Compare Fosamax vs. Minivelle
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.
●●●●●
3.2/ 5 average rating with 169 reviewsforFosamax
Relieves menopause symptoms.
The Minivelle (estradiol patch) is the mini-me of estrogen patches. It's used twice a week, available in five strengths, and has the least amount of skin irritation.
●●●●●
4.2/ 5 average rating with 17 reviewsforMinivelle
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.
- Minivelle (estradiol patch) is the smallest estrogen patch available. It's the size a dime and comes in 5 different strengths.
- Causes little or no skin irritation and doesn't leave much adhesive on your skin.
- Minivelle (estradiol patch) replaces estrogen to your whole body and relieves many symptoms due to low estrogen, like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- By using a patch instead of a pill, there's a lower risk of side effects such as blood clots and stroke since lower amounts of estrogen are used in patches.
- Lowers your risk of fractures by keeping your bones healthy.
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.
- You need to replace Minivelle (estradiol patch) twice a week, compared to other patches that are once a week.
- Patches can fall off.
- Increases your risk of uterine and breast cancer.
- Increases your risk of developing blood clots and stroke.
- Can worsen other health conditions, like high cholesterol, asthma, diabetes, fluid retention, and migraines.
- Can't be used in people with liver problems.
Used for
- Hot flashes
- Prevention of bone thinning in postmenopausal women
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Effervescent tablet
- Liquid
- Patch
Price
Lowest price
$207.98
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$33.96
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
169 reviews so far
43%
saidit'sworth it
30%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Fosamax (alendronate)?
Leave a review17 reviews so far
82%
saidit'sworth it
76%
saiditworked well
18%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Minivelle (estradiol patch)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
20possible side effects
- Headache26%
- Breast pain13%
- Back pain11%
- Menstrual bleeding11%
- Influenza8%
- Common cold8%
- Nausea5%
- Pain5%
- Sinus infection5%
- Lung infection5%
- Neck pain5%
- Limb pain5%
- Sinus congestion5%
- Joint pain4%
- Depression3%
- Constipation2%
- Flu-like symptoms2%
- Sinus headache2%
- Anxiety2%
- Trouble sleeping2%
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
- Endometrial cancer
- Using estrogen for more than one year
- Breast cancer
- Personal or family history of breast cancer
- Using estrogen for more than one year
- Increased risk of blood clots and stroke
- Personal or family history of blood clots
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- High cholesterol
- Age 50 or older
- Dementia
- Age 65 or older
- Pancreas swelling (pancreatitis)
- High levels of triglycerides