DATE ADDED
 
 2  premenopausal osteopenia stiff, painful joints and muscles, extreme weakness, nausea depression (because all of the above) switched to Actonel about 18 months ago after being on Fosamax for 8 years (subsequent Dexa scans showed some improvement). My previous gyno said that once you start a biphosphonate that you can never stop taking it, which my endocrinologist said was wrong. I developed the side effects listed, which I had attributed to unresolved anemia and scoliosis. I had spinal surgery 3 years ago with a L4/L5 fusion (I'm wondering if there's a connection to Fosamax). Two days after stopping Actonel, my muscles seemed to ache a little less (maybe because I was expecting it?) but on Day 3, I experienced a horrible migraine, which is ongoing (this is Day 5 since I was to take Actonel). I'm only able to sit here and give my experience with the help of Xanax (to try to relax my stiff neck and skull), Excedrin Migraine, flat Pepsi, and a anti-nausea suppository to help with vomiting. When you have a migraine, you'll try anything to stop the pain. Is this a withdrawal symptom from Actonel? Anything F 53 1.5 years
9/10/2008
 1  Some bone loss Intense headaches, constant thirst, jaw pain, flu like symptoms, issues with skin on my fingers I heard the only side effect I would have was some minor bone pain. I took the once a month 150 mg tablet on a Thursday and my intense thirst started that evening followed by intense headaches the next day lasting for about six days. On Sunday I had an mild jaw pain which intensified on Monday to the point I was not able to open my mouth to eat, any minor contact with the right side of my jaw would cause a significant pain. This is the sixth day of this experience and I still have a headache although the intensity is lower and I am able to think a bit clearer today than in prior days, the intensity of the thirst has also come down and the jaw pain is very mild today. The flu like symptoms continue, I was afraid to take any headache medication and get even more complications. I sure hope I feel much better in the days to come. I will discontinue taking this medicine and pursue more natural paths to prevent any additional bone loss. The after effects of taking Actonel has not been F 50 1 months
9/10/2008
 1  bone loss I took my first monthly dose 150mg on Aug 28 by the next morning I was chilling and haveing body aches from head to toe with my back hurting really bad, Later that night I was chilling so bad I had to have my son get me extra covers I was moaning with such discomfort, by morning I took the dirarea I was so sick ,but my son managed to ge me to the ER,I had a urinary tract infection, It took me afew days before I felt better then I got so bad in my left hip I couldnt even walk I went back to the ER on sept 2 the pain was so intense I couldnt even get on the toilet by myself, even now on sept 8th I am bearly walking with help of a cane most of the time. I will never take this actonel again and I dont advise anyone to It should be pulled from the market. F 52 1 months
9/8/2008
 3  pagnet I am have cramps on my right leg calf down to my ankle at my ankle i get a pining feeling M 58 5 weeks
9/3/2008
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 1  ostopenia Had taken fosamax for 3 years and stopped in aug 07. Took actonel once a week for past 3 weeks to give it a try. I thought I had a virus during those same 3 weeks with symptoms of continual headache, fatigue and various body aches. I happened upon this website just as a check on a new drug and was surprised to see myself described in similar complaints. Thank you askapatient! Thanks goodness I did not take the monthly tablet. That would have taken even longer to get out of my system. I will continue taking calcium and continue good diet and strength training. I am even more motivated than I was before in taking care of my health. I do not want to take these drugs again. F 63 3 weeks
9/1/2008
 1  Osteoporosis I took this monthly drug (150 mg) only once and if I had the choice to rate this drug as anything other than 1-5, I would rate it a -100. I experienced excruciating pain in the spine (which is finally subsiding somewhat) and in my rib cage (which is still extreme and daily). I also continue to wake up with leg and feet cramps. I have experienced diahrrea, trouble breathing, loss of appetite and heartburn. Prior to taking this drug I was healthy, excercised regularly ate healthy and felt great. The first day I took this drug, I began experiencing a panic attack so badly that I could not go any further into my home than the front door. This has continued now for more than a month. Some of these attacks last only a few minutes while others last off and on for days. During these attacks, I am terrified of being alone and am forced to leave my home. After researching on the internet, I came across some information advising not to take vitamins/mineral and calcium supplements while taking this drug. Today I didn't take any supplements and find that mentally I am almost back up to snuff. I absolutely would not recommend this or any other similar drug. Once this drug is completely out of my system, I will start back with my supplements. In the meantime, my exercise program and diet will remain my resources for staying healthy, thank you very much. F 61 1 months
9/1/2008
