Compare Boniva vs. Reclast
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.
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Injection
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$31.97
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$48.88
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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 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
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%
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 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
- 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