November 22th
2008
2:31 AM
I can't believe this!! I was searching the internet to see if there were any side effects from the mirena as one gets closer to the end of the Mirena life and I came across this site. I'm so blown away. I am getting my Mirena taken out in a week because it's been 5 years that I've had it in and I NEVER realized all the problems I've been having in my life was because of the IUD!! This whole time I thought it was just me and I was going crazy. So looking back on the last five years it's all making sense to me! Not only was the pain so unbearable getting it in, but the pain in my abdomen was so bad for 2 weeks straight, and no let up with the pain, that I almost passed out from it. My horrible boyfriend at the time told me suck it up. I said a prayer one night praying for the pain to go away and that if wasn't gone by the morning I was going to go get it taken out! I woke the next day and the pain was gone. But this wasn't the end. I developed depression ( I thought it might have been because of the crazy relationship I was in) which I'm STILL prescribed for and I also severe anxiety attacks,which I NEVER had before in my life! dizziness, lower backaches, crying fits, extreme fatigue and copious amount of hair loss, right around my hairline. I used to have lustrious hair which I had to have two hairties in to hold it up, now I can use a tiny little jaw clip to hold it all up!!. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it was because of the Mirena. I thought how great it was that I got it put in and didn't have to worry about it for another 5 years, since I have a terrible time taking regular contraceptive pills ait the same time every day. My memory has definitely been affected and another symptom I never thought would be possible is the weight gain. A year ago I was diagnosed to be Pre-Diabetic and have had to change my diet and exercise. You think I would have lost the weight, NO, quite the opposite I have actually gained more weight. I have little to NO sex drive and I USED to have a very high sex drive. Now this is all making sense to me. I really wish I had found this site sooner! Like 5 years ago!!! So thank god I am getting this thing taken out of me next week. I am opting to get a diaphragm fitted and getting all these harmonies out of my system, maybe I'll go back to being my old self! (tears in eyes as I am typing this!!! ) All these years....who would've known. I am still in shock!!!!!
-- By stephers | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
November 13th
2008
11:50 AM
I am a healthy 58 yr old woman. On May 20 2008, I went to the dentist to have two small fillings done. At the time of the shot I experienced what felt as though I had received an electrical jolt because the shot hit my nerve. This jolt radiated down to my ovaries. I complained to the dentist instantly. Right after the visit I started noticing that my hair was thinning. On June 17, 2008 at my normal hair appointment I commented to the beautician that my hair was thinning. On June 27, 2008 at the second visit to the dentist I experience the same problem from the shot and again told the dentist of problem. By July 18th I noticed some extreme hair loss in two locations on my scalp. I pointed out my hair loss condition to the Dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic on July 18, 2008 he referred me to a hair loss specialist. On September 2, 2008 I meet the specialist she stated that the hair loss was caused by some extreme stress to my system. I told her about the dental work and my reaction to the injection. She said that could have been the catalyst that started this problem. The doctor said if there is some "shock to the system", as many as 70% of the scalp hairs are then shed in large numbers about 1 to 2 months after the "shock". This sudden increase in hair loss, usually described as the hair coming out in handfuls is called acute telogen effluvium. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
-- By anneliese | Reply | Private Message me
October 27th
2008
11:46 AM
Wow....sounds like Kenalog is not a drug to be administered without careful consideration of the pros out- weighing the cons. I had a Kenalog injection in my elbow at an urgent care center while on vacation about 8 mos ago (painful elbow was impacting vacation activities). It took my pain away 100%. Never gave it another thought even until just recently when it began hurting again. Did, however, notice the atrophy at injection site...and a grayish tone to skin. Indentation has not grown, but certainly has remained. My elbow is also super sensitive. Feels like the nerve is right there under a thin layer of skin.....so sensitive. I also have leg shakiness, hip weakness, anxiety, nausea, and increased heart rate....I assume these are related as I did not have these issues prior. These issues bother me way more that the indentation on my elbow. Dont like not feeling well. I guess the learning is that all medications are foreign to your body and thus have potential side effects. One needs to ask questions and or do own research on their own prior to consenting to take a mediation to be sure the benefits are worth it.
