Side Effects of Actonel

Actonel is a prescription medication to treat and prevent osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women as a result of treatment with corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone). As osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break more easily, Actonel’s active ingredient of risedronate sodium helps reduce the incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures by increasing bone mineral density (bone thickness) to maintain strong bones. Risedronate works by slowing down osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone, which in turn allows osteoblasts, the cells that build bone, to work more efficiently.

As with other medications, side effects are possible with Actonel. These side effects are usually minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated; most people tolerate the medicine well. Common side effects including abdominal pain, and back, muscle, bone or joint pain are rarely described as severe or incapacitating. In general, adverse effects reported with risedronate use have been mild to moderate and seldom require discontinuation of therapy.

Based on the body system, side effects of actonel may be broken down into groups. General body symptoms have included flu-like symptoms and asthenia, with some patients experiencing arthralgia, myalgia and nausea. Other side effects may occur in the gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, dermatological, ocular and also nervous system of the body. Symptoms of side effect for each system include:

  • Gastrointestinal – diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastroenteritis, vomiting, and dry mouth.
  • Nervous system – headache, dizziness, anxiety, depression, and vertigo.
  • Musculoskeletal – arthralgias, bone pain and myasthenia (leg cramps).
  • Cardiovascular – peripheral edema and chest pain. Hypertension, syncope, and vasodilation have also been reported.
  • Respiratory – bronchitis and sinusitis. Pharyngitis, increased cough, pneumonia, and rhinitis have also been reported.

    • Other than those listed, side effects may manifest via dermatological reaction (skin rash) and ocular-related conditions such as iritis, dry eyes, cataracts and amblyopia. The body may also show hypersensitive side effects such as angioedema, generalized rash, and bullous skin reactions. Urinary tract infections have also been reported. Difficult or painful swallowing, chest pain, or severe or continuing heartburn may be signs of serious upper digestive problems. These and other more serious Actonel side effects such as breathing difficulties or signs of an allergic reaction should be notified to a healthcare provider immediately.

    Actonel can cause irritation or ulcers of the esophagus; these effects may be severe and require hospitalization in some cases. To reduce the risk, Actonel is best swallowed with a full glass of plain water first thing in the morning. Some rare cases of jaw problems associated with risedronate have also been reported.

    Furthermore, there may be an interaction between risedronate and antacids or supplements containing minerals such as aluminum, calcium, iron, and magnesium. As a precaution, those with hypocalcemia (low calcium level), kidney problems or allergies to any of the ingredient should not take Actonel.