FDA Warning

• In 2008 the FDA issued a warning regarding the potential for patients developing atrial fibrillation while taking this medication.
  
  

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

• The most frequent side effects while taking Actonel are gastrointestinal and include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, gas, dyspepsia, dry mouth and vomiting.
  
  

Increased Muscle Pain

• Another common side effect of Actonel is arthritis-like pain in joints as well as an increased muscle pain. The FDA has asked that manufacturers of Actonel and other drugs for osteoporosis prevention to label their medication with the potential for increased pain in patients.
  
  

Other Side Effects

• Other reported side effects include flu-like symptoms, weakness, headache, dizziness, anxiety, depression, ringing of the ears, vertigo, rash with or without itching, peripheral edema, chest pain, hypertension, syncope, vasodilatation, bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, increased cough, pneumonia, rhinitis, dry eyes, cataracts, urinary-tract infections, generalized rash and other skin reactions.
  
  

Precautions

• Actonel should be taken with a full glass of water at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage or medication of the day. Other beverages, food, and some medications can affect the absorption of Actonel. It is recommended that patients wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking liquids other than water.