wolf0999
10-30-2007, 12:31 PM
Has anyone experienced heart palpitations or difficulty breathing since taking Actonel?
I started the Actonel in August 2007. In October 2007 I began experiencing heart palpitations and shortness of breath constantly. I also noticed excessive hair loss on my crown. I never had these problems before. I suspect Actonel.
I started the Actonel in August 2007. In October 2007 I began experiencing heart palpitations and shortness of breath constantly. I also noticed excessive hair loss on my crown. I never had these problems before. I suspect Actonel.
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montesflus
10-30-2007, 09:17 PM
Hello,
Well, of course, one can't say ''definitely'' that the Actonel was to blame. But, there is probably a good chance that Actonel did have something to do with it. If you take a look at a very well-read site called ''askapatient'', you will find how many people describe their side effects from bisphosphonate meds - Actonel, Fosamax, Boniva. All you have to do is type in the name of the med, and just go from there. You can use this site to check most meds on the market today. The three most prescribed for Osteoporosis, namely, Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, have a really bad reputation for side effects! If you read through the posts on this board you will see how many are trying different options, such as Strontium Citrate, various calcium/magnesium supplements, etc.
Another thing. Bisphosphonate meds are not very well liked by dentists. Some have even been known to refuse to treat patients who've been on these meds.:mad:
I hope you can find an alternative - that is, if you decide to discontinue the Actonel.:)
Well, of course, one can't say ''definitely'' that the Actonel was to blame. But, there is probably a good chance that Actonel did have something to do with it. If you take a look at a very well-read site called ''askapatient'', you will find how many people describe their side effects from bisphosphonate meds - Actonel, Fosamax, Boniva. All you have to do is type in the name of the med, and just go from there. You can use this site to check most meds on the market today. The three most prescribed for Osteoporosis, namely, Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, have a really bad reputation for side effects! If you read through the posts on this board you will see how many are trying different options, such as Strontium Citrate, various calcium/magnesium supplements, etc.
Another thing. Bisphosphonate meds are not very well liked by dentists. Some have even been known to refuse to treat patients who've been on these meds.:mad:
I hope you can find an alternative - that is, if you decide to discontinue the Actonel.:)
peppurr
10-31-2007, 06:21 PM
I took Fosamax for 11 weeks (relative of Actonel) and I definitely had heart palpitations. I've been off it for 4 weeks now and the palpitations have disappeared.
susierr
10-31-2007, 10:10 PM
Have there been any positive reactions to any of these four drugs?
I have been diagnosed with osteoperosis and the Dr. wants to put me on Fosamax, I am terrified of the side effects.
He is mostly concerned with my hips.
I am 54.
I would begin one of those drugs, but I have not read anything online so far that gives them good recommendations.
I have been diagnosed with osteoperosis and the Dr. wants to put me on Fosamax, I am terrified of the side effects.
He is mostly concerned with my hips.
I am 54.
I would begin one of those drugs, but I have not read anything online so far that gives them good recommendations.
starfish81
10-31-2007, 11:37 PM
Susie: What kinds of T-scores are we talking about with your hips? I take it you've gone to askapatient.com and read some of the comments. If what you've read concerns you to the point of being terrified to take the drugs, then you owe it to yourself to do some more investigating into other options. Take a couple of weeks, read some postings here (go way back; there's some good ones over the past summer), maybe get a second opinion from a naturopath or another doctor about other treatment options.
jacal5
11-01-2007, 01:02 PM
There was a post on this board about a month ago from a man who said both he and his wife developed atrial fibrilliation after taking Fosamax. Some law firms who are suing Merck over Fosamax caused jaw necrosis (dead jaw bone) are keeping an eye on the situation to see if Merck does further studies on atrial fibrillation. I did read on different web-sites that atrial fib is one of the side effects of Fosamax, and heart disease and skin cancer are possible side effects of Actonel. Both Fosamax and Actonel are the same class of drug.
Atrial fib can be a serious condition requiring blood-thinners to prevent heart attack or stroke, requiring constant monitoring of the blood by a doctor. Blood thinners like Coumadin can't be taken with many supplements that improve bone density like Vitamin K.
