Compare Forteo vs. Reclast

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Forteo (Teriparatide)

Prescription only

Reclast (zoledronate)

Prescription only
Prevents bone loss.

Forteo (Teriparatide) is a good second-choice medication to treat bone loss, but it's only available as an injectable.

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
  • If you're unable to use bisphosphonates or are still having fractures despite being on other medications, Forteo (Teriparatide) can be a good alternative.
  • You can start using Forteo (Teriparatide) as soon as you stop using bisphosphonates.
  • 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
  • Only available as a brand medication, so it can be expensive.
  • You have to inject this every day, so it may not be a good option if you don't like needles.
  • Shouldn't take this longer than 18 to 24 months since it can increase the risk of bone cancers.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Injection
  • Injection
Price
Lowest price
$3400.64
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Lowest price
$32.51
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Reviews
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39 reviews so far
28%
saidit'sworth it
28%
saiditworked well
36%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
The Forteo (Teriparatide) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
17possible side effects
  • Muscle aches
    20%
  • Fatigue
    18%
  • Headache
    15%
  • Muscle pain
    12%
  • Pain
    12%
  • Chills
    10%
  • Influenza-like illness
    9%
  • Stomach pain
    8%
  • Shortness of breath
    7%
  • Feeling unwell
    7%
  • Musculoskeletal stiffness
    5%
  • Lack of energy
    3%
  • Atrial fibrillation
    3%
  • Palpitations
    3%
  • Excessive sweating
    3%
  • Eye pain
    2%
  • Lower kidney function
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Malignant tumor of the bone
    • Paget's bone disease
    • Young people with open epiphyses
  • High calcium blood levels
    • Hypercalcemia
    • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Kidney stones
    • History of kidney stones
  • Positional low blood pressure
  • Drug interactions
    • Digoxin use
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Forteo (Teriparatide)
Learn more about Reclast (zoledronate)