Compare Boniva vs. calcitonin
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
Treats high calcium levels and prevents bone loss.
Miacalcin (calcitonin) can be used for osteoporosis, but it is not a first choice because there are more effective medications available.
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.
- Using the nasal spray causes fewer side effects than the injectable version.
- Can help with bone pain if you've had a recent fracture.
- Available in generic.
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.
- Miacalcin (calcitonin) is not as effective as other medications used to stop bone loss or lower calcium levels.
- You're at a higher risk for certain cancers while taking Miacalcin (calcitonin).
- If you're allergic to fish, you might also be allergic to Miacalcin (calcitonin).
Used for
- Hypercalcemia
- Paget's disease
- Postmenopausal osteoporosis
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Injection
- Nasal spray
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$24.49
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$29.09
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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)?
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Side 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%
6possible side effects
- Stuffy nose12%
- Nose irritation11%
- Back pain5%
- Joint pain4%
- Bloody nose4%
- Headache3%
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
- Allergic reaction
- Allergy to fish
- Seizures
- Seizure history
- Low calcium in blood
- Nasal problems
- Age 65 and above
- Cancer
- History of cancer