-- By kiramasu | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
October 25th
2008
11:27 PM
Like most of you I took Topamax, the killer for me was the flat drinks and food tastes being off or rank. I take it for my lower back as I have nerve issues and have difficulty walking because of the pain.
I am going back to neurontin. It worked great. Its also been tested and helps for migraines too! Check with your doctors about it.
October 13th
2008
7:27 PM
They deleted my prior post. Apparently I included too much information that might be helpful to someone. I took Cipro and it's in the same class of drugs as Levaquin. If you want to know about herbal remedies that may help you, type in my name on this forum followed by dot com. That's the closest I can get to giving information without being censored. Sorry.
-- By floxintoxin | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
September 28th
2008
6:08 PM
This pill is HORRID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! im only 15 and have just taked the first bown pill on the first pack and can stand it any longer. i started taking it because my periods were 7 weeks apart (no complaint there) and i had extremely heavy bleeding and incapacitating pain for two days then it would stop and i barly bled at all, so i was skeptical on weather to take it all because i had a painkiller that helps but i decided to do it anyways, i thought it might help, WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! after two weeks i started bleeding heavier than ever, if that seemed possible, and horrible pain EVERY DAY. i have been bleeding for over two weeks now and with my busy schedule, its not working out. Now that i have read about it gets better after three packs, im thinking about continuing, but i don't know if its worth it, my life has turned into a living nightmare!!!!!! I just hope this continuous bleeding stops cause after over two weeks this is ridiculous. The medication i have to take for the pain is Loritab, hydrocodone, and its nerve-wracking because its a narcotic pain-killer, so i only take half of one. I got it for my ovarian cists that i had twice, and they said i could use it for this. The cists is another reason i am taking femcon Fe, but its CRAP!!!!!
-- By christine22 | Reply | Private Message me
September 15th
2008
5:42 AM
Wow, I got on the internet this morning looking got side effects of advair b/c I mail ordered my script so i've been without for a few days. i have been experiencing severe neck pain, thought I slept on my neck wrong, but it's still here after 3 days. I have been on Advair 100/50 for 6 years, and have now worn glasses for 3 years, on nerve blocker medication for neck and shoulder pain, horrible heart palpitations, but I've never thought these things related to the Advair until recently. I've been asthmatic all my life and thought Advair was a lifesaver, but always had some concerns. I knew any medication could not be safe for life, and after 6 years. I'm really starting to pay a price.
-- By kducusin | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 11th
2008
3:36 PM
I find it very interesting about the possible link between Singulair and visual disturbances. My daughter had been told (about one year after being on Singulair) that she had damage to a nerve in one eye. She had never received any type of head trauma and the Doctor could not figure out how this happened. He told us that eventually her headaches would get so bad that she would have to have her eye removed while they tried to repair the nerve, and then they would replace her eye. I would be interested to hear if there are any other stories similar to this.
-- By sarahsmom | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 25th
2008
11:27 PM
I have adult onset asthma that has gotten progressively worse since I moved from a small Midwestern town to a larger city in the Sonoran desert. On account of this progression in asthmatic symptoms and flair-ups, I switched from Flovent 220mcg to Advair 500/50 about a year ago. For a long time, Advair really seemed to be helping my asthma. Outside of gaining 10-15 pounds in this year (which I asked my pulmonologist about and was assured that inhaled steroids cannot be responsible for), I have fortunately not had many of the aforementioned side effects. However, in the past month after experiencing a bad flair up while studying abroad, I have developed severe heartburn, nausea, acid reflux, a sore throat, and mouth sores. I take the medicine as prescribed and am always sure to properly rinse out my mouth, having been warned about this. After reading everyone else's entries on this site, I am now curious if Advair is doing more harm that good.
