My doctor ordered me a bone density screening test and the result came back abnormal.
I am 53 years old and I have just been diagnosed with osteoporosis. My doctor recommended my daily calcium with vitaminD of 1200 mg and also gave a sample pill of
Actonel which is supposed to be a once a month oral dose. I have experienced all the
side effects written on the pamphlet and so much more. I would never wish for anyone
to experience what I went through. The pain on my spine, shoullders and neck have been
lingering for 48 hours now causing me to miss work. I'm taking pain medicine to help ease
the pain but it seems that only time will heal this pain and suffering. Not sure if I'll be
healthy enough to go back to work tomorrow which really sucks if I can't.
There should be a way of testing if someone can handle the side effects of this
pill before it's taken. For all of you out there hoping for a remedy for your osteoporosis,
be very careful what you take in in your body and good luck.

Naomi
Hi: Thanks for sharing your story, and I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time.
Unfortunately some people have bad reactions to some of these meds, but there's no way of knowing ahead of time if you'll be one of those.
I took Actonel and didn't have the troubles you are having so it just depends on how your system reacts to it. It would be nice if we could know ahead of time if these drugs will cause problems, but we are all so very different.
Have you looked into Fosteum, as an alternative? Only you and your Dr can decide this, but you could read about it if you want to at this link. Fosteum has soy (genistein), vitamin D and zinc, so it's a different type of osteo med than the bisphosphonates. Some people can't take soy, if they've had cancer or some thyroid problems, but it's another option for treatment that's approved by the FDA.
I hope the symptoms go away soon and your able to return to work. Hang in there!!!
Good luck...
Pam