Atelvia (risedronate sodium), an oral bisphophonate made by Warner Chilcott, has been approved in the US on October 8, 2010. Here’s the simple trick used for creating Atelvia: clever marketing sleight of hand.
Let me explain.
Atelvia's active ingredient is identical to its twin Actonel, and similar to its cousins Fosamax (including the generic alendronate) and Boniva (ibandronate).
So what's Atelvia's new twist? It comes in the form of a delayed-release coating which eliminates the fasting requirements applicable to the other bisphosphonate drugs.
It's like a car salesman desperately trying to sell an old, beat up, and unsafe car with a new paint job as a “new” car.
Masters of Disguise
Based on its delayed release formulation, Atelvia was awarded its own patent and joined the rest of the bisphophonate family in October 2010.
Part of my research routine is to closely monitor new osteoporosis drug developments as well as patent expirations for existing drugs.
Actonel was especially on my radar, since its patent was about to expire on 2011, until it received an extension for another three years. Actonel’s future didn’t look too bright. According to the drug’s manufacturer Warner Chilcott, the total filled prescriptions for Actonel in the US declined by almost 22% in the first quarter of 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009.1
But now, thanks to Atelvia’s patent protection awarded in the US until the year 2026, Actonel’s active ingredient risedronate has regained new longevity.
And I couldn't help but laugh when I recently caught a glimpse of Atelvia’s television ad during a brief break. The ad seems to spoof Boniva, depicting it as an “inconvenient” osteoporosis drug because of having to wait at least one hour to have breakfast after taking it. And it attempts to send the clear message that Atelvia is the “smart” woman’s choice for osteoporosis because it eliminates the wait to eat or drink. Well, we in the Save Our Bones community know better.
Same Old Formula, Same Terrible Side Effects
Atelvia has the exact same side effects as Actonel and the rest of the oral bisphosphonates. Hardly a “smart” way to tackle osteoporosis! You may already know the long list of undesirable side effects of bisphosphonates, but here’s a refresher. As I write in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, the most common side effects are:
- Nausea
- Inflammation and ulceration of the esophagus
- Chest pain, heartburn or difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal cramping
- Flatulence
- Skin rash
- Blurred vision
- Generalized pain of the muscles, joints and/or bones
- Decreased mobility of joints
And of course, let’s not forget the increased risk of atrial fibrillation, esophageal cancer, blood clotting disorders, anemia, and the horrendous and irreversible osteonecrosis of the jaw. But that’s not all, because there's…
A New Addition to the List
According to a study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, using bisphosphonates for at least five years increases the risk for atypical femoral fractures. It reviewed 310 cases of atypical femur fractures and found that a staggering 291 (94%) had taken the drugs for more than five years.2
But the researchers were quick to point out that they don’t recommend stopping the use of these drugs because the benefits appear to outweigh the risks.
In view of this new problem, what is the medical establishment’s best solution? Nothing more than to include a warning about femur fractures on all bisphosphonate drugs!
Watch the two minute video below with the study findings and recommendations, which also apply to Atelvia:
Surprised?
You shouldn’t be. As I explain in great detail on this website and in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, bisphosphonates alter the natural bone remodeling cycle, which affects bone quality, making it more susceptible to fracture.
Fortunately, common sense is slowly but surely filtering through to mainstream medicine. Two studies have recently revealed that long-term suppression of bone remodeling can adversely affect the bone’s mechanical integrity.3
Researchers are finally recognizing what we have been saying here all along: that while bisphosphonates can affect bone quantity, they actually hurt bone quality.
Take a look at the X-rays of atypical femur fractures below, published in the same study. You can clearly see the fracture line right across the bone:
Source: JAMA
The good news is that you have found this website, and that you are part of the Save Our Bones Community. You're already on the right path. Stay with us, explore the website, and I'll continue to do my best to keep you up-to-date and well informed, as we continue on this “health journey” together.