-- By ralewis | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 25th
2008
8:28 PM
Does anyone have chest pain? Indigestion? This is very nerve wracking the burning in the chest.
-- By phylisrn | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 25th
2008
5:03 PM
I had the Kenalog shot 3 weeks ago - lumbar region for bulging L5 disk pressing on nerve causing burning pain in my right leg from knee to ankle. 1st shot was DepMedrol - left me worse off than when I started. Next the Kenalog: the fist week afterwards I lost strength in my leg and couldn't walk up the stairs, plus pain worsened and I lived on Percoset. Then into the 2nd week the pain lessened and last week I felt great. Today am feeling some pain again and I've been bleeding since Saturday (I'm post-menopausal). Called my GYN and will need an endometrial biopsy just to make sure it's not something else. Was never told about potential side effects - was told this was a "safe" drug and a safe procedure. I am due for a another shot 9/8 - will cancel it after reading all the posts. I'll probably need surgery - but rather that then some of the horrible side effects I'm reading about. Good luck to all of you.
-- By vickinj08 | Reply | Private Message me
August 22th
2008
9:23 PM
Nothing short of nightmarish. 10 minutes after I took a pill, I experienced extreme itchiness which escalated to a sense of being eaten alive by red fiery ants. Every nerve in my body seemed to be pricked with painful needles, my scalp, inside my ears, torso and worse in hands, ankles and feet.No visible rash appeared but my temperature dropped to 97, my throat felt tight and after 10 hours, while much better from benadryl, predinsone and countless warm showers, I am still feeling the ants and needles and an acute sense of anxiety.
-- By sulfatenightmare | Reply | Private Message me
August 22th
2008
8:54 PM
My son, who just turned 14 this month, was on Singulair for over 2 years.
He was diagnosed with reactive airway disease and possibly Asthma--and prescribed this awful drug-even back in 2004. The doctor said how wonderful this med was and prevents any further attacks.. So, for 2 years-every night, he took this mood altering, destructive drug. He lost all interest in school, his athletics-soccer, skateboarding, biking..in fact became almost a vacant , very unhappy, child-had stomach aches, joint pains and reflux--why--I brought him to the doctor and Pediatric center so frequently--all they kept saying his --his asthma is better, much be other issues...Even after the March 2008 suicide--his doctor said-that is just an isolated incident-just monitor him--It is a good drug. Right, month by month his behavior escalated to wanting to die, no reason to go to school-he said he was stupid and a failure and why don't I understand there is no reason to his life. A usually happy fun-loving boy -my son- didn't want to live. Nothing made him happy-I started to believe what the doctors said--maybe something or someone at school (bully, pedophile??) caused this change. Terrible nightmares and vivid dreams...Until this past July, I asked him want to go to the library for some books or dvd's...he went ballistic-threw everything off his computer desk and tried to break his chair. He is not an aggressive boy but this behavior was becoming a daily issue. Along with everything flying off his table, was his bottle of Singulair pills. It then dawned on me..I have been poisoning my only son. The child I know and love and gave birth to returned within a few days--although I am worried sick about further asthma attacks --all the doctors can prescribe is a steroid drug-asthmex or Pulmicort.. I cannot understand nor comprehend why this drug is being prescribed for children and young adults. The guilt I live with is terrible as my son has lost 2 years of his life--
and thought there was something really wrong with him-At least we woke up---in time--how about some other parents..thinking it's just normal adolescent behavior for their child or their fault???
August 5th
2008
2:56 AM
I have taken one 7-day prednisone taper (40-40-40-30-30-20-10) for severe back pain due to a herniated disk on my S1 nerve. I noticed an improvement in ability to stand up, pain decreased, mood was happy, energy level up. Negatives? none. Thirstier than usual. Once dosage was decreasing, pain returned. I am about to try another prednisone taper, only on a 12 day schedule. I am looking forward to some relief and hope to avoid any negative side effects. I do not think prednisone is negative if you don't take too much and you drink a lot of water.
