Actonel Side Effects

Actonel is a medication prescribed to those with osteoporosis and women with postmenopausal osteoporosis to strengthen the bones and protect against breaks and fractures. This medication contains risedronate sodium, which helps regulate the metabolism of the bones and slow any breakdown that may be occurring. This medication is available in 5 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 75mg, or 150 mg tablets that are administered orally. Currently, Acontel is the only medication that is available to treat osteoporosis, while helping to improve the health of the bones.
 

Common Side Effects

As is true with most medications, Actonel users do run the risk of experiencing a number of side effects. According to clinical trials run on the medication, anywhere from two to nine percent of users experience neck and muscle pain, weakness, an enlarged prostate, cramping in the legs, nausea, and dizziness.

Unfortunately, some side effects are even more common in Actonel users. These side effects include:

- High blood pressure in approximately 10% of Actonel users

- Diarrhea in over 10% of Actonel users

- Bladder and urinary tract infection in over 10% of Actonel users

- Stomach pain in over 11% of users

- Joint pain in approximately 24% of Actonel users

- Back pain in approximately 26% of Actonel users

Additionally, many Actonel users also suffered from infection, chest pain, digestive problems and gas, hernias, cataracts, depression, and pneumonia. However, because many of the adults tested also suffered from these conditions without taking the medication, researchers were unable to determine whether Actonel was the cause of these health problems.
 

Serious Side Effects

Actonel users also run the risk of experiencing serious side effects that may greatly affect their overall health. Serious side effects of Actonel include severe stomach pain, the appearance of ulcers in the stomach or esophagus, and difficulty swallowing. Another serious side effect of Actonel is the possibility of severe pain in the muscles, joints, and bones. In very severe cases, this pain can be so overwhelming that users are unable to sit or stand for any length of time.

Actonel may also interact with the body’s absorption of calcium and other important minerals. Therefore, patients who suffer from mineral deficiencies should begin to treat this deficiency before taking Actonel.

Actonel may also cause a condition called osteonecrosis, which affects the jaw bone. This condition causes the bone in the jaw to die, while possibly causing loose teeth, pain, and infection. Unfortunately, this condition may leave a user disfigured and in need of serious medical attention. Therefore, if a user suspects that he or she may be suffering from this condition, it is important to immediately notify a healthcare professional.
 

Allergic Reactions

Actonel users may also experience an allergic reaction to the medication. This allergic reaction may cause the patient to experience trouble breathing, break out in hives or a rash, and experience swelling of the eyes, lips, throat, tongue and face. While an allergic reaction may be uncommon, Actonel users should be aware of this possibility in order to recognize the signs of a reaction immediately.
 

Coping With Side Effects

If a user begins to experience serious side effects or an allergic reaction while taking Actonel, he or she should immediately contact a doctor. A doctor is likely to advise a patient to discontinue the medication, as well as treat the negative effects. Additionally, before beginning Actonel, it is important for users to tell their doctor what medications they are currently taking, as Actonel may have a negative effect when mixed with certain medications. While there are many risks associated with Actonel, careful use and consideration can greatly help manage and deal with these risks.