Actonel Side Effects

Generic name: risedronate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 26, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Actonel.

Applies to risedronate: oral tablet, oral tablet delayed release Side Effects associated with risedronate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Actonel.

Applies to risedronate: oral tablet, oral tablet delayed release.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and watch for unwanted effects.

You should not take Actonel® tablets if you are also using Atelvia®.delayed-release tablets. These medicines should not be taken together because both medicines contain risedronate (the active ingredient contained in Actonel) Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

This medicine can irritate your esophagus. If you think this medicine has started to damage your esophagus, Stop taking risedronate and call your doctor. Some symptoms of damage to the esophagus are heartburn (either new or worse than usual), pain when swallowing, pain in the center of your chest, trouble swallowing, or feeling that food gets stuck on the way to your stomach.

It is important that you tell all of your health care providers that you are taking risedronate. If you are having dental procedures done while taking risedronate you may have an increased chance of getting a severe problem of your jaw.

Make sure you tell your doctor about any new medical problems, especially with your teeth or jaws. Tell your doctor if you have severe bone, joint, or muscle pain while using this medicine.

This medicine could lower the amount of calcium in your blood. Call your doctor right away if you develop any signs of low calcium levels, such as muscle spasms or twitching, or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or lips.

This medicine may increase your risk of developing fractures of the thigh bone. This may be more common if you use it for a long time. Check with your doctor right away if you have a dull or aching pain in the thighs, groin, or hips.

This medicine may interact with the dye used for bone scans.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Actonel

Along with its needed effects, risedronate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking risedronate:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking risedronate:

Symptoms of overdose

• confusion
• convulsions
• difficulty with breathing
• irregular heartbeats
• muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
• numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
• shortness of breath
• tremor

Other side effects of Actonel

Some side effects of risedronate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to risedronate: oral delayed release tablet, oral tablet.

General adverse events

Abdominal and musculoskeletal pain were commonly reported adverse effects.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (up to 10.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Arrhythmia (2%) in men with osteoporosis
• Frequency not reported: Syncope, vasodilation^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Constipation (up to 12.9%), diarrhea (up to 10.8%), dyspepsia (up to 10.8%), nausea (up to 10.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal upper pain, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastroenteritis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Duodenitis, glossitis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Esophageal stricture
• Postmarketing reports: Esophagitis, esophageal or gastric ulcers^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Urinary tract infection (up to 11.1%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Nocturia (1.6%), cystitis, hemorrhoids, Hiatus hernia, urinary disorders, reproductive system and breast disorders^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (up to 23.7%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, pain in extremity, musculoskeletal pain, bone pain, muscle spasms, myalgia, neck pain, arthritis, traumatic bone fracture, join disorder, leg cramps, myasthenia (1.6%), osteoarthritis, tendonitis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Severe or incapacitating bone, join, or muscle pain; osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ); atypical subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures (bisphosphonate class adverse reaction)
• Frequency not reported: Muscle spasms^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Accidental injury (up to 16.9%), pain (up to 14.1%), flu syndrome (up to 11.6%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Tinnitus (1.6%), asthenia, peripheral edema, contusion, herpes zoster (1% to 2.6%), ear and labyrinth disorders, vertigo^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Bronchitis (up to 10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza, upper respiratory infection, chest pain, sinusitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, increased cough, apnea (1.6%)
• Postmarketing reports: Asthma exacerbations^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Frequency not reported: Pruritus^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Common (1% to 10%): Elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), endocrine disorders^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia (1% to 2.6%), blood and lymphatic system disorders^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Colitis (1.6%), hepatobiliary disorders
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Abnormal liver function test
• Postmarketing reports: Serious hepatic disorders^[Ref]

In most of the postmarketing reported cases the patients were also treated with other products known to cause hepatic disorders.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Allergic reactions
• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema, generalized rash, bullous skin reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, anaphylactic reactions^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Immune system disorders^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased weight, hypocalcemia (1.6%), transient decreases from baseline of serum calcium and phosphate, hypercholesterolemia^[Ref]

Transient decreases from baseline in serum calcium (less than 1%) and serum phosphate (less than 3%) were observed within 6 months in patients in osteoporosis clinical trials treated with doses of 5 mg daily immediate-release.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache, insomnia, sciatica (0.6% to 2.3%)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Cataract; amblyopia, corneal lesion and dry eye (1.6%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Iritis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Eye inflammation including uveitis^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Benign prostatic hyperplasia (5%) in men with osteoporosis; neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps)^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, psychiatric disorders^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nephrolithiasis (3%) in men with osteoporosis, renal disorders^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What medications are available to treat osteoporosis?

Further information

Actonel side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer