Actonel is a medication in a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. It is used for the treatment of Paget's disease of the bone as well as osteoporosis. According to Drugs.com, Actonel works by altering the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body, which slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may help prevent bone fractures. Actonel may be taken once a month as a 150mg tablet. Side effects are generally mild, but a physician should be notified if any become severe.
Stomach Discomfort
Patients taking Actonel may develop stomach discomfort. Symptoms can include heartburn or stomach upset, diarrhea, gas or constipation. Actonel should be taken first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes prior to eating or drinking anything or taking any other medication and patients should remain in an upright position for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication, explains Drugs.com. If stomach discomfort occurs it may be temporary and only last for a few hours. Patients who experience worsening heartburn, pain with swallowing or pain underneath the ribs may be having a serious reaction to Actonel and should consult a physician.
Mild Back or Joint Pain
Actonel may cause mild back or joint pain in some users. According to PubMed Health, this pain can occur within days, months or years after first taking Actonel. Pain that is persistent or becomes severe should be reported to a physician, who may recommend a change in medication or dosage, or the use of a mild pain reliever for occasional back or joint pain. Pain that occurs in the jawbone should be promptly reported to a doctor. Some people using medicines similar to Actonel have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw, which if left untreated may lead to additional complications, says Drugs.com.
Headache and Flu-Like Symptoms
Actonel 150 mg may cause headache and flu-like symptoms including fever in some patients. These side effects may be temporary and diminish over time as the body adjusts to monthly treatment with Actonel. Physicians may recommend the use of an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen for the relief of headache, fever and body aches associated with Actonel.
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