 1  Osteoporosis Severe back pain, hand pain - my right hand especially. I couldn't even hold a comb much less comb my hair. Some dizziness and my eyes would blur. I've always had low blood pressure, but last year it went above normal. I am not over-weight and I exercise, lift weights, do TaeBo, c/c ski, walk, hike and ride a bike. My pain has been so bad that for a year I didn't do much of anything. I kept blaming it on arthritis. But when I started getting indigestion and heart burn so bad that I thought I was having a heart attack I began to suspect one of the drugs that I was taking. I also noticed that all of my slacks seemed to be getting snug. I started to read comments on the internet about Actonel and saw that other people had the same symptoms. I've also had a lot of gas, constipation, dry skin and eyes and palpitations. I quit taking Actonel three weeks ago. Today I put on a pair of slacks that had been feeling a bit snug and they now feel large on me and literally fell off t I took Fosamax before Actonel and it gave me indigestion, but not as bad as Actonel. Before that I took Evista. It gave me constant hot flashes and extremely painful leg cramps several times a night. I take calcium and vitamin D, but I guess I'm doomed to have broken bones eventually. F 67 22 months
8/31/2008
 1  Treatment of osteopenia/osteoporosi After taking only 2 dosage of 5 mg actonel meds, I begin experiencing severe and progressive joint/muscle pain on the second day. In fact, it was painful to step up, open a door, slightly lean forward, move my neck, turn my shoulders, or other minor activities. I became extremely stiff. I immediately discontinued and would not recommend! The muscle/joint pain side effect is unbearable. I walk 3 miles daily, climb stairs with ease and walk when I golf 18 holes several times a week. Despite being fit, actonel's 2nd day dosage, completely incapacitated me and I could only come home and get into the bed (with help) where I tried to toss n' turn but it was too painful. Actonel should be pulled by the FDA F 62 2 days
8/30/2008
 1  Osteoperosis Aching muscles and joints all over my body. After sitting for only 15-30 minutes at a time, I could hardly walk when I got up from the chair. Getting up in the morning was greeted with nothing but trying to shuffle to the bathroom. My feet and ankles began to swell. Pain in my back feels like a dull burning. Feel like I need a cane to walk and help me stand up if squatting down on knees. This medication is not worth the side effects. I started feeling really bad after taking this medicine regularly once a week, for 12 weeks. Prior to that I only took it about 2 times per month as I would just forget to take it. Now after a couple of months of aching all over it suddenly hit me that it could be the Actonel. Went to see my doctor and told her my symptoms. She said to discontinue and is now running blood/urine tests to make sure there's not something else more serious like bone cancer, kidney failure, liver disease causing the pain. Gee that's comforting. Wonder how much all of these tests will cost? Perhaps we should ask the maker of the drug to pay for these tests and the pain it appears to be causing a lot of otherwise fairly healthy baby boomers. No more for me, I'll take my chances. F 57 12 months
8/28/2008
 1  osteoporosis 1st day flu symptoms and body aches lasting 2 days. 1 week later, left hip hurt so much I limped, also ache under left rib cage. It works I guess, but I'm afraid of how it made me feel. I took the 1 a month dose......is there less problems with the 1 a week pills? F 63 9 days
8/26/2008
 1  osteoporosis I felt fine after i took it but woke up at 2AM with severe back pain-thought I had just slept in an uncomfortable position. Suddenly, I started to feel like I was going to faint and sweated so profusely. This morning, the back pain, mostly on the right side continues- I am very stiff. I am so upset- I have started running this summer and was really feeling fantastic- and now can't imagine trying to exercise. I am a healthy woman- always have been and never had any problems with any prescription medications of any kind. I am upset that my doctor prescribed this so quickly and never said anything about side effects. And the price is outrageous even with my prescription plan. I am stunned to read all the negative reports here. Pleasd don't take this. F 52 1 days
8/24/2008
 1  Osteoporsis Boniva: After 6 months: On-set of severe joint, muscle, right shoulder stiff, arm soar inside bones hurt,couldn't lay on either side of my body due to severe pain in hips and shoulders. Could not sit in the evening only lay on back. Tylonel did nothing for the pain, Ibuprofen helped some but not enough. Doc and I deceided too strong. NEXT Actonel 35mg 1/week: After 5 months same reaction as above. It's time to get off this body killer medicine and get into the sunshine 15 minutes a day for Vtm D and eat well plus walk daily and get back to the gym as soon as my joints stop hurting. If you are reading this and wonder if you should start this medicine you should know we are all telling you NO NO NO NO. The next time any doctor trys to give me a pill to take, they'll have to take it for a month first so I can get their reaction. Also I want to see the drug reaction list before I get it filled. F 62 1 years
8/22/2008
