Going off actonel again. - Osteoporosis Message Board

dorri · 10-23-2005, 10:08 PM

I should have learned my lesson the first time, but I didn't. I quit taking actonel a while back, only to go back on it. Over the last month, after taking my actonel, I developed burning in my esophagus which was pretty bad for a while, even after taking prevacid and Gaviscon. It's slowly getting better. I have not taken actonel for the last two weeks and cannot get myself to swallow another one. I've had it! I'm going to the doctor on Wednesday to tell him I won't take it anymore, but I worry about his response

and also about what will happen to my bones if I don't have any suitable alternative to replace the treatment for osteoporosis.

Please keep me in your prayers.

taape · 10-24-2005, 07:14 PM

Sorry to hear that your having problems with the Actonel. I had the same problems the first day I took Fosamax and only lasted for 3 pills - 3 weeks worth. I don't blame you for quitting the Actonel. Is your bone density low enough to go on Forteo? I don't have any bad symptoms and it works at least for now. If your doctor is unhappy with your decision he shouldn't be --there's no reason to burn your throat up. I hope you can find an alternative medication.

dorri · 10-25-2005, 06:27 PM

Thanks for the reply. While Forteo is now available here, it isn't covered. My appointment is tommorrow, so please say a prayer that it'll go without the doctor giving me any problems. I don't have much to fall back on for alternative treatment, so I'm worried as well. I'll keep you posted.

taape · 10-26-2005, 03:45 PM

How did it go today with your doctor? Do you have a medical reimubursement plan or can you write off the costs of the Forteo?

dorri · 10-26-2005, 06:04 PM

Hi taape, thanks for asking. It went quite well. This is the first time the doctor has been understanding and patient enough to listen. He told me to go off the actonel for 2-3 months to see if the burning in my esophagus gets better. He wanted to give me some samples for some nasal spray (I believe it was calcitonin), but ran out so he told me to keep taking my calcium, and will give me some samples when he gets them in. He also said a new osteoporosis treatment is coming out that you take only once a year. Do you know what this may possibly be?
As for the Forteo, the insurance we have, generally doesn't cover any drugs that our Medical doesn't. Even if they did, they only cover $600 prescription costs anually, so it wouldn't cover even a months supply of Forteo. I'll have to wait on that one.
For now, I am grateful that I'm off Actonel with his consent. I'm hoping that some of the other symptoms I've had since I started Actonel will go away, such as the joint pain, extra diarrhea, and stomach irritation. I guess time will tell. Thanks again.