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Risedronate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Brand names: Atelvia, Actonel

Risedronate has an average rating of 2.7 out of 10 from a total of 79 reviews on Drugs.com. 15% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 80% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Risedronate

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • 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."

1 / 10
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  • Sue...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 20, 2019

For Osteoporosis "After seven months of once-a-week dosing, I have severe pain in my collarbones. I have trouble getting dressed because raising my arms is so painful. Also, my groin is very painful in the morning and after sitting a while. My doctor was too booked up to see me until January. I quit the stuff a week ago. Slight improvement. I hope this pain is not permanent."

1 / 10
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  • sha...
  • May 9, 2015

Risedronate for Prevention of Osteoporosis "I have been taking Actonel for several years, and as far as I know, I have never had a side effect. I feel like it is helping me with all kinds of problems that most women my age (78) have. I have recently heard that you shouldn't take it for years, is that true?"

9 / 10
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71 Report
  • Ali...
  • March 28, 2017

For Osteoporosis "I have taken risedronate for only 3 weeks and have severe bone pain in my hands. I cannot bear the pain. I also have a burning sensation in my throat. I was given alendronate to start with, and they also made me feel so ill. I won't be taking any more. I really don't know what to do as I don't want the injection or infusion."

1 / 10
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  • Taf...
  • August 6, 2021

Risedronate for Prevention of Osteoporosis "My pain started approximately 6 weeks into taking the Actonel 1 a week. I had read side effects and was careful of taking this drug the proper way. After approximately 4 weeks, I started having pain in my upper left leg muscle or bone (so bad I couldn't walk on that leg). Two weeks later, always taking the drug, my pain was unbearable. My doctor scheduled me for an MRI, ultrasound, etc., and nothing was found as per the results, but my pain was still there. My doctor probably thought it was all in my head, but she continued to try anything such as pain medicine (which didn't help). I decided finally that the only drug that I was taking different than my prednisone was Actonel, so I decided to stop it. I will see what will happen. Within 1 week, my pain was reducing, within 1 month of not taking Actonel, my pain was completely gone. I love sports, so I am active-back to golf, pickleball, walk daily 3-5 miles. My age, 72! I get a monthly blood test, so far so good!"

1 / 10
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  • Mar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 18, 2018

For Osteoporosis "I was only able to take 2 doses of risedronate. The side effects were horrible. The 2nd and last dose was 7 weeks ago. I had extremely painful legs. Both lower legs and feet were, and still are, swollen. I had bloating in my abdomen. The longer I'm off, the side effects are getting better, but it's slow. I've decided to go with supplements and diet changes instead of the prescription medications. The treatment is worse than the benefits for me."

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  • STA...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 14, 2022

Risedronate for Prevention of Osteoporosis "Was a 49-year-old with osteopenia. Took 1 pill Mon am. Woke up in the middle of the night, could barely walk, I was in so much pain. Tired, I didn't put it together yet. Woke up in the morning, and I was in excruciating pain. I've had Fibro for 25 years and never had pain like this. I had pain in every bone in my body. Could literally feel every inch of every rib. Felt like I'd been in a car crash. Had to call for help to get out of bed. As my husband pulled me out, he felt like he was going to break me. The noises that came out of me that day were awful. Bearing weight felt like my skeleton would collapse. Dr. said it's an allergic reaction. Took Benadryl and Tylenol/Advil to help, but by day 4, I still hurt, but now my stomach was so big, it looked like it could pop. All I could do was groan in pain. Dr. said to go to ER. I was admitted. The pain was so intense, my system shut down and my bowels stopped. I had a bowel obstruction from Actonel! No doctor had heard of these reactions. I've never been the same since."

1 / 10
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  • Maz...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 29, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I was prescribed one tablet weekly for osteoporosis due to hormonal changes after menopause. I took the first tablet and initially felt okay, but after 3 weeks, I felt very uncomfortable around my eyes. I felt anxious and wondered how long the symptoms would last. I am scared of my bone condition worsening, but I would be even more frightened to take prescription drugs now. I had already tried Alendronic acid but felt ill with that one too."

