Actonel
 

My frustration continues. I was prescribed estivia last week for osteopenia. I called my doctor's office with questions about it as it may cause blood clots. I have dealt with minor phlebitis in the past. The nurse assured me this would not be a problem, but would ask my doctor about it as well as my guestions about gabapentin and bone thinning. I decided yesterday I was being a big baby so I filled the prescription and started taking it.

So they called me a little while ago (after I called and said I had not heard back from her) and told me I could not take the estivia due to the phlebitis. :rolleyes: The doctor did not respond to my question about neurontin because she had not prescribed it. So now I am out $20.00 (co-pay) and I took it twice. I am waiting to her from my neuro about the gabapentin.

So now she wants me to try actonel (take it once a month). I expressed my concern due to having GERD and ulcers in the past, but all of the osteo drugs seem to have the same side effects. I also have read some really negative patient reviews about it, but there are the same negative reviews about all of these treatments. I sure would like to read some comments from happy consumers.:rolleyes:

So my question is (after this long rant), is anyone on actonel?

Thanks!

Hi Barb,

I tried Actonel, the once a week kind. I took one pill and it burned my esophagus so I didn't take it again. I also have GERD and take Nexium each morning. I had to give up coffee as well. My PCP prescribed Fortical which is a nasal mist taken once a day in one nostril. I tolerated that well but stopped taking it for other reasons. I have two full containers of Fortical left btw.

They just stated on the news that individuals who have been on nexium or similar acid reducers for two years or longer are 25% more likely to suffer a hip fracture.

YIKES!!! Did they give any correlation or study given??? And did they say why they are just now discovering the problems? Does Nexium not have calcium in it? That would be an interesting thing--maybe it causes the calcium to fizzle out of the bones or something. You may want to do a little more exploring on the whys and wherefores before you get freaked out about it.

Yahna

Not freaked! I am just reporting the result of a study just released. It was briefly reported about on NBC News. No -- Nexium does not have calcium in it. I had already discovered that it has an effect on your calcium level.

Yikes, I'm going to ask my PCP about the Nexium blocking calcium absorption. It's really hard getting old... :rolleyes: I haven't had my bone density tested since before I started taking Nexium, I should get it checked again soon.

Reclast
 

I should change the name of this thread since they now want me to go on once a year reclast as I pointed out the problems with actinel and stomach issue. I am going to think about this one for several weeks (discuss with the new pcp I see in a few weeks) before I scedule the appointment.