Compare Actonel vs. Forteo
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Prevents bone loss and fracture.
Actonel (risedronate) is a first-choice treatment for osteoporosis, but taking it can be a hassle.
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2.9/ 5 average rating with 83 reviewsforActonel
Prevents bone loss.
Forteo (Teriparatide) is a good second-choice medication to treat bone loss, but it's only available as an injectable.
Upsides
- Actonel (risedronate) is one of the first choice medicines used for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.
- Available in a cheaper, generic form.
- Can take tablet form once or twice a month, once a week, or once a day.
- If you're unable to use bisphosphonates or are still having fractures despite being on other medications, Forteo (Teriparatide) can be a good alternative.
- You can start using Forteo (Teriparatide) as soon as you stop using bisphosphonates.
Downsides
- Need to take Actonel (risedronate) on an empty stomach first thing in the morning with a full glass of water.
- Requires the person taking this medicine to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it, which can be a problem for those who have trouble sitting or standing.
- Only available as a brand medication, so it can be expensive.
- You have to inject this every day, so it may not be a good option if you don't like needles.
- Shouldn't take this longer than 18 to 24 months since it can increase the risk of bone cancers.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Delayed-release pill
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$51.78
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$4257.74
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Reviews
83 reviews so far
36%
saidit'sworth it
19%
saiditworked well
25%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Actonel (risedronate)?
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Side effects
33possible side effects
- Infection31%
- Back pain28%
- Joint pain24%
- Accidental injury17%
- Generalized pain14%
- Constipation13%
- Stomach pain12%
- Traumatic bone fracture12%
- Flu-like symptoms11%
- High blood pressure11%
- Diarrhea11%
- Indigestion11%
- Nausea11%
- Headache10%
- Bronchitis10%
- Urinary tract infection10%
- Sinus infection9%
- Swelling in the arms or legs8%
- Joint problems7%
- Muscle pain7%
- Dizziness7%
- Depression7%
- Rash7%
- Cataracts7%
- Stuffy or runny nose6%
- Sore throat6%
- Increased cough6%
- Weakness5%
- Neck pain5%
- Chest pain5%
- Bone pain5%
- Sleep difficulty5%
- Allergic reaction4%
The Forteo (Teriparatide) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Irritation and ulcers in the stomach and esophagus
- History of ulcers, or other stomach or esophageal problems
- History of difficulty swallowing
- Unable to sit upright or stand for 30 minutes after taking the medicine
- Pain in the bones and/or muscles
- Problems in the jawbone
- Oral or dental surgery
- Cancer
- Poor oral hygiene
- Leg bone fractures
- Low calcium in the blood
- History of low calcium in the blood
- Malignant tumor of the bone
- Paget's bone disease
- Young people with open epiphyses
- High calcium blood levels
- Hypercalcemia
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Kidney stones
- History of kidney stones
- Positional low blood pressure
- Drug interactions
- Digoxin use