Actonel is the brand name in the United States for the generically named drug risedronate. Doctors prescribe the medicine primarily for post-menopausal women to help prevent bone thinning associated with osteoporosis. Physicians also prescribe it for men to raise the level of the mass of their bones. The Mayo Clinic website reports Actonel also may be used in the treatment of the bone condition called Paget's disease, which makes bones become fragile.
Pain
Actonel has the potential to cause side effects that can become serious and common, although there are not many of these. Most serious side effects of this drug rarer occur. Actonel can induce pain in the stomach or abdominal area, which may indicate some serious medical problems, the Mayo Clinic website states. The organization recommends informing a physician immediately if these side effects occur. Less serious, but equally as common side effects of pain also may occur when first using Actonel, Drugs.com reports. For example, the person may experience pain in his back because of the medication. He also may feel pain in his joints and muscles, as well as getting headaches. These kinds of side effects are categorized as non-serious and should be temporary, occurring for no more than three to seven days. If they last longer than that, he should ask his doctor about them, Drugs.com suggests.
Rash
Although it may not seem connected to the medicine, nor may it seem serious, developing a rash on the skin also may present a sign of some more severe medical ailment when taking Actonel. The rash may appear as redness on the skin and it may become itchy. Consulting a physician is recommended by the Mayo Clinic for any signs of a rash following the use of Actonel.
Nausea
Actonel may induce nausea or a feeling of stomach upset in the person when she begins her initial treatment with the medicine. This should prove mild, Drugs.com reports, and it should end within two to three days without medical attention. She also may get mild pain in her stomach during her initial use of the drug.
Diarrhea and Urination Problems
When the person initiates treatment with Actonel, he may find he has diarrhea with cramps for a day or two. This proves common for many medications, especially at the beginning of use because the body is acclimating to them. Diarrhea may become uncomfortable, but it is not serious, the Mayo Clinic website reports, and should stop in a day or two. He also may find it difficult to urinate, or he may feel pain when he does urinate when he first uses Actonel. These symptoms, too, should pass, usually within a week.
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