Side effects
Serious adverse reactions are possible with Actonel. For more details, consult your physician or pharmacist. Examine "Drug Precautions." If you experience any side effect that is bothersome or does not go away, let your doctor know. The most common side effects of Actonel are: pain, including back and joint pain stomach area (abdominal) pain heartburn Actonel can cause allergic reactions, such as hives or, in rare cases, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Actonel side effects are not all included in this list.
Interactions
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), aspirin, antacids, proton pump inhibitors (esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), H2 blockers (cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), Inform your doctor about every medication you take, including any over-the-counter, prescription, and herbal supplements.
Contraindications
1. Actonel has the potential to cause issues with the esophagus, which connects the throat and stomach. Actonel can cause low calcium levels in your blood (hypocalcemia), which can worsen already low blood calcium conditions. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor right away. If you: cannot stand or sit up straight for at least 30 minutes; have low calcium levels in your blood; or are allergic to Actonel or any of its ingredients, do not take Actonel. If you have low blood calcium before taking Actonel it must be treated before you take Actonel. It is important that you take Actonel exactly as prescribed to help lower your chance of getting esophagus problems including: irritation inflammation ulcers of the esophagus which may sometimes bleed Stop taking Actonel and call your doctor right away if you have painful or difficult swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening heartburn. 2. When taking Actonel, you run the risk of developing severe jaw bone issues. Unusual thigh bone fractures have occurred in a few people. Actonel users occasionally experience severe muscle, joint, or bone pain. The hip, groin, or thigh may experience new or unusual pain as a result of a fracture. As directed by your doctor, consume calcium and vitamin D. 3. You may not know you have low blood calcium, but some people may have the following symptoms: Spasms, twitches, or cramps in your muscles Numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth Your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D to help prevent low calcium levels in your blood, while you take Actonel. Before you start Actonel, your doctor and dentist may perform a mouth exam.
Prior to this September 9 meeting, the FDA posted online the following meeting materials: Of course, we will report any significant findings that come from this FDA joint meeting regarding the side effects risks associated with long-term use of Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, and the several other bisphosphonate osteoporosis drugs. DrugInjuryLaw.com: Legal Information And News About Prescription Drug Side Effects Further, the FDA stated in their Announcement that at this joint meeting the two respective advisory committees would discuss: ... the emergence of the safety concerns of osteonecrosis of the jaw (jawbone death) and atypical femur fractures (unusual broken thigh bone) that may be associated with the long-term use of bisphosphonates.
Symptoms of this condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking a Actonel tablet. Do not take a Actonel tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and pre-existing dental problems. You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Risedronate tablets come in different strengths (number of milligrams per pill) that are taken on different schedules. Risedronate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, bone mineral density testing, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Do not take any other medicine including vitamins, calcium, iron, antacids, or laxatives.
Actonel can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and pre-existing dental problems. You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication. • Take the Actonel tablet first thing in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. Some people using medicines similar to Actonel have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw.
A bone-density test gives out a small amount of radiation. And, even if the drugs do help, they may only help for a few years. Women should get a bone scan at age 65. Rare side effects include bone, eye, joint, and muscle pain, cracks in the femur (thighbone), bone loss in the jaw, and heart rhythm problems.