Actonel 150 Side Effects

Actonel 150 Side Effects
Photo Credit x-ray of bones image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com

Actonel, or risedronate sodium, is a medication in a classification of drugs known as biphosphonates. According to PDR Health, Actonel is used to prevent and treat bone loss in postmenopausal women, to increase bone mass in men, and to prevent and treat osteoporosis in adults that is caused by treatment with steroid drugs such as prednisone. Treating bone loss can help prevent the development of osteoporosis, which may lead to weakened bones and fractures. There are some side effects associated with Actonel.

Headache and Dizziness

According to Drugs.com, patients taking Actonel 150 mg may experience headache and dizziness. These side effects may be temporary and diminish within several hours of taking Actonel. Patients should use caution while driving or completing tasks which may be dangerous until they know how this medication will affect them. Severe headache and dizziness should be reported to a physician prior to taking another dose of Actonel.

Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Patients may experience gastrointestinal discomfort while taking Actonel 150 mg. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion and nausea, reports Drugs.com. Actonel should be taken in the morning before eating or drinking with a full glass of water. Remaining upright for at least 30 minutes after taking Actonel may help to reduce the incidence of indigestion. Eating smaller meals more frequently and avoiding spicy or fried foods may help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. The addition of fruits, fiber and additional fluids can increase gastrointestinal motility and may help to decrease constipation. Severe diarrhea should be brought to the attention of a physician. It can lead to the development of dehydration.

Pain

According to PDR Health, Actonel 150 mg can cause bone, joint, and muscle pain. These side effects should diminish after treatment with Actonel has been completed. Patients should consult their physician regarding the use of an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen for the relief of pain and discomfort. Severe pain should be brought to the attention of the prescribing physician.

Flu-like Symptoms

Some patients may experience flu-like symptoms while taking Actonel 150 mg, reports Drugs.com. Symptoms can include headache, fatigue, general aches and pains, cough and nasal congestion. If flu-like symptoms are accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, yellow or green mucous or a sore throat, a doctor should be notified. These may be symptoms of a bacterial infection, which may warrant treatment with an antibiotic.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Jun 3, 2011

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