References
1 https://www.morningstar.com/earnings/13798854-warner-chilcott-limited-wcrx-q1-2010.aspx?pindex=1
2 Shane E. et al. Atypical subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures: report of a task force of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. J. Bone Miner Res. 2010 Nov;25(11):2267-94.
3 Kuehn B M. Studies Probe Possible Link Between Bisphosphonates and Femoral Fractures. JAMA. 2010;303(18):1795-1796.
I took this for 3 weeks, and experienced many of the side effects. I’ve been off for 3 weeks now, but am still suffering from them, although it seems to be getting better. How long will it take before I feel back to normal?
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I had been on Fosamax for 3 weeks and broke out in a rash (looked like measles) on my chest which traveled to my face. Dr. prescribed 2 ointments Desonide Crm for my face and Triamcinolone ointment for my neck and chest. It took about 3-1/2 weeks to clear up. Now she wants me to try Risedronate 35 mg tab. I’m hesitant to begin treatment as I do not want another rash. She told me it was rare to get a rash. Am I right in not submitting myself to another inflammation?
Hi Jeanne,
You’re “right” to go with your informed decision about taking any osteoporosis drug! You have no obligation to take any drug you’re not comfortable with, for any reason.
I’m 56 years old and have been taking Actonel for the past 5 or 6 years. I constantly had a recurring heat rash on my breast. I wasn’t sure if it was the medication. My doctor recently took me off the medication as my bones had apparently improved enough? Now after not taking it for 6 months I’m getting heartburn, aching thumb joints and weird nodules on the arches of my feet and the heat rash persists.
I have tried Actonel, and now risedronate sodium dr, 35mg and am suffering from side effects. I now have joint pain, muscle aches, heartburn, stomache pain, ringing in my ears, and a general feeling of malaise. I am fatigued. This was NOT the case before the meds….my question is, how long can I expect these symptoms to last?
I have only taken Actenol 150 Mg twice and that has been over a year ago. I recently had my teeth cleaned and my gums are red and painful ever since. I stopped the Actenol after reading the side effects. I was in the process of having dental implants when my doctor put me on it..
I’ve have 2 dental implants in the last year. I’ve had a lot of side effects from this drug. How is it possible for a drug to stay in your body and do this much damaged for this length of time??
Hi all! I recently suffered a fracture to T12. At that time, I found that I have an old fracture to L1. Bone scan came out osteoporosis, with a T score of -3.1 spine. I was actually looking forward to starting a prescription to help heal and protect my bones. I was prescribed the monthly 150 mg risedronate. Today is day five of severe dysentery, headaches, nausea, increased back pain, and a general ill-feeling.
My 86 year old mother has recently had a second Prolia injection. Her bone scan just came out as mild osteoporosis. I wish I knew before her first injection all the side effects to that. I’m afraid she is in for some months of suffering that she is only beginning to experience. Loss of a appetite, swelling, right knee pain, and general malaise. Unfortunately, my sister is power of attorney health care and stands with doctor’s recommendations adamantly and without question.
I agree that these medications are poison. Unfortunately, as long as the prescriptions continue to be written like they are, nothing will change. I suspect that the Prolia, Forteo, injection types will gain in popularity because the Doctor’s offices get a cash cow with those; they sell them right through their offices.
I wish you all well.
After enduring one year of extreme thigh pain and not being able to sleep, I was diagnosed with Paget’s disease of the hip. I had been diagnosed with osteoporosis three years previously and tried to treat the osteoporosis naturally & not use a bisphosphonate. An endocrinologist prescribed Atelvia and I don’t have the pain anymore. I hate taking it but what can I do? The pain was horrible.
I have been taking risedronate for nearly two years now.(Once a week) Most of that time I have not felt well,None of this started for the first few months, so I did not associate them with the drug. Slightly nautious most days, extremely tired and not able to breath comfortably. If I breath normally, I feel I am suffocating. I belch constantly and have now developed a very sore joint in one hand. I feel like someone is standing on my chest most of the time. I just never feel right any more, the breathing is the worst. I was putting it all down to old age, but decided to look up info re the drug and found you, thank goodness. Too many coincidences going on here. I took a pill last saturday and that will be my last one. Now I am concerned as to how long before these side affects go away, and if any permanent damage has been done. Does anyone have any answers re the time period for these horrid things to hopefully go away..