 1  Osteopenia Doctor gave me a sample of 150 mg once a month dose. Took the pill morning of Aug 13th, follow instructions,didn't feel anything but at night time woke up with flu like symptom with chills, had to cover myself with blanket. Then woke up again early morning at 6AM feeling so hot, had to scream at my husband to turn on the aircon back again. My whole body aches particularly my back. Up to these days I have to massage my back with muscle pain reliever. Then two nights ago, my gums started bleeding and jaw pain, I can hardly open my mouth to chew food. I just had dental checkup and my dentist said I have very healthy gums. All of this I attributed to Actonel. The only thing that I feel favorably happened to me after taking this med was the pain on my upper thigh which was caused by groin pulled muscle seems to deminish. I suffered this pain for 3 months and wonder if this was due to Actonel or by the other pain medicine, NAPROXENE. I will suggest to my doctor to switch me to EVISTA, which I took 2 years with no side effects. I stopped taking it and since I switched doctors, gave me ACTONEL instead. F 59 1 times
8/21/2008
 1  Osteo aching all over-back ache- neck ache, flu like weakness, heartburn. Today was my first dose--can't believe how lousy I feel. Perfectly fine this am but as the day wore on--weak and heading for bed. I will call my physician in the am. Will seek an alternative. F 57 1 days
8/20/2008
 1  OSTEOPENIA , THEN OSTEOPOROSIS I HAVE BEEN TAKING ACTONEL FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 YEARS. I DID NOT CONNECT MY STOMACH PROBLEM WITH ACTONEL UNTIL I WENT THROUGH MANY MANY TESTS TO DETERMINE WHY I WAS HAVING DIAHREAH, NAUSEA, NIGHT SWEATS, AND JOINT PAINS. THE TESTS DID NOT SHOW ANY PROBLEMS, THANK GOD..HOWEVER, WHEN I ATE A MEAL, EVEN A SMALL ONE, I WAS IN THE BATHROOM, I WOULD WAKE UP AT NIGHT AND SPEND MOST OF THE NIGHT IN MY BATHROOM. A FRIEND TOLD ME SHE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS, SHE WENT OFF ACTONEL. AGAINST MY DOCTOR, I WENT OFF, COLD TURKEY, 3 MONTHS AGO. I AM JUST NOW FEELING BETTER, AND GAINING SOME OF MY WEIGHT BACK. I HAD LOST 15 LBS., I AM A SMALL BUILT 72 YEAR OLD FEMALE. I BELIEVE THE ACTONEL WAS THE CAUSE OF MY ILL HEALTH. I NEVER EVER WANT TO TAKE IT AGAIN. I AM TAKING BONE UP , A CALCIUM VITAMIN FROM THE HEALTH FOOD STORE, AND I AM EATING WELL, WHICH I ALWAYS DID ANYWAY. I THOUGHT MY LIFE WAS SLOWING, I WAS GETTING OLD. I HATED TO TRAVEL, HATED TO STAY WITH ANY FAMILY OR FRIENDS AS I LIVED IN THE B I AM WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS TRIED REPLAST, THE NEW MED FOR OSTEOPOROSIS, IT DOES NOT GO THROUGH YOUR INTESTINAL TRACK, BUT RIGHT TO YOUR BONES. IF ANYONE HAS ANY FEEDBACK, PLEASE COMMENT. THANK YOU. F 72 5 years
8/20/2008
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 1  Osteporosis Flu-like aches and pains, joint pain, stiffness, headache, low fever, throat swelling, the sensation of something caught in my throat, coughing, nausea, chest pain, tingling in extremities, numbness in hands and feet, extreme weakness, muscle pain. I have taken two doses of the once a month pill. I felt great before starting and had lots of energy. Now I feel like a very OLD lady. It is hard to walk, to open doors, to get out of bed. Second month missed a half day of work. My doctor suggested that I try Boniva but reading those comments it sounds worse. I think I will take my chances. F 53 2 months
8/19/2008
 1  osteporosis Generally felt awful. Couldn't swallow, terrible heartburn. Very weak. Later diagnosed with severe anemia which I believe is somehow related to the actonel although my doctor disagrees. M 56 1 years
8/19/2008
 1  osteopena Ended up in hospital! Healthy exercise enthusiast who could not get out of bed several days after taking 150 mg. Actonel. Severe pain in hands, especially the thumbs and wrists. Can hardly move head sideways. Doctor wanted to do a spinal tap, said Actonel could not be the cause. I am positive my symptoms and pain were caused by Actonel. 16 days later and I still feel like I have the flu. I can't get my rings on and cannot turn my head because my neck hurts so bad. I am drinking lots of water to try to flush this out of my system. I would NEVER take or recommend Actonel. I paid for a 3 month supply and am going to throw them in the trash where they belong. This was my first horrible reaction to any medication. F 69 1 days
8/17/2008
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 1  osteoporosis Took one monthly dose and immediately felt terrible. Horrific stomach upset that went on all day, and now just terrible gas pains and bloating and pain. I did research and realized that this drug does not build quality bone. What it does is clump together the weak bone so the bone density tests look better! I discovered somethign called Strontium. It's used all over Europe to build bone with great success and can be taken safely like any vitamin. A friend swears by one of those vibrating exercises, but they can be pricey. Isn't it a shame that doctors push this stuff? I pray I'll feel better faster and in the meantime, I ordered Strontium and signed up for a session with a person trainer so I can learn how to safety do weight bearing exercises! DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG! A terrible drug. Remember how doctors pushed HRT on women and now they are finding out it caused cancers? This drug does not build quality bone! M 56
8/17/2008
 4  osteopenia No side effects from 35 mg. pill. Took a bone density test after 2 yrs. and showed a pretty big improvement in my hips. i'm not even in menopause yet but the dr. said my numbers were that of a 70 yr. old woman.....didn't make me feel to good so i started on actonel and have no problem, thank goodness. F 52 2 years
8/13/2008

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