Actonel is the proprietary name for a biphosphonate drug called risedronate sodium. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Actonel for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, or bone thinning, in post-menopausal women, notes the Rx List website. Doctors can also prescribe Actonel for men with osteoporosis and individuals with osteoporosis caused by prolonged use of corticosteroids or a bone disorder known as Paget's disease. Actonel is available in 5 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 75 mg and 150 mg tablets. Physicians prescribe different doses and frequencies that range from daily to once a month, depending on the underlying disorder. While it does a good job of reducing fractures, Actonel does have some significant side effects.
Stomach and Esophagus
Actonel can irritate the stomach and the esophagus, causing nausea, stomach discomfort and burping. To reduce the effect of risedronate on the stomach, patients are advised to swallow the pill first thing in the morning along with 6 to 8 ounces of water, according to the Rx List website. Actonel is less likely to cause stomach irritation in individuals who take the drug on an empty stomach, stay upright for at least 30 minutes after swallowing the medicine and avoid eating or taking any other drugs for at least half an hour.
Bowel and Bladder
Actonel can cause diarrhea, constipation and gas in the bowels. Some individuals find that Actonel makes it difficult or painful for them to urinate. Others need to urinate frequently, often with little warning, notes PubMed Health.
Heart and Blood Vessels
Some people who take Actonel have developed high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats known as arrhythmias, notes Drug.com. In other cases, Actonel causes swelling of the arms and legs.
Body-Wide Effects
People who are hypersensitive to Actonel may develop a life-threatening allergy called anaphylaxis. Individuals who have facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, itching, chest pain, hives or trouble breathing should seek medical attention immediately. Other body-wide side effects include muscle cramping, weakness and dizziness. These are typically minor effects, but it's important that patients notify their doctors if they worsen or don't go away on their own.
Femur Fractures
The FDA and the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture Task Force are currently investigating the link between Actonel and fractures of the femur, or thighbone. Although available data has not demonstrated a clear connection to Actonel or other biphosphonates, Actonel patients who develop new pain in their thighs or hips should notify their healthcare providers right away. The FDA advises doctors to follow the manufacturer's recommendations when prescribing Actonel. The higher the dose of the drug, the higher the risk of adverse effects, according to PubMed Health.
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