Actonel side effects - Osteoporosis Message Board

wolf0999 · 10-30-2007, 09:31 AM

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.

montesflus · 10-30-2007, 06:17 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.

I hope you can find an alternative - that is, if you decide to discontinue the Actonel.

peppurr · 10-31-2007, 03:21 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, 07:10 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.

starfish81 · 10-31-2007, 08:37 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.