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  • Kat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 19, 2014

Risedronate for Osteoporosis "My doctor gave me samples to use while I awaited my insurance to approve. After taking the first dosage in approximately 29 hours, I was in the hospital. Side effects for me were extreme bone pain, indigestion. Doctors thought I was having a heart attack."

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  • Bri...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 27, 2022

For Osteoporosis "Tried risedronate for the 2nd time a month ago - one 35 mg per week. Made my previous occasional dry eye so much worse and extremely sore. GP gave me anti-bacterial drops in case of infection, but no change. Have awful pain in both groins and headaches. Has anyone else had bad groin pain? I was diagnosed with osteoporosis of the spine and right hip but cannot take these meds. I stopped this week and hope the pain level improves. Also, dreadful jaw pain. Going to try a natural way of diet and chair yoga, etc., to try to prevent things from getting worse. Fearful of fractures, etc., but better than feeling ill all day, every day. 71 years old and deserve a reasonable quality of life now!"

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  • Noo...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 16, 2018

For Osteoporosis "Was on risedronate for two years, osteoporosis was gone. Had a break from drugs. Started back on it in this third year, but eyes were getting dryer and dryer. Came off it, and the first day no dry eyes, first time in two years. I think dry eyes were caused by risedronate. If you’ve got dry eyes, there is hope, come off risedronate and see if your eyes go back to normal."

6 / 10
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  • 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!"

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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 30, 2022

For Osteoporosis "My doctor pushed risedronate on me without telling me the risks. After 4 months of hesitation on my part, I finally gave in and took it for over a year. I became very ill, my energy was drained, and I lost an incredible amount of weight I can't put back on. I was thin to begin with. My jaw was painful, and a perfectly good tooth fell out. My other teeth became loose. I went off it on my own, but I still can't gain any weight back. I am very angry with myself for giving in to the doctor and taking this dangerous pill."

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  • anx...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 14, 2017

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I was prescribed risedronate sodium 35 mg. On April 17, I have suffered with osteoarthritis of my knees for 10 years. Despite this, I have remained very active, leading a nice life. However, these past 6 weeks, my arthritis and mobility have deteriorated. I am finding walking very difficult. I am in a lot of pain and stiffness. I am using a walking stick and not wanting to go out. Taking this medication is ruining my life."

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  • Cor...
  • May 2, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I took just 6 weekly pills before stopping. The bone and muscle pain was indescribably awful. It moved from limb to limb, and I was unable to move the affected limb. I used to be active and happy but turned into a frail old lady almost instantly. I just sat and cried as I was in so much pain. I paced around at night as sleep was impossible. I needed (and still do) grab rails and aids for the elderly. I had to stop work. The doctor told me to carry on with the tablets, which I ignored. He wasn’t aware of any reported side effects! It is now 7 months since my last tablet, and I am still experiencing bouts of extreme pain. I cannot raise my arms or sleep on my side. There is nowhere to turn to for advice or help. All I have been given is strong painkillers. These comments have helped me to realize that I am not alone."

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  • Avo...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 26, 2023

For Osteoporosis "Terrible stuff. I have been on chemotherapy before, and this pill is worse than that was. I experienced cold chills, feel feverish but no fevers, headache, an increase in fibromyalgia pains, lethargy, digestive pains - stomach and in the chest, can't talk properly and kicks my POTS in. I have to walk hunched over or I will get presyncope, can't function. Terrible, I hate it, and I'm only 40."

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  • mik...
  • November 22, 2009

Risedronate for Paget's Disease "Thank God for this drug. Busted my leg and ankle, diagnosed Paget's, tried Myacalcin and FOSAMAX. Leg pain minimal now. I do take 30 mg daily! It has been over 12 months of treatment now. I ran out once for 5 days and pain was intolerable... resumed Actonel and pain gone in 2 days."