Of course, when I brought up these side effects to two doctors who wanted to give my Actonel for osteopenia in my hip, they claimed they never heard of those side effects! I'm one of the posters who is trying to increase bone density naturally through supplements, weight bearing exercise, and diet.
From all my reading, it is likely that weight bearing exercise is needed along with calcium and other supplements to improve hip bone density.
Good luck on your decision!
Atrial fib can be a serious condition requiring blood-thinners to prevent heart attack or stroke, requiring constant monitoring of the blood by a doctor. Blood thinners like Coumadin can't be taken with many supplements that improve bone density like Vitamin K.
Of course, when I brought up these side effects to two doctors who wanted to give my Actonel for osteopenia in my hip, they claimed they never heard of those side effects! I'm one of the posters who is trying to increase bone density naturally through supplements, weight bearing exercise, and diet.
From all my reading, it is likely that weight bearing exercise is needed along with calcium and other supplements to improve hip bone density.
Good luck on your decision!
winston55
11-01-2007, 04:08 PM
Everyone doesn't get side effects. I am a 66 year old male and have been on Actonel for over 5 years with no side effects.
susierr
11-01-2007, 07:29 PM
Starfish, Thank you for your reply.
Hip now -2.4 (two years ago -1.5)
Spine now -1.5 (two years ago -1.0)
The Dr. said this year is a contradictory report because the spine looks more dense than the hip. He believes it is due to the spine compressing due to the small "fractures" which make it appear to be more dense, because the hip is so thin, it makes no sense for the spine to appear so dense.
He recommended Foxamax but I told him I would like to do more research.
I just started a new job which I really need to keep and can't be missing work due to nausea, achey bones.
The Dr. said the side effects are only temporary.
He has me on FemIron and I take calcium supplements, and D and multi-vitamins.
Also he said to NOT drink milk, but switch to SOY.
Thanks again. I work during the day, but I will always come back to check replies.
Susie: What kinds of T-scores are we talking about with your hips? I take it you've gone to askapatient.com and read some of the comments. If what you've read concerns you to the point of being terrified to take the drugs, then you owe it to yourself to do some more investigating into other options. Take a couple of weeks, read some postings here (go way back; there's some good ones over the past summer), maybe get a second opinion from a naturopath or another doctor about other treatment options.
Hip now -2.4 (two years ago -1.5)
Spine now -1.5 (two years ago -1.0)
The Dr. said this year is a contradictory report because the spine looks more dense than the hip. He believes it is due to the spine compressing due to the small "fractures" which make it appear to be more dense, because the hip is so thin, it makes no sense for the spine to appear so dense.
He recommended Foxamax but I told him I would like to do more research.
I just started a new job which I really need to keep and can't be missing work due to nausea, achey bones.
The Dr. said the side effects are only temporary.
He has me on FemIron and I take calcium supplements, and D and multi-vitamins.
Also he said to NOT drink milk, but switch to SOY.
Thanks again. I work during the day, but I will always come back to check replies.
Susie: What kinds of T-scores are we talking about with your hips? I take it you've gone to askapatient.com and read some of the comments. If what you've read concerns you to the point of being terrified to take the drugs, then you owe it to yourself to do some more investigating into other options. Take a couple of weeks, read some postings here (go way back; there's some good ones over the past summer), maybe get a second opinion from a naturopath or another doctor about other treatment options.
susierr
11-01-2007, 08:32 PM
Winston, thank you for replying. That is great that you have no side effects from the Actonel.
Do you have any positive bone density readings, such as MORE density than before you started the Actonel, or even no more bone loss would be a gain
I did ask about Actonel, and the Dr. said Fosamax is the one with the most data and that is what he was going to prescribe.
I did not want to consider Boniva, (even though I love Sally Field) because if it is a once a month pill, it sounds too strong for me.
Everyone doesn't get side effects. I am a 66 year old male and have been on Actonel for over 5 years with no side effects.
Do you have any positive bone density readings, such as MORE density than before you started the Actonel, or even no more bone loss would be a gain
I did ask about Actonel, and the Dr. said Fosamax is the one with the most data and that is what he was going to prescribe.
I did not want to consider Boniva, (even though I love Sally Field) because if it is a once a month pill, it sounds too strong for me.
