Compare Boniva vs. Actonel
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Prevents bone loss.
Boniva (ibandronate) is a first-choice treatment for osteoporosis and is available as a generic, but how you have to take it can be a hassle. It's also only approved for women, not men.
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2.9/ 5 average rating with 64 reviewsforBoniva
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
Upsides
- Available in generic.
- Available in pills that can be taken by mouth once a month.
- Also available as a shot given into your vein every 3 months.
- 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.
Downsides
- You have to take Boniva (ibandronate) first thing in the morning with a full glass of water.
- You have to remain upright for at least 60 minutes after you take the medicine, which can be a problem if you have mobility issues.
- It is only approved to treat and prevent osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause.
- 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.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Injection
- Pill
- Delayed-release pill
Price
Lowest price
$24.49
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$51.78
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Reviews
64 reviews so far
31%
saidit'sworth it
20%
saiditworked well
27%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Boniva (ibandronate)?
Leave a review83 reviews so far
36%
saidit'sworth it
19%
saiditworked well
25%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Actonel (risedronate)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
22possible side effects
- Abdominal pain8%
- High blood pressure6%
- Indigestion6%
- Joint pain6%
- Nausea5%
- Diarrhea5%
- Back pain5%
- Constipation4%
- Pain in arms or legs4%
- Flu4%
- Cold4%
- Localized joint stiffness and pain3%
- Bronchitis3%
- Headache3%
- Influenza-like illness3%
- Muscle pain2%
- Muscle cramp2%
- Urinary tract infection2%
- Upper respiratory tract infection2%
- Dizziness2%
- Rash2%
- Sleep difficulty2%
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%
Risks and risk factors
- Irritation and ulcers to the stomach and esophagus
- Taking with aspirin or other NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- History of ulcers, or other stomach or esophageal problems
- History of difficulty swallowing
- Unable to sit upright or stand for 60 minutes after taking the medicine
- Pain in the bones and/or muscles
- Problems in the jawbone
- Oral or dental surgery
- Cancer
- Poor oral hygiene
- Prolonged use of Boniva (ibandronate)
- Leg bone fractures
- Low calcium in the blood
- History of low calcium in the blood
- 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