-- By dsantos | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
July 29th
2008
10:51 PM
Unbelievable... I took a Kenalog shot in March for spring allergies, and have had continuous bleeding ever since, went to my OBGYN, he said it would not have been the Kenalog shot that caused this.. and he scheduled me for a hysterectomy because we couldn't get the bleeding to stop... i'm still bleeding, however I have canceled the procedure. I'm sorry that so many people are suffering from this, and the Doctors keep telling us it isn't causing all these horrible side effects. I hope mine passes soon, cause all this bleeding is about to get me down... but I don't want to have a hysterectomy for just no reason........ GOOD LUCK TO US ALL!!!!
-- By herron01 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
July 14th
2008
11:04 AM
I cannot disagree with these negative postings more. I absolutely love the nuvaring. I have not gained any weight...of course I diet & exercise about 5 days a week....do those of you who have experienced weight gain exercise regularly? I have also had an INCREASE in my sex drive...I have been with my fiance for 5 years, and for the past 3 of those, I have had no sex drive whatsoever. I got on the ring & bam, it's there with a vengence...the only problem with that is that we're getting married in 2 weeks & I wanted to make it special & stop having sex a couple of months before the wedding...but I just can't get enough of it. I have dealt with depression & anxiety my entire 27 years of life, so if the nuvaring is causing that...it's not any worse than normal. The only side effects I've had is the discharge, (which yes, is very annoying) and tender breasts...but I can deal with that. Although I have noticed that I cry a bit easier...but I was always a crier as well. I cry when I'm mad, sad, happy...always have, so nope...guess that's not from the ring either. ALL birth control effects everyone differently. I'm not saying this for everyone, but sometimes a lot of people like to blame certain actions & physical changes on something & maybe this is the case...for some people. I've been on the pill before & I always got off it b/c of weight gain....well, it was b/c I wasn't eating properly or exercising. I liked to blame my mood swings on the pill as well, but once I thought about it, I still had those before & after taking the pill. The only reason I quit the pill was b/c it did give me acne. Anyway, just my thoughts....& I wanted to post something positive for the ring.
-- By lilyjaymes | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
June 27th
2008
3:57 PM
I have experienced several episodes of nasal congestion, post nasal drip and shortness of breath since beginning this medication, which are becoming more frequent. When I don't take it, this does not occur. I asked my doctor to change me to a different BP med but was told it was not possible to have that side effect after taking it for 1 1/2 years. She wanted me to use Flonase which is a steroid that will only give me more side effects. I hate this and am considering seeing another doctor.
-- By sbannister | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
June 24th
2008
10:24 PM
My heart rate spikes when my blood pressure gets markedly lower. I also get really dizzy when that happens. I know that so many of you are struggling with these side effects and I also know (based on experience) how nerve wracking it can be. Maybe...just maybe we aren't experiencing side effects from the drug exactly, but instead the effect of the drug working. Maybe once our bodies get used to the lowered pressure, our heart rates will normalize. Maybe when we adjust to the lowered pressure a little better, we won't get so dizzy....
Don't mean to sound preachy...I guess I'm just trying to suggest an alternative view...again, one that is based on experience../.