I took actinol two days ago for the first time. It was a once a month pill. Ten hours later I developed an extreme coldness in my hands and feet. Then a half hour later I began vomiting. This was so severe I kept thinking I was going to need am ambulance. I passed out around 6 am only to wake up and vomit some more. It’s now been two days and while I’m not vomiting, my stomach still aches and I have had some terrible diarreah this morning. I would like to know if anyone knows how long it will be before I am back to myself again. This drug is poison!!!!
That must have been a terrible experience, Vivian! I am glad you are now on the mend, and I imagine you’re done with osteoporosis drugs!
I wish I would have read the many comments that have been posted before I took the new medicine that my gynocologist prescribed me. She gave me samples of Altevia because I have osteoporosis. I had tried Boniva and told her it gave me severe stomach cramps. She told me Altevia was different that it was coated and I should be ok. OMG! the first day I was ok, then the next day, I had horrible back pain, head ache, stomach cramps, spasms and diahhrea. I still feel like I am having contractions every 30 minutes or so… Severe abdominal pain lead me to go look on line. I feel a bit of relief to know that I am not alone and this is why I feel horrible. Thank you to all that took the time to share your information and experience. I wish I would have been one of the so called “many” that it supposedly helped but I am not…. These bone meds are deadly!!!! not for me. Wondering how long these side effects are going to last, and now what………
You are definitely not alone, Penny! On this site you will find the information you’re looking for to get started on a drug-free path to better bone health. Welcome!
How long do side effects continue after discontinuing Atelvia?
I have taken Atelvia for almost a year with minimum discomfort. For me so far it’s ok. I did phone the company and learned from them that it stays in one’s system for about 530 hours (about three months) which is OK too. What I want to know is if it stops osteoclasts, do these drugs allow for new growth to occur?
Craig: The flying nun aside, the diefnrfeces in efficacy between the bisphosphonates at various locations is far from clear. You are correct, the initial studies only showed a reduction in spine fracture reduction with Boniva, but there have been no head-to-head studies of any of these drugs, so which is better at which location is unclear. Per FDA recommendations all three require the patient to take the medicine with water on an empty stomach and not eat or lie down for at least 30 minutes. DrP.
I am a 49 year old and my doctor wants to put me on Forteo,after going over the side effects I am not so sure I want to do this.Does anybody know if it is some form of a chemo therapy it sounds as harsh as the treatment for Hepatitis C. I would like any feedback that anyone might have thank you
It just goes to show how different we all are. I have been unable to take fosamax and actonel, and actually failed several other medications due to reflux. I have been on atelvia for three months and have had absolutely no side effects at all ever, wouldn’t really know I have actually taken anything. I am sorry that it has not worked for so many of you, but for me it has been ideal.
I took a bone density test in October which showed some bone loss. My doctor prescribed Atelvia. I had tried Actonel three years before, but had to stop it due to severe reflux problems. She assured me that the Atelvia would be easier to tolerate since it was a coated pill. The first time I tried it, I had very little problems, just a bit reflux & stomach bloating. The next week was a completely different story! That afternoon after taking it, my back, lower hip area felt sore. By the evening, I could hardly walk. Then my thumb joints, of all things, were sore. My stomach was bloating, & I just felt weak. The next evening I developed diarrhea that last for 12 hours. It came on so suddenly that I barely made it to the washroom. I decided that I would not take Atelvia again, but double up on my dosage of calcium. It has been three weeks now since my last pill and I still have some residual pain in my thumb joints and stomach problems.
