Actonel, also known as risedronate sodium, is one of the biphosphonate drugs approved by the FDA to prevent and treat osteoporosis, or bone thinning, in postmenopausal women. According to RxList, Actonel is also prescribed for men with osteoporosis and people who have osteoporosis from prolonged use of corticosteroids or a bone disorder known as Paget's disease. While it does a good job of building bone and preventing fractures, Actonel has both minor and serious side effects.
Types
Actonel irritates the lining of the stomach, esophagus and bowels, and affects the urinary tract as well. It affects the heart and blood vessels, creates body-wide adverse effects and can cause a life-threatening allergic response known as anaphylaxis, according to PubMed Health. There is also some concern about an association between Actonel and a specific type of fracture of the femur, or thigh bone.
Features
When Actonel irritates the stomach and causes stomach contents to reflux back up into the esophagus, people experience stomach pain, heartburn, nausea and burping, notes Drugs.com. Some patients experience diarrhea, constipation or gas after taking Actonel. The drug has also been associated with painful urination, urinary frequency and urinary urgency, says PubMed Health. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency characterized by facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, itching and hives.
Significance
Over time, Actonel may irritate the lining of the stomach and esophagus to the point that ulcers develop, states Drug.com. It can also lead to high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats known as arrhythmias. As of 2010, the FDA and the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture Task Force are investigating the link between Actonel and femur fractures. Actonel patients who develop new hip or thigh pain should stop using the drug and call their doctors, says PubMed Health.
Prevention/Solution
People who follow label directions when taking their Actonel will experience fewer side effects, notes RxList. It's important to take the medicine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, drink 6 to 8 oz. of plain water with the pill and stay upright for at least 30 minutes afterward. During this half hour, patients should refrain from eating, drinking or taking other drugs.
Warning
Aspirin and nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may increase the risk of developing ulcers from Actonel therapy, according to Drugs.com. NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen.
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