Compare Boniva vs. Fosamax
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.
Fosamax (alendronate) is a first-choice treatment for osteoporosis, but taking it can be a hassle.
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3.2/ 5 average rating with 169 reviewsforFosamax
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.
- First choice to treat osteoporosis
- Lowers your risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.
- Available generic.
- Available as daily, weekly, or twice weekly dosing.
- Comes as a regular tablet, an oral solution, or effervescent tablet.
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.
- Can harm your esophagus if you don't remain upright for 30 minutes after taking it.
- Not recommended for people who can't sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes.
- Can increase the risk of atypical fractures.
- Can cause bad heartburn or stomach problems.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Injection
- Pill
- Effervescent tablet
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$22.63
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$220.93
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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 review169 reviews so far
43%
saidit'sworth it
30%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Fosamax (alendronate)?
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%
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 to the stomach and esophagus
- Taking anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen, and naproxen
- History of ulcers or stomach or esophageal conditions
- Difficulty swallowing
- Problems sitting or standing for at least 30 minutes
- Pain in the bones and muscles
- Problems in the jaw bone
- Oral or dental surgery
- Cancer
- Poor oral hygiene
- Prolonged use of Fosamax (alendronate)
- Leg bone fractures
- Low calcium in the blood