I am about to start taking Actonel (monthly) 150mg. I hesitate to take the pill because I have Acid Reflux and am prone to ulcers. I take two Prevacid every day. I also have a hiatal hernia. So far I don't have any problem with osteo although a bone density test shows a bit starting in my hip. My gynecologist feels I should take the Actonel. I took Evista for awhile and I was getting "charlie horses" often while I was in bed. My dr. told me to use the Actonel instead of the Evista. I want to obey my doctor, but I'm concerned about the possibility of making my Acid Reflux worse. Your answer will be most welcome.
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Q: I have acid reflux and ulcers. Will monthly Actonel make my condition worse?
Answers (3)
8/11/08 2:50pm
Hi Rose,
Thank you for your question! Every medication works differently for everyone, so it's impossible to predict exactly how Actonel will work for you. Given your history of acid reflux however, it's important to closely follow the directions of how to take Actonel. Be sure to take it first thing in the morning, before you take any other medications. Take it with a full glass of water, and wait 30-60 minutes before taking other medications or eating breakfast. Be sure not to lie down for 60-90 minutes after taking the medication, as this will increase your chance of acid reflux. If you find after taking the medication that it causes a lot of side effects and you would rather not take it, consult with your doctor about other options you may have for treating your osteoporosis. Best of luck to you!
Casey
7/ 6/09 1:41pm
8/11/09 7:11pm
I also have acid reflux and had ulcers. With my doctor knowing my gastro situation, I was advised to take Actonel for osteoporosis. Therefore, last December, my doctor gave me four samples of the weekly actonel, and one sample of the monthly actonel. I was to take the weekly and then if I wanted to continue, try the monthly actonel.
I took the four weekly actonel from late December thru the third week of January. Upon taking the 2nd weekly dose (on Sunday), the following Tuesday I noticed I had more gastro problems, didn't feel too well, and diarrhea! These problems lasted for three or four days. I thought it was something I ate! Each of the next two weeks/doses, by the Tuesday following the Sunday I took the Actonel, I became sick again. And each time it was worse. At the end of the four weekly doses, I called my doctor because I was hesitant about taking the monthly dose. She encouraged me to proceed saying the reaction would probably subside. I took the one monthly dose, and it almost killed me! All of my gastro problems intensified ten-fold. I have been very sick for the last seven months. Yes, I have gotten somewhat better; however, at one point I was so sick my gastroenterologist did a endoscopy and discovered my esophagus was burned. He originally thought I had Barrett's Esophagus (sometimes a pre-cursor to cancer); however, a biopsy indicated I did not. It appears the actonel burned my esophagus.
I am still sick and wondering if this will ever go away. My doctor wants me to take an IV dose of Boniva (it misses the gastro area) but I am very hesitant. I understand the consequences of falling and breaking a bone with osteoporosis, but it looks either way I will become bedridden soon if I continue with osteo treatment, or if I fall. I haven't made a firm decision yet. I'm waiting for one more test to be completed before I decide, but I would not recommend anyone with gastro issues taking Actonel. Or any of those meds that indicate gastro problems are possible.
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Hi Bo, welcome and thanks for the question. The biggest problem with all drugs is that each and every one of us react totally different to them. I took Actonel and didn't have any major side effects and took it for approximately 17 months. The only reason I changed medication was due to a fracture I had and the Dr. wanted me to start Forteo.
Where is your pain? Actonels listed side effects include bone and joint pain, and if you have gastrointestinal problems, like GERD, it *may* make it worse. For this reason, that's why it's very important to follow the restrictions on the med--staying upright, not eating, and only using water.
I honestly can't say if it would cause a hiatal hernia to get worse. We know about the precuations above, but you would have to ask your Dr. this question since I don't know your medical history or if you have any other medical issues that could cause further problems or side effects. If you feel that the pain is just too much to bare, then I would ask your Dr. for some other suggestions for osteo meds. Boniva and Reclast come in iv doses, so they have much less gi side effects since the drug doesn't go through the intestines. You may want to look into those and see what your Dr. says.
It's always terrible when we have such horrible symptoms with drugs, but all you can do is to decide if this is something you can't live with, and if not find something else.
Here's a link on hiatal hernias from the Mayo Clinic, but I can't find any mention of this being a problem with Actonel. With that said, that doesn't mean that this might not cause some sort of problem if the hernia is large.
Good luck, but without more pertinent info it's impossible to say if this drug would make your problem worse, only your Dr. can tell you this--sorry--but true.
If you have any other question just post again.