10 / 10
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  • Sho...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 9, 2021

For Osteoporosis "Once a week oral risedronate. Minor aches and pains for a few days after the first dose. More intense joint and bone pain after the second dose. Terrible pain after the third dose. I had a fractured leg prior to taking this med and had less pain from the broken leg!!! Off med for almost two weeks and pain in the hip and thigh is awful!! I was just getting back to normal walking after the broken right leg and now in so much pain in the unbroken left leg that I can hardly walk sometimes. Eyes are dry and sore too. Will not take anything like this again."

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  • Mad...
  • February 2, 2017

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "Took the first pill the morning of Oct 4, 2016, and that night went to turn over in bed and felt the most excruciating pain in my lower back radiating through my chest that it took my breath away. In tears, went to my regular doctor who prescribed muscle relaxers and home from work for 2 days. I also experienced flu-like symptoms, a recurrence of my acid reflux, tiredness, increased insomnia, and just felt lousy. Reluctantly took the second dose in November, didn't experience the back pain (but still have episodes of that back spasm, but very slight) but did experience all the other side effects. I'm so done with this medication, and now my gynecologist wants me to take Prolia. Reading forums and its side effects, I am scared to death especially since it's a six-month dosage!"

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  • Nev...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 30, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I was on 150 mg monthly. After the first pill, I began hurting so bad moving was a challenge. Dry eyes were unbearable. Swollen, depressed, fatigue continuously got worse. After 6 months, I was done—acid reflux is horrid, jaw pain, chest pain, thighs felt like they were breaking, wrists and elbows to the point I was unable to work out like I always have. Less than 2 months off and no more dry eyes, wrists and elbows are now pain-free. Acid reflux is still bad, as is chest pain. Never, ever again!"

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  • Tam...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 7, 2020

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "As of today, I am one week past my first monthly dose of risedronate for the prevention of osteoporosis. I’m 58 years old, active, healthy female. I took my first dose on Monday, 6/1/2020, in the early AM before work, with lots of water. By Monday evening, I began to feel ill, my temperature rose to 101.9, and I had chills and sweats intermittently all night. I took Tylenol for the fever and it responded. I was so weak and achy I could barely dress myself for work. I felt horrible and flu-ish all day. By the afternoon, I developed hip and groin pain so severe I could barely sit, kept taking Tylenol with limited results. This pain has continued all week. This morning, I was awakened by such severe knee pain that I couldn’t bear to sleep. As I’ve tried to walk, I find my legs are weak and extremely painful. The muscles above my knees are swollen and weak. I plan to call my gynecologist tomorrow, but will never take this drug again."

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  • Kay...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 19, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I was very nervous about risedronate after reading reviews. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis about 2 years ago. My grandma and mom had very serious cases. I started risedronate about 1 year ago. I had no negative physical reactions to the medication. Although my hair is thinner, that can be from normal aging and/or other factors such as hair coloring, shampoos, etc. I had my 2-year DEXA a couple of weeks ago, which showed a 6% decline in my hips. My doctor is now recommending Prolia, which similarly has some very negative reviews, and I'm fearful of trying that too. I am at a loss because my bones seem to be on a fast track of declining. I am worried that taking this medication, which is assumed to be needed for life, will cause more harm than good in the years to come. It hasn't been around long enough to assess long-term effects."

2 / 10
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  • Bub...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 20, 2016

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I have finished 3 doses and will make another appointment to let the doctor know I will be discontinuing this medication. I have experienced the following: pain under ribs, stomach ache for two weeks now, terrible bloating and reflux that wakes me up at night. I sleep elevated and have been taking 40 mg omeprazole for reflux for years. My reflux has been controlled for years, but it is not working with this new medication. I'm 53."

3 / 10
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  • ris...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 22, 2022

For Osteoporosis "Developed very severe pain in hips, legs, and arms, making sleep impossible at night. GP advised to discontinue immediately. I had previously been taking Alendronic Acid for 7 months with slight bone pain. I contacted the Yellow Card System and reported the drug. I believe Risedronate to be a very dangerous drug."

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  • 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!"

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