Actonel for osteo

[Joyce]

Have taken this for 2 months now and the after effects are just terrible. I am going to quit!!! Any one else on this terrible drug?

 

[mecllap]

Sorry you're having trouble. I took it for several years, until OB-Gyn said take a break for a while. I didn't notice any effects (but bone density reading didn't deterioriate). I don't think stopping taking it was related to any negative effects, just that it was no longer necessary, or something.
But definitely tell your Doctor about your effects, and reconsider what's best for your situation.

 

[IreneLF]

Not sold on taking bone loss meds anymore....

I took it for years, too many years in my opinion once I started to think about it.
Never had any side effects...
Bones did not get stronger, but did not deteriorate according to the docs looking at report..

Recently I questioned it with my primary care doc - (who had not prescribed it for me, it came through the gyn as most of them do the prescribing for this apparently) - he said he doesn't believe in it, bone loss is a natural form of aging....

Just went to an orthopedist (for something else).
Brought a copy of my report -- and I read it for the first time.
Seems it compares me to a young person -- someone 21. Well of course I am going to look not as good as I am many yrs older.... I was pretty shocked.
Of course I would be a standard deviation below someone who is 40 yrs younger...this should not be a big deal.
When I showed it to the ortho, that is exactly what he said!
Also said - he feels these drugs are pushed by the drug companies and does not believe in them at all. He was quite adament about not my taking it as well as women in general....
Apparently I am in the top 40%, so should not be concerned and should not be taking the drug.
I'm going with the ones who say not to take it.
I exercise, do a lot of walking, take calcium and vitamin D...if things change for the worse, I"d consider gong on it but not until "I" am sure.....

Just an FYI........

 

[Twinkstarr]

I took it for years, too many years in my opinion once I started to think about it.
Never had any side effects...
Bones did not get stronger, but did not deteriorate according to the docs looking at report..


Just an FYI........

My doctor(general practitioner) bascically said the same thing about these drugs. They are not going to build stronger bones, but slow down deterioration. Best bet make sure you are getting enough calcium and do weight bearing excercise, like walking and do some weight training.

I'm not at the age yet, but my mom had osteo, but I've been doing this.

I gave up going to my ob-gyn just for a pap, he was always wanting to give me a prescription for something. I just go to my gp and get all my annual stuff done at once.

 

[Nancy]

I take the monthly version with no problems. Before that I'd taken Fosamax weekly, but doctor said this does something different and changed me about a year ago.

Nancy

 

[Liz Wolf-Spada]

Actonel daily many years ago - horrible diarrhea & I was driving long distance. Took daily Fosomax for about 12 years, until I ended up in the ER with severe shoulder pain from GERD & esophagitis. Now I use Fortical, a salmon based daily nose spray.
Liz

 

[JeffW]

My wife was on the bi-monthly version, and got moved to the monthly version about a year ago. No side effects we're aware of.

Jeff

 

[Chrisky]

I find these posts very interesting. I have been taking Actonel for a year now with no side effects. I've had my annual bone density x-ray done recently and will find out the results in a few weeks.
The one thing I do know about Actonel & similar drugs is that they do not increase but maintain your bones at your level. Yes, on my results it shows that my bones are compared to a young adult, but studies have been done whereby if the density drops below a certain level it is considered osteopenia and then there is a chance of further bone loss and bone breakage. My Mother had osteoporosis so I'm well aware of the pain she had with this and I don't want to experience that. I'm active, do exercises, Pilates, take my calcium and Vit. D. So I'm quite willing to take the Actonel to prevent any further bone loss.