-- By philstan | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
June 8th
2008
3:14 AM
I am a 58 year old who was on 10mg for about 10 years with no apparent side effects.My GP retired and the new Doctor said my dosage was low and quadrupled it to 40mg. Since I had been on the drug for so long on the low dose, with no problems I did not relate subsequent problems to this med. Initially I had digestive problems, bordering on diarrhea, which I took as age related. I had occasional but severe lower leg pains. I had periodic night sweats and I gained 25 pounds - going to 165 from the 140 I'd been since high school. I had some vision problems as well and began to develop severe memory and reasoning issues to the point where I believed the I was developing Alzheimers. From net reading, I saw that this statin could cause the digestive problems I'd mentioned - so I stopped it. In the interim my GP gave me every test in the book to find out the weight gain and the night sweats. He found nothing and was about to send me to specialists - which I declined. When I finally read that simvastatin could cause the mental issues, the weight gain, the leg pains etc,, I took myself off the med. My weight problem has now resolved no more leg pains, or intestinal issues. From my reading I understand ths some of the memory and mental issues may be permanent - though they no longer progress. When I met with my GP and told hom that I had stopped the med and about these side effects, that I had discovered on the web - he looked at me like I had two heads and gave them no credence.It amazes me that he had no comment. I had brought it up to him in case any of his other patients has similar problems - as information that could help in his practice which has many elderly clients. As an aside, I had mentioned these effects to a trusted friend - who in tern had mentioned them to his practitioner, who is one of the most highly respected doctors in Canada. This doctor's comment was that' you must have read this somewhere as the manufacturer takes pains to conceal these effects". Wonderful, eh?
-- By midtownguy | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
May 8th
2008
11:03 AM
Oh my gosh, I am soooo glad to read all of these posts. I have had the same issues.......in January of 06, I lost 30 lbs and was very happy with my body and was in a good place mentally. Then in November of 07, I got the Mirena inserted. It went downhill sooooo fast. I have since gained 40 lbs (my heaviest non-pregnancy weight EVER), I look like I'm about 4 months pregnant even though I have always had a thin waist even after having two kids, I have pimples like a teenager, I yell at my kids, I don't want my husband anywhere near me, and I feel like I'm going insane inside my own head. Plus, I've been having itchy skin and panic attacks/anxiety. My doctor says none of this is from the IUD, but I have to disagree......the lovely sheet they give you upon insertion even says that some of these things are possible. So, I'm making an appointment to take this thing out and hope it gets better.
Thanks everyone for putting all this information out here.......I'm so relieved to know that this isn't "in my head" or some other issue. Thanks and good luck to you all!
-- By angiebaby776 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
April 3th
2008
7:29 PM
I started taking 40 mg Zocor one week ago for the first time, I notice after about four days the top part of my right hand started having muscle spasms, today the left hand started doing the same thing. Thery occur about 8-10 times an hour and last a few seconds.I've read all of the above and haven't noticed anyone saying anything like this.
-- By melodybird13 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
April 2th
2008
9:33 AM
Here is some perspective for you all. I take Singulair and do well on it and in ACTUAL studies it has one of the safest safety records. Understand that post marketing reporting does not mean there is a correlation between the event and the product. Throughout the life of a drug the companies must disclose any report of side effects reported to them REGARDLESS of causality. A popular antihistamine that is OVER THE COUNTER also has suicidal thinking/behavior listed in its post marketing section. However, just because patients who had reported having these thoughts while taking the product doesn't mean it was a result of the product! Maybe they had a depressive personality and were also on multiple other medicines to treat that. You must look at the "Adverse Reactions, Warnings and Precautions" sections of package inserts to see the side effects that were actually seen in studies. You can die from ulcers derived from over use of aspirin or ibuprofen. Decongestants can throw off your blood pressure and these events are documented in actual studies! Listen to your bodies when taking any med. If you feel differently report it to your doctor.
These are all drugs people, there are potential side effects. There are also side effects to those "natural" over the counter remedies that are not nearly as regulated by the FDA or studies by the drug companies.
To anyone out there who has experienced side effects to singulair timed to when you started it, talk to your doctor, stop taking it and see if it goes away. Same advice for any product prescription or over the counter medicine. Side effects can be a combination of many factors (what other meds are you taking?) But understand for many people this product is the safest and most effective treatment for them. The FDA and Merck are reviewing all information to see if there is any correlation to the reporting. But singulair been around for about 10 years and prescibed to billions of people and is known to be one of the safer medicines out there overall.