Everyone doesn't get side effects. I am a 66 year old male and have been on Actonel for over 5 years with no side effects.
susierr
11-01-2007, 08:37 PM
Yes jacal, I agree with you so far about the weight bearing exercise and the supplements. I work out five times a week (if not 7) at a 123 Fit. I found out tonight that this is not considered "weight-bearing" but "resistance" so now I am going to have to ask my Dr. if the resistance is acceptable.
Also, do You have any suggestions as to the supplements? Calcium, but what type?
My Dr. said the side effects are temporary, but how can that be true in every case? If you stop taking the drug, I don't think your jawbone will grow back. I know that is an extremely rare case, but I have enough dental problems. Then again, breaking a hip is much worse than losing some teeth.
What do to? Pray !
There was a post on this board about a month ago from a man who said both he and his wife developed atrial fibrilliation after taking Fosamax. Some law firms who are suing Merck over Fosamax caused jaw necrosis (dead jaw bone) are keeping an eye on the situation to see if Merck does further studies on atrial fibrillation. I did read on different web-sites that atrial fib is one of the side effects of Fosamax, and heart disease and skin cancer are possible side effects of Actonel. Both Fosamax and Actonel are the same class of drug.
Atrial fib can be a serious condition requiring blood-thinners to prevent heart attack or stroke, requiring constant monitoring of the blood by a doctor. Blood thinners like Coumadin can't be taken with many supplements that improve bone density like Vitamin K.
Of course, when I brought up these side effects to two doctors who wanted to give my Actonel for osteopenia in my hip, they claimed they never heard of those side effects! I'm one of the posters who is trying to increase bone density naturally through supplements, weight bearing exercise, and diet.
From all my reading, it is likely that weight bearing exercise is needed along with calcium and other supplements to improve hip bone density.
Good luck on your decision!
Also, do You have any suggestions as to the supplements? Calcium, but what type?
My Dr. said the side effects are temporary, but how can that be true in every case? If you stop taking the drug, I don't think your jawbone will grow back. I know that is an extremely rare case, but I have enough dental problems. Then again, breaking a hip is much worse than losing some teeth.
What do to? Pray !
There was a post on this board about a month ago from a man who said both he and his wife developed atrial fibrilliation after taking Fosamax. Some law firms who are suing Merck over Fosamax caused jaw necrosis (dead jaw bone) are keeping an eye on the situation to see if Merck does further studies on atrial fibrillation. I did read on different web-sites that atrial fib is one of the side effects of Fosamax, and heart disease and skin cancer are possible side effects of Actonel. Both Fosamax and Actonel are the same class of drug.
Atrial fib can be a serious condition requiring blood-thinners to prevent heart attack or stroke, requiring constant monitoring of the blood by a doctor. Blood thinners like Coumadin can't be taken with many supplements that improve bone density like Vitamin K.
Of course, when I brought up these side effects to two doctors who wanted to give my Actonel for osteopenia in my hip, they claimed they never heard of those side effects! I'm one of the posters who is trying to increase bone density naturally through supplements, weight bearing exercise, and diet.
From all my reading, it is likely that weight bearing exercise is needed along with calcium and other supplements to improve hip bone density.
Good luck on your decision!
jacal5
11-02-2007, 02:34 AM
Yes jacal, I agree with you so far about the weight bearing exercise and the supplements. I work out five times a week (if not 7) at a 123 Fit. I found out tonight that this is not considered "weight-bearing" but "resistance" so now I am going to have to ask my Dr. if the resistance is acceptable.
Also, do You have any suggestions as to the supplements? Calcium, but what type?
My Dr. said the side effects are temporary, but how can that be true in every case? If you stop taking the drug, I don't think your jawbone will grow back. I know that is an extremely rare case, but I have enough dental problems. Then again, breaking a hip is much worse than losing some teeth.
What do to? Pray !
Hi sussier,
I take E-zorb calcium, like some other posters, along with Vitamin D3, 1,000 mg., Vitamin K1, three tablet multi-vitamin, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin C, fish oil, and glucosomine.
My spine improved from -.08 to -.02, but my hip was a fraction worse at -2.4,
the same as yours after six months on E-zorb, but I wasn't going to the gym back then. I can't do the treadmill with much velocity because I have a knee injuries in both legs, so I am focusing more on resistance exercises right now versus weight bearing, it's easier on my knees. I made a copy of the best gym exercises to increase bone density and those are the machines I use.
