Reply to an Answer

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.