I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis last year and was prescribed Fosamax by my OB/GYN. I filled the prescription but when I read all the warnings, I didn’t take it because I was dealing with bad acid reflux at the time and didn’t want to aggravate it. My primary doctor suggested I wait until my reflux was better before taking it and that took almost 6 months. I decided to wait until my next OB/GYN appointment and ask him for alternatives. He sent me to a rheumatologist to try Reclast. That doctor wanted me to try Atelvia first and gave me three samples to try. He told me that there had been fewer complaints with this than with Fosamax. I took the first pill two days ago and all was fine until yesterday around noon. I started having chest pains. I thought maybe it was irritating my esophagus like the warnings said but it didn’t feel like reflux normally does. I called the doctor and he suggested I take a Tums and if it got worse to go to the ER. As the afternoon progressed I started getting chilled, and began hurting from my hips to my jaw, but most intensely in my chest. I was shaking and convinced that I was having a heart attack by the time I went to the ER. They did an EKG and it was normal and did other tests but said all was normal. I was thankful for that but still in agony. They gave me pain meds and told me that this medicine could be the cause. Today I felt a little better but still achy and have the chest pain especially when I move or breathe deeply. I did a search and found this site. Now I’m wondering how long this will last. I saw where some said they have had symptoms for many months. I don’t know what to do now. I don’t trust the doctor to try anything else.
I’ve taken Atelvia twice. The first time – no issue. Second week I have crippling pain in my hands and a terrible stomach ache. I don’t know what to do to get rid the these side effects.
I admire you for writing this book. I am sure that it is packed with good information and is a worthwhile read. Do you know if it is in the Library in Canada?. I am a senior and in very bad pain. But I cannot afford to purchase the book. However, if it in the libraries in Ontario Canada, I may be able to borrow and read it.
Thank You again.
God Bless
Catherine
If you paid by credit card, they may be able to help you. I would check to see. Good luck.
I tool my first dose of Atelvia on Thursday. By Friday evening, I had chills and thought I was coming down with something. On Saturday morning, my head felt like it was about to explode, along with severe stomach cramping, leg and joint pain. I just couldn’t get out of bed. The same thing on Sunday. I can’t wait for this dosage to leave my system and I’m never taking any more of it. I would rather break a bone than endure these side effects. Especially if I’m expected to deal with these side effects each and everyday.
I took my first dose Friday morning. This is the second time I have tried this but my Dr insisted as they now have a coating that should protect me from the problems I had last time over 3 years ago.
I sat for a full 45 min. after taking to be sure I did cause any problems. I felt fine all day.(Good sign,feeling hopeful) By 11:00pm Friday I noticed pain in my ribs and back. Within 1 hour I could not take a deep breath with out sever pain. even laying down was very difficult and made me cry out in pain.From my waist to my neck felt frozen and any attempt to raise my arms cause me to cry out in pain. It is now Sunday and am able to get out of bed. The worst is over but am still in pain.My Dr will hear about this. I am a very healthy 65 year old with mild osteoporosis in my hip and osteopenia in the rest of my frame.I will never take this drug again no matter what my Dr says.
Your story sounds a lot like mine! I wound up in er with dehydration and upper left abdominal pain. I was in bad shape for weeks. It seemed to shut off my appetite( i lost 11 lbs in 2 weeks) and when i would eat 15mins later i would get bad cramping and would feel my heart pound in my belly. I have since seen my GI MD who put me on Nexium but it has not gone away yet! It has been 5 weeks and i am better by 75% but am not normal yet.I am praying that this goes away. Good luck to you. Are you better?
My doctor just prescribed Atelvia and I’m VERY hesitant to start taking it. I’ve had bad reactions to several other medications and after researching this drug, I’m terribly anxious about it. The information about the dentist is even scarier. Thanks for the updates.
I was recently prescribed Atelvia by my Gynecologist. I had been previously diagnosed of having osteoporosis by my primary care physician who prescribed me Fosamax which I took for about a year or so.
