Risedronate and Vomiting: What Users Say

• Bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2018

Risedronate for Osteoporosis "1st dose made me vomit within 30 minutes. I lost the weekly pill into the toilet when up chucking. Called the pharmacist and she said take another. I did and lost that too the same way. Called the doctor and he said take another with food and sit upright for at least 30 minutes. He said that if I vomited that one as well, just stop. I did and vomited that one out as well. I stopped taking it. I continued to vomit and felt nauseated for over a month, then I started to get a deep pain in my groin at the top of my legs and upper thighs. It's now 4 months later and my deep groin and upper thigh pain continue but are finally easing. I'm never touching these bisphosphonates again. Awful stuff!"

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2012

Risedronate for Osteoporosis "Had terrible vomiting and diarrhea, that took two weeks to recover from. This occurred every month after the first four months! Stopped taking it and have since started to recover and regain a little weight."

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2021

For Osteoporosis "I took my very first weekly prescription yesterday as prescribed. At 2:00, I began feeling severe back and jaw pain. I could not move without excruciating pain. I could not walk alone. I developed a horrible headache and began shaking in a seizure-like manner, violently. I began vomiting and could not take a deep breath. I thought I was going to die. My husband was going to call an ambulance, but he found a Phenergan. I took it, and 20 minutes later, I fell asleep. The pain in my entire back, spine, and muscles is unbearable today. I have not been out of bed except for bathroom privileges, but I need assistance. If I am not better tomorrow, I will not be able to work. This was just horrible! The worst night of my life!!"

• 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."

• PEG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2021

For Osteoporosis "Worse experience of taking medication I have ever had! Took first pill last month for the first time on a Monday. By Tuesday night, I was bedridden with a fever, nausea, and vomiting. Could not eat Friday’s and missed almost a week of work. Doctor said I probably had a stomach bug, couldn’t be from medication. I took my second monthly dose this past Thursday. By Friday, same thing: nauseous, fever, no appetite, etc. Beware! Do not take this drug! Very bad side effects!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I took two monthly doses of this awful poison, risedronate. I immediately felt nausea, burning in the stomach, horrible heartburn (never had heartburn before), severe bloating, gagging, and extreme fatigue. This lasted 25 days, then I felt good for five days and took the second dose. Again, an awful experience. It has been 8 months, and I still have extreme fatigue, and my stomach is nauseous all the time. Some days, I lay on the couch all day. I didn't have any medical problems before taking this, no other health conditions, I was a healthy, active 60-year-old! This drug is awful, and I can't believe the FDA gets away with this! I am now under the care of a naturopath who is trying to repair my gut. By the way, I got blood work before I took this drug and again after the two months, and my ferritin level went from 49 to 29, and I became anemic. The FDA knows it's a bad drug, but they make money off of it at our expense. No thank you. It should be taken off the market."

• 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."

• 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."