Actonel (generic name: risedronate) is a medication used manage osteoporosis, the condition of weakened bones, and Paget's disease of bone, according to Drugs.com. It belongs to the category of drugs called bisphosphonates and helps to increase bone density and reduce bone loss. Usually, you will take 5mg of Actonel daily, or your doctor may adjust your dosage to once a week or once a month.
Routine Side Effects
In a randomized, double-blind controlled study of 1,619 postmenopausal women receiving Actonel, the National Library of Medicine says that 31.1 percent developed an infection, 28 percent had back pain, 16.9 percent had an injury, 14.1 percent experienced generalized pain and 12.2 percent had stomach pain. Furthermore, 10.5 percent had the flu, 9.9 percent had a headache and 5.4 percent had tingling and numbness. Other routine side effects include high blood pressure (10.5 percent), swelling of the extremities (7.7 percent), joint pain (23.7 percent) and arthritis. Other common side effects include diarrhea (10.8 percent), constipation (12.9 percent), indigestion (10.8 percent) and nausea (10.5 percent). Tell your doctor if these symptoms fail to subside within 3 days.
Harmful Effects
According to MedlinePlus, serious side effects include difficulty swallowing or dysphagia (pain with swallowing). Actonel can also cause chest pain, worsened heartburn, rash, hives and blistering of your skin. This medication can make you extremely sensitive to sun exposure, and you may easily develop sunburns. Other harmful side effects include hoarseness, trouble breathing and edema (swelling) of your extremities, face, eyes or tongue.
According to Drugs.com, Actonel also can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition include jaw pain, loose teeth, swelling and numbness of your gums.
Additional Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, Actonel can cause depression and trouble sleeping and increase your risk of bronchitis, sinus infections, urinary tract infections and cataracts (clouding of your eye lenses).
Additional Concerns
You should not take Actonel if you are allergic to it. Difficulty breathing, facial swelling and hives can occur. Sometimes, you can also experience tongue edema (swelling).
Drugs.com recommends that you avoid taking vitamin, minerals and medications containing calcium, magnesium or aluminum. The combination can interfere with Actonel's absorption.
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