Risedronate and Joint Pain: What Users Say

• Dan...
• November 1, 2018

Risedronate for Prevention of Osteoporosis "Stay away from any of these listed! I took Actonel for a couple of years and had severe joint and bone pain that continued for over 10 years! I kept reporting the side effects to my primary MD, he finally told me to quit after his MD wife could not get out of bed because of the effects on her. She gave up her practice. After much discussion and putting off, I agreed to try Prolia (the injectable), same symptoms, but worse. Talk to a knowledgeable yoga or holistic practitioner for safe resolutions. Don't be blinded by what the drug companies push, take care of yourself."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2019

For Osteoporosis "After the second dose of Actenol, taken once a week, I experience a day of aching joints, temperature, vomiting, and could not eat. Second day I still have severe joint, muscle, and bone pain. Third day the same. Will not take this again. Terrible drug."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2019

For Osteoporosis "After the second dose of Actenol, taken once a week, I experience a day of aching joints, temperature, vomiting, and could not eat. Second day I still have severe joint, muscle, and bone pain. Third day the same. Will not take this again. Terrible drug."

• Anonymous
• August 25, 2022

Risedronate for Osteoporosis "Horrible! Terrible abdominal pain for 2 days followed by altered taste in food (after 1 dose). This was followed by muscle spasm and difficulty starting urination. The worst side effect was full body severe joint pain lasting for a week (I had to rock and grab surfaces to stand from sitting. I almost fell several times.) I was active and independent before taking this drug. I won't continue. In a 2-week period, this drug gave me a taste of what it will be like when I need supportive care."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2022

For Osteoporosis "So far, the only improvement I see is my hair. I was on Fosamax for a month, now this is my second month on this. Extreme eye pain, eye infections, and I’m having a hard time wearing makeup. Also, my throat burns, I have sore joints like an elderly person, and I’m only 55. I’m done with this garbage. I’m going to a naturopath, I don’t think I can take this with eye problems as a side effect. The only good thing is my hair. It’s not worth it. Yeah, I’m afraid of breaking a bone, but there’s got to be something better than this garbage!"

• KCT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2020

For Osteoporosis "Took Risedronate 35 mg x3 doses each Saturday. No GI issues taking the pill-took early with 8 oz of water, stood up straight or walked, no food 30”+. Expected symptoms of joint pain and some immobility due to pain. Had only occasional right hip discomfort before starting the medication. In the past, had a fracture of the right knee with surgery, ski accident 10 years ago, fracture of the left elbow years before from running and jumping with a dog, slipped on black ice. Healing normal. Side effects from this medication started before the third dose. Severe right hip/pelvic groin bone pain and numbness, needed a cane to walk. Saw MD, given exercises for hip-no pelvic fracture. Worked very well. Developed left shoulder severe nerve pain/numbness/immobile hand use. Then head/bone aches constant for over four days. Vomited once the second day with head pain, then dry heaves twice the next day after. Saw MD again. Cervical spine X-rays done. No fractures. Shows osteoporosis and degeneration. Now, one month after the first dose, doing osteoporosis exercises and walking daily. Taking calcium and vitamin D3 still."

• Act...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 12, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I started taking Actonel in Feb 2021. Well, I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me about 2 Monday afternoons per month. Until this week, when I had another terrible episode: tremors, joint pain, terrible leg cramps, muscle aches, dizziness, fever, and chills. Each time I had to go to bed, the side effects were so bad. I called my pharmacist, and he said, 'PLEASE go off the Actonel right away.' Now, what does that tell you? Yes, I have osteoporosis, but I will just take my over-the-counter calcium pills. Oh, and the rash is horrible. I am going to see a dermatologist. I will never take Actonel again."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2022

For Osteoporosis "Within an hour of taking the first dose, I began feeling like I had the flu. My muscles and joints became very achy, my head began aching, and I felt confused. Confused. I found that it was hard to think clearly. The next day was even worse."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 21, 2012

Risedronate for Osteoporosis "The first few months, I experienced flu-like symptoms. Then, joint and muscle pain followed. I couldn't even walk or climb stairs without pain. I am only 52! After 10 months on it, I gave up."

• Coo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2019

Risedronate for Prevention of Osteoporosis "After 3 doses in 17 days, I am experiencing acute joint and muscle pain. Bloated and head achy also. I’m 66 and will stop taking this immediately. Horrible!"