In between the legitimate posts on this site I get the sense there is a lot of ambulance chasing going on. People looking to cash in on this big drug companies. We want drugs, we want them cheap and with no side effects which is not a reality. Keep stepping up the regulation and make the companies hire more lawers to protect themselves and jump through even more hoops and see what happens to the price and access to new meds. Even better, see how regulation has impacted the development of new medicines around the world (here's a tip, it will dramatically decrease). Drug companies certainly aren't perfect but which industry is?
Please, when taking any medicine over the counter, prescription or herbal supplement listen to your bodies to see if the potential benefits of the product outway the risks or side effects. Report any changes to your doctor.
-- By bachaman | Reply | (15) replies | Private Message me
April 1th
2008
9:54 AM
What's the safe replacement drug for Singulair? I took my son off it before and he had his worst asthma attack ever. I see all the same symptoms in my son who's 9 and has been on it for 4 years now. It's so scary. We're off to the doctors to see what can be done. My Pharmacist has never indicated that there was ever a change in the side effects to Singulair. Thank you for all your helpful postings.
-- By mammadanielle | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
March 31th
2008
4:46 PM
I took Lipitor for about 2 years- 5 mg.
Leg cramps-soreness throughout my muscles- very sore buttocks-
my legs are shaky- if I use them too much; (as in walking 3 miles)
I am (was ) an avid body builder that could squat with 100 lbs- and now ( I am a health conscious -non drinking- NO other medication 104 lb slim female) have quivering legs if I stand for too long. I even had a muscle biopsy- and it cam back negative- I have not had a statin for 6 months- but I still have cramps- and abnormal liver values- and I have NO other conditions-I have been scanned from head to toe - open MRI- closed MRI -but the muscle stiffness- soreness- especially legs- continues-
does anyone know how long it lasts? I have also been tested for liver cancer- thank God-negative.
I really feel that Lipitor did this- has anyone else gone from fit as a fiddle to a quivering -achy person- I have gone through 5 doctors- internal - gastrointestinal - neurologist- hematologist and all is negative- just high liver values and muscle pain. Thank you so much.Maxine
Lipitor (6) Singulair (4) Mirena (3) Lisinopril (3) Kenalog (3) Advair HFA (2) PredniSONE (2) Topamax (2) Neurontin (1) Simvastatin (1) Dynacirc CR (1) Yasmin (1) Metoprolol Succinate ER (1) Sulfamethoxazole (1) Gardasil (1) Septocaine (1) Labetalol Hydrochloride (1) Loestrin 24 Fe (1) Cymbalta (1) Levaquin (1) Zocor (1) NuvaRing (1) Capsaicin (1) Femcon FE (1)
November 22th
2008
9:55 PM
i got mirena put in April 1st of 2008, considering removal. At first i bled like crazy, extremely heavy flow for 18-20 days long. They did start to lighten up after about 5 months so I'll say September is when they did. It is now November 2008, so i haven't even had it for a year yet! The periods did lighten up tremendously and last about 5-10 days, however, they are never on schedule. Along with all that i have developed uncontrollable mood swings, SHARP, TIGHT CRAMPING that feels like my uterus has a charlie horse with a rake clawing me to death and a spam sensation that comes and goes around my cervix. Sometimes my body even acts like its pregnant!! One month i was lactating, the next month i had morning sickness and nausea. Plus bloating and gas that is so uncomfortable; all the gas has left me feeling those spasms in my rectum!!! Part of me thinks this is more nerve raking then a pregnancy. i have had more then 2 scares thinking i was pregnant because the way my body was acting. The latest thing is my energy levels are low, and my schedule has changed. I tend to sleep all day and have a mental fog all night to where i am exhausted but sleeping is impossible. MIRENA IS NOT AT ALL WHAT ITS CRACKED UP TO BE LADIES!!! *******
-- By sarahfisher | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me