Actonel Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of Actonel:
- eye redness, pain, or light sensitivity
- osteonecrosis of the jaw, which is a rare but serious side effect that displays lesions in the gums that do not heal and slowed healing after teeth are pulled
- severe joint, bone, or muscle pain
- low calcium or mineral levels
- difficulty swallowing, irritation or swelling of the esophagus, and gastric of esophageal ulcers which are signs of upper gastrointestinal reactions
- allergic reaction characterized by swelling, rash, and hives
Common Side Effects of Actonel:
- abdominal, back, and joint pain
- gas, burping, constipation, diarrhea
- headache
- dizziness, weakness
- leg cramps
- frequent or urgent need to urinate, painful urination
- mild flu-like symptoms
Some adverse side effects can be serious with Actonel. If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately before you take any more Actonel.
Warnings & Recalls for Actonel
Before taking Actonel,
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to risedronate, which is the active ingredient in Actonel or any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Actonel tablets or delayed-release tablets.
- Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications and vitamins and nutritional supplements you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin, NSAIDs, and naproxen; cancer chemotherapy; or oral steroids, methylprednisolone and prednisone . If you are taking the delayed-release tablets, you should also tell your doctor if you are taking an H2 blocker such as cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine or a proton pump inhibitor. Your doctor might need to change your doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- Be sure that you know that Actonel and Atelvia both contain risedronate. You cannot take both of these medications at the same time.
- If you are taking any other oral medications including vitamins, supplements, or antacids, take them at least 30 minutes after you take Actonel.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a low level of calcium in your blood or any problems with your esophagus or if you are unable to sit upright or stand upright for at least 30 minutes. Your doctor may tell you that you should not take Actonel.
- Tell your doctor if you’ve undergone radiation therapy; if you have or have ever had difficulty swallowing (problems with the esophagus); heartburn; ulcers or other stomach problems; anemia; cancer; any type of infection, especially of your mouth; problems with your mouth, gums or teeth; any condition that stops your blood from clotting normally; or dental or kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan on pregnancy or are nursing because Actonel may remain in your body for years after you stop taking it. Call your doctor if you become pregnant during or after your treatment with Actonel.
- You should know that Actonel may cause serious problems with your jaw, especially if you have dental surgery or treatment while you are taking the medication. A dentist should examine your teeth and perform any needed treatments before you start to take Actonel. Be sure to brush your teeth and clean your mouth properly while you are taking Actonel. Talk to your doctor before having any dental treatments while you are taking this medication.
- You should know that Actonel may cause severe bone, muscle, or joint pain. You may begin to feel this pain within days, months, or years after you first take Actonel. Although this type of pain may begin after you have taken Actonel for some time, it is important for you and your doctor to realize that it may be caused by Actonel. Call your doctor right away if you experience severe pain at any time during your treatment with Actonel. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking Actonel and your pain may go away after you stop taking the medication.
- Do not smoke or drink while taking Actonel.
Although there hasn’t been a recall initiated by the FDA regarding Actonel or a voluntary recall by the company who produces it, the FDA notified the general public and healthcare professionals about its concerns on oral bisphosphonate drugs and the associated risk with cancer of the esophagus.
Actonel Treatment and Use
Actonel | Risedronate is a bisphosphonate produced and marketed by Warner Chicott that is used to
- strengthen bone
- treat and prevent osteoporosis
- treat Paget’s disease of the bone.
Actonel tablets and delayed-release tablets are usually prescribed to women who have undergone menopause, but can also be prescribed to men as well. It actively works to prevent the breakdown of bones and increases bone density. Actonel is .
Actonel Dosage
Delayed-release Actonel is usually taken once a week in the morning, typically immediately after a breakfast and the tablets are usually taken once a day in the morning on an empty stomach.
Take Actonel as your doctor has prescribed it, as this medication can damage the esophagus, cause sores in the mouth, or not work correctly if taken improperly.
Other Names for Actonel
Brand Name:
Generic (Unavailable):
Lawsuits & Legal Information for Actonel
Author:
Lainee Hooks
Posted on May 21, 2012