I changed my diet and eat more alkaline foods (fruits and veggies) now, I make organic bone soup, and eat two or three calcium containing foods daily.
There was an article I posted from the Dental Association of Oral Surgeons stating that Merck may have understated the number of patients who developed jaw necrosis.
I was reading your comment about your doc telling you to drink soy versus milk, a nutritionist told me milk tends to leach calcium from your bones, but soy is controversial. There are articles stating that soy can cause bone loss because it contains phytic acid, and soybeans also contain more aluminum than any other bean, and that's not good for your bones either. Soy can also cause estrogen receptor breast cancer. More than 85% of soy is genetically modified, some of it is being bought from China where environmental standards are broken and most health experts articles I read say to either stay away from soy completely or only eat organic tofu in very small amounts, the fermentation of tofu reduces the health risks. I avoid soy
and it's derivitives like soybean oil almost completely, it's contained in so many processed foods including ice cream, chocolate, bread, cookies, etc. you are probably ingesting more than enough without adding soy milk.
I don't think you have to worry about breaking a hip for a long time, there is even controversy whether -2.5 should be considered osteoporosis.
Also, do You have any suggestions as to the supplements? Calcium, but what type?
My Dr. said the side effects are temporary, but how can that be true in every case? If you stop taking the drug, I don't think your jawbone will grow back. I know that is an extremely rare case, but I have enough dental problems. Then again, breaking a hip is much worse than losing some teeth.
What do to? Pray !
Hi sussier,
I take E-zorb calcium, like some other posters, along with Vitamin D3, 1,000 mg., Vitamin K1, three tablet multi-vitamin, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin C, fish oil, and glucosomine.
My spine improved from -.08 to -.02, but my hip was a fraction worse at -2.4,
the same as yours after six months on E-zorb, but I wasn't going to the gym back then. I can't do the treadmill with much velocity because I have a knee injuries in both legs, so I am focusing more on resistance exercises right now versus weight bearing, it's easier on my knees. I made a copy of the best gym exercises to increase bone density and those are the machines I use.
I changed my diet and eat more alkaline foods (fruits and veggies) now, I make organic bone soup, and eat two or three calcium containing foods daily.
There was an article I posted from the Dental Association of Oral Surgeons stating that Merck may have understated the number of patients who developed jaw necrosis.
I was reading your comment about your doc telling you to drink soy versus milk, a nutritionist told me milk tends to leach calcium from your bones, but soy is controversial. There are articles stating that soy can cause bone loss because it contains phytic acid, and soybeans also contain more aluminum than any other bean, and that's not good for your bones either. Soy can also cause estrogen receptor breast cancer. More than 85% of soy is genetically modified, some of it is being bought from China where environmental standards are broken and most health experts articles I read say to either stay away from soy completely or only eat organic tofu in very small amounts, the fermentation of tofu reduces the health risks. I avoid soy
and it's derivitives like soybean oil almost completely, it's contained in so many processed foods including ice cream, chocolate, bread, cookies, etc. you are probably ingesting more than enough without adding soy milk.
I don't think you have to worry about breaking a hip for a long time, there is even controversy whether -2.5 should be considered osteoporosis.
winston55
11-02-2007, 07:14 AM
Winston, thank you for replying. That is great that you have no side effects from the Actonel.
Do you have any positive bone density readings, such as MORE density than before you started the Actonel, or even no more bone loss would be a gain
I did ask about Actonel, and the Dr. said Fosamax is the one with the most data and that is what he was going to prescribe.
I did not want to consider Boniva, (even though I love Sally Field) because if it is a once a month pill, it sounds too strong for me.
After the first 4 years my T scores for my back improved from -2.7 to -2.2 and my spine improved from -2.2 to -1.7. I am due to get another dexa scan in about 6 months. I hope i can get more improvement then.
Do you have any positive bone density readings, such as MORE density than before you started the Actonel, or even no more bone loss would be a gain
I did ask about Actonel, and the Dr. said Fosamax is the one with the most data and that is what he was going to prescribe.
I did not want to consider Boniva, (even though I love Sally Field) because if it is a once a month pill, it sounds too strong for me.
