Actonel Side Effects

Elderly population is increasing at a rapid rate. Therefore, one of the primary aims of the pharmaceutical industry to provide the drugs that may decrease bone pain, osteoporosis and bone density, specifically in postmenopausal women. Actonel increases bone density and helps the patient with weakened bones. However, Actonel and other bisphosphonates, including Zometa, Fosamax, Boniva and Skelid have been founded to cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. It is a rare and chronic bone disease in which a bone deteriorates.

Defining Actonel

In 1998, Federal Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Actonel for the treatment of cancers affecting bone and osteoporosis. Patients are recommended not to take Actonel with food because the effectiveness of drug is inhibited by food in the first two hours of ingestion. Though Actonel is consumed through mouth, it is recommended by FDA to take it in an upright position as the contact of Actonel with esophagus may cause ulcer.

Actonel regulates bone metabolism and prevents the resorption of tissues, resulting into increased mass of the bones. One important thing about Actonel is that it does not create new bones, it only prevents further loss of bones. It is not suitable for the patients suffering from stomach problems, kidney problems and low calcium levels.

Side Effects of Actonel

Except few side effects mentioned above, that were known at the time of launching the Actonel , some more dangerous side effects are identified including osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).  ONJ is a chronic and rare bone disease in which the jawbones do not recover. Further deterioration of jawbones can be prevented but the damage done by ONJ cannot be recovered. ONJ is mainly found in patients suffering from minor jaw problems such as oral surgery, tooth implants and tooth extractions.

Severe bone, muscle and joint pain are new side effects of consuming Actonel. This pain is caused due to the interaction of normal bone metabolism with bisphosphonate drug and often, it is misdiagnosed as osteoporosis pain. However, the clinical trials conducted by FDA approve that Actonel and other bisphosphonates do not cause serious joint and bone pain.

If you have been suffering from the side effects listed above, contact your healthcare professional or doctor immediately. You should seek the advice of an experienced attorney so that you may file a lawsuit. He will suggest whether you will be given monetary compensation for the damages caused to you because of the Actonel side effects.