After ordering a new bone densitometry test, my gynecologist prescribed me this “new” medication called Atelvia. I took my fist dose of Atelvia last Sunday (Dec. 9, 2012), I took but only one pill and have since been feeling like I am about to die. I feel a terrible and acute pain in my middle abdomen, I also feel the symptoms of something like a strange flu. I have lived in the tropic all my life and never felt anything like it before, including acute pains and a burning sensation like that caused by reflux that goes all the way from my throat to my nasal passages, and also this generalized feeling of illness and discomfort.
My husband began to research the web about Atelvia and came across your Website. I was astonished to read your article about Atelvia and see all my symptoms being described. I decided to stop taking it.
I will call my gynecologist early tomorrow morning and let him know my feelings about his new “magic” medication.
Thank you;
Mayra E. Reyes
Cidra, Puerto Rico
I have taken Atelvia for two weeks. I am 53 and now I feel 75. I have severe neck pain, nausea, and chronic fatigue. I felt fabulous two weeks ago. Needless to say, I will cease the treatment. My hip bone density was -1.9. I will supplement with Vitamin D and more Calcium. Enough. I feel like these pills are the twenty-first century equivalent of medieval leech therapy, where the cure is worse than the disease. NO THANKS!
I started atelvia 3 months ago and have been stiff and sore ever since. I didn’t think I had any options? Do I?
I am 64 years old and have been taking Atelvia 35 mg for 2 1/2 years. I have persistently had back and leg cramps which are worse at bed time. The muscle aches keep me awake during the night. In the morning I am extremely stiff with back and leg aches. Theses symptoms will decrease as I move around and begin my day. I have reported this to my MD who basically felt that my risk of bone fracture outweighed the side effects.
I also have Raynaud’s disease. I feel that my intolerance to any cool enviorment has become less tolerable since I’ve been on this drug. ( Could that be possible?)
My last bone scan indicates I remain osteoporotic with a 0.2 improvement in the left hip.
I’m struggling with the decision to stop the drug ( Atelvia) or continue to take it and deal with the side effects. I would appreciate any feed back.
Sincerely , Pat Kelly
Thanks . I have been looking for something like this . Good info I will check back for any info in regards to keto diet.
My doctor asked me to do a bone density test which I did and I like millions of other aging women (66) am ostiopennia. My Dr. then prescribed Atelvia. I took 1 pill following instructions @ 9:00 am on Tuesday morning. I don’t lay flat in my bed to sleep because my bones are more comfortable in my recliner so I slept in my recliner until 5:30 am on Wednesday morning. Immediately after laying down I went into convulsions. I have no idea how long they lasted but when I was able to get up I could hardly walk. Every joint and bone in my body was on fire and hurting so badly I could hardly breathe. I called my Dr. who was out for the day but she called me back and said go to the ER if the convulsions started again and to come to her office the next day. She gave me a cortizone shot and and a prescription for steriods. I finished the medication and I still could not walk without assistance. I went back and she gave me another cortizone shot and another prescription for steriods. It was getting better. I went to my orthopedic Dr. and he gave me a cortizone shot in each of my hips because they were still hurting so badly. I went back to him in 2 weeks and got my synvisk injections for my knees because they were hurting so badly. Bottom line, my lower back is still hurting and I have difficulty standing and walking and my orthopedic Dr. said he could not help with that. This all started May 24, 2012. It is now August 11, 2012 and I am still in pain. I do not understand why the FDA would approve such an awful drug knowing that it could have these severe side affects. IT SHOULD BE AGAINST THE LAW TO PRESCRIBE THIS JUNK TO ANYBODY. I wish they had to live with my pain.
I just took my last Actonel; my gynecologist prescribed Atelvia. I did not have any of the listed symtoms attributed to taking Actonel, but now I’m wondering if I should start Atelvia in July.
I quit HRTs when I was 60 years old; subsequently, a bone density test revealed bone deterioration. So, Actonel was prescribed.
Now, I’m confused. Do I need this new med or could taking Citracal be enough?