After the first 4 years my T scores for my back improved from -2.7 to -2.2 and my spine improved from -2.2 to -1.7. I am due to get another dexa scan in about 6 months. I hope i can get more improvement then.
winston55
11-02-2007, 07:15 AM
Winston, thank you for replying. That is great that you have no side effects from the Actonel.
Do you have any positive bone density readings, such as MORE density than before you started the Actonel, or even no more bone loss would be a gain
I did ask about Actonel, and the Dr. said Fosamax is the one with the most data and that is what he was going to prescribe.
I did not want to consider Boniva, (even though I love Sally Field) because if it is a once a month pill, it sounds too strong for me.
After the first 4 years my T scores for my hip improved from -2.7 to -2.2 and my spine improved from -2.2 to -1.7. I am due to get another dexa scan in about 6 months. I hope i can get more improvement then.
Do you have any positive bone density readings, such as MORE density than before you started the Actonel, or even no more bone loss would be a gain
I did ask about Actonel, and the Dr. said Fosamax is the one with the most data and that is what he was going to prescribe.
I did not want to consider Boniva, (even though I love Sally Field) because if it is a once a month pill, it sounds too strong for me.
After the first 4 years my T scores for my hip improved from -2.7 to -2.2 and my spine improved from -2.2 to -1.7. I am due to get another dexa scan in about 6 months. I hope i can get more improvement then.
wolf0999
11-03-2007, 06:37 PM
Hello,
I thank all of you for your replies. I am definitely discontinuing Actonel. I will try Strontium Citrate and workout more.
I thank all of you for your replies. I am definitely discontinuing Actonel. I will try Strontium Citrate and workout more.
susierr
11-06-2007, 09:33 PM
I have decided to try Fosamax, well I have the tablets and if I do begin it will be on Wed. morning Nov. 21st so I will have the long weekend to see if I get negative symptoms.
If I begin, I will check back in here to let you all know what happens.
I have talked to three people personally who have not had any bad side effects, my neighbor has been on for over two years, my best friend and I didn't even know it has been on five years! and someone I met at the gym tonight, her mother has been on for several years.
I am still researching.
I'm glad to have found this site for additional information and opinions.
If I begin, I will check back in here to let you all know what happens.
I have talked to three people personally who have not had any bad side effects, my neighbor has been on for over two years, my best friend and I didn't even know it has been on five years! and someone I met at the gym tonight, her mother has been on for several years.
I am still researching.
I'm glad to have found this site for additional information and opinions.
jacal5
11-07-2007, 11:38 AM
Sussier,
Since your hip is -2.4 like mine is, you don't have osteoporosis yet, you are still considered osteopenia. I went to an endocrinologist who told me I have time to wait for safer drugs than the biophosphonates to become available, which means she doesn't consider them safe.
Remember Fosamax doesn't build bone, it just prevents the old bone from breaking down and fills it in, therefore the DEXA scan shows better density. You can be left with old bone more likely to fracture, that's what I've read anyway, and several posters here seem to agree, that's why they are turning to strontium and other supplements instead.
It's not only a matter of side effects, it's a matter of what quality of bone you are going to be left with down the road. If you decide to take Fosamax and then decide to stop, it stays in your system for ten years anyway. Most of the people I know on Fosamax decided to discontinue it after all the negative news reports.
You are smart to weigh your decision carefully.
Good luck.
Since your hip is -2.4 like mine is, you don't have osteoporosis yet, you are still considered osteopenia. I went to an endocrinologist who told me I have time to wait for safer drugs than the biophosphonates to become available, which means she doesn't consider them safe.
Remember Fosamax doesn't build bone, it just prevents the old bone from breaking down and fills it in, therefore the DEXA scan shows better density. You can be left with old bone more likely to fracture, that's what I've read anyway, and several posters here seem to agree, that's why they are turning to strontium and other supplements instead.
It's not only a matter of side effects, it's a matter of what quality of bone you are going to be left with down the road. If you decide to take Fosamax and then decide to stop, it stays in your system for ten years anyway. Most of the people I know on Fosamax decided to discontinue it after all the negative news reports.
You are smart to weigh your decision carefully.
Good luck.
susierr
11-09-2007, 11:05 PM
Yes thanks, I'm still thinking about it, and will let you know if I do take it, so I can let people in here know how it is affecting me.