Compare Fosamax vs. Forteo
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
Prevents bone loss.
Forteo (Teriparatide) is a good second-choice medication to treat bone loss, but it's only available as an injectable.
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Effervescent tablet
- Liquid
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$227.80
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$3794.58
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Reviews
169 reviews so far
43%
saidit'sworth it
30%
saiditworked well
19%
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.
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
- 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