Is back pain a side effect of Actonel?
Patient: I have chronic back pain, with muscle stiffness, for over a year now ( except for 2 days of a juice fast just this month). I also have lots and lots of yellow-white hard crystals in my stool. It almost looks like I have eaten sesame seeds when I have not eaten any. I ve been so frustrated that today I rinsed the stool and saved the crystals (since my back pain diminishes after having a bowel movement. I move my bowels up to 5 times a day at times so I am not constipated.) I am on Actonel monthly and calcium supplments 1200-1400 mg/day, but have been cutting back lately. My vitamin D levels are normal as per testing. I also drink skim or 2% milk daily for more calcium for my osteoarthritis. I also have muscle spasms in my feet and leg cramps at night on occassion. I am in my greatest pain at night, and wake frequently. An MRI showed some disc bulging last Fall. The muscles spasms are starting to interfere with my ability to bend and do normal routine chores. I have heard that back pain may be a side effect of Actonel. Please help. (Sorry for the description) Doctor: Hello,  Yes, it is one of them. Common side effects of Actonel include upset stomach, stomach pain, headache, flu symptoms, muscle pain, diarrhea, constipation and joint or back pain. See your clinician.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Take care  Regards, Dr AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician