Compare Fosamax vs. calcitonin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Effervescent tablet
- Liquid
- Nasal spray
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$233.80
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$27.63
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Reviews
169 reviews so far
43%
saidit'sworth it
30%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Fosamax (alendronate)?
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Side effects
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 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
- Allergic reaction
- Allergy to fish
- Seizures
- Seizure history
- Low calcium in blood
- Nasal problems
- Age 65 and above
- Cancer
- History of cancer