Risedronate and Muscle Pain: What Users Say

• Min...
• June 22, 2009

Risedronate for Osteoporosis "By the end of the first day, I was very lethargic and had abdominal cramps and bloating, followed by diarrhea. Throughout the night and all through the second day, I experienced flu-like symptoms, relieved slightly with aspirin, but continued with abdominal tenderness and discomfort as well as feeling very lethargic. By the third day, the muscle aches were gone, but the abdominal tenderness persisted. My appetite did go down. Hopefully, there is truth to the notion that the first dose is the most difficult in terms of side effects."

• Sho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2021

For Osteoporosis "I commented in January of 2021 after taking risedronate once weekly for 3 weeks. I wanted to update that post. It has now been 3 months since I discontinued this drug, and I am still not back to where I was before. Fatigue, bone and muscle pain continue. Walking is difficult some days, painful most days. The muscle pain in my legs keeps me awake at night, and I am exhausted. Not sure how much longer till this resolves, but hope it will be soon. I was an active person before this and had made a good recovery from a leg fracture. I feel worse now than I did during my recovery process."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Joj...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 12, 2019

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I have been on risedronate for a few years, and it is awful! Severe bone and muscle pain. I stopped taking it 3 weeks ago and already feel better. It really made me feel awful."