Compare Forteo vs. Reclast
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Injection
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$4257.74
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Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
39 reviews so far
28%
saidit'sworth it
28%
saiditworked well
36%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Reclast (zoledronate)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Forteo (Teriparatide) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
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
- 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
- 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