Compare Actonel vs. Reclast
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.
Reclast (zoledronate) is a good choice for osteoporosis if you aren't able to take bisphosphonates by mouth. It is available as a generic, but you have to see a doctor to get each dose.
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3.1/ 5 average rating with 39 reviewsforReclast
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.
- Available in generic.
- Depending on what you're using it for, you may only need to take it as a one-time dose, or every 1 to 2 years.
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.
- You have to go to your doctor's office or an infusion center to get each dose by IV infusion.
- It can't be used if you have really poor kidney function.
- Joint pain and muscle pain are common side effects after the infusion.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Delayed-release pill
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$59.21
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$32.51
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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)?
Leave a review39 reviews so far
28%
saidit'sworth it
28%
saiditworked well
36%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Reclast (zoledronate)?
Leave a reviewSide 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%
17possible side effects
- Muscle aches20%
- Fatigue18%
- Headache15%
- Muscle pain12%
- Pain12%
- Chills10%
- Influenza-like illness9%
- Stomach pain8%
- Shortness of breath7%
- Feeling unwell7%
- Musculoskeletal stiffness5%
- Lack of energy3%
- Atrial fibrillation3%
- Palpitations3%
- Excessive sweating3%
- Eye pain2%
- Lower kidney function2%
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
- Pain in the bones and muscles
- Problems in the jawbone
- Oral or dental surgery
- Cancer
- Poor oral hygiene
- Leg bone fractures
- Low calcium in the blood
- Low parathyroid hormone
- History of thyroid surgery
- Problems with calcium absorption
- Kidney injury
- Kidney disease
- Taking a water pill
- Dehydrated
- Elderly