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Compare Actonel vs. Prolia

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

Key takeaways

Risedronate (Actonel) and Prolia (denosumab) are both used to treat osteoporosis, but they work in different ways and have different dosing schedules. Risedronate is a bisphosphonate that you take orally, with options for daily, weekly, or monthly dosing. It helps slow down bone breakdown and is available in a lower-cost generic form. Prolia, on the other hand, is a monoclonal antibody given as an injection by a healthcare professional once every six months. It blocks a protein that signals bone breakdown. While risedronate can cause stomach pain and requires you to stay upright for 30 minutes after taking it, Prolia can lead to dangerously low calcium levels and requires regular blood work. Prolia is not safe during pregnancy, whereas risedronate is not recommended for people with severe kidney disease. Both medications can cause bone, joint, or muscle pain, but Prolia also has a risk of serious infections and allergic reactions.

Risedronate (Actonel)
Prolia (denosumab)
Risedronate (Actonel)
Prolia (denosumab)
Summary of Actonel vs. Prolia
Summary for Bisphosphonate
Prescription only
Risedronate (Actonel) is a first-choice medication used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss or weakening). It can help improve bone mineral density (BMD) and lower the risk of bone fractures. There are several dosing options and a delayed-release form in case a particular dosing schedule is more convenient for some people.
Summary for Monoclonal antibody
Prescription only
Prolia (denosumab) is an injection that's used to treat osteoporosis in adults at high risk of fracture. It's also for those at high risk of fractures from certain cancer medications. It works as a monoclonal antibody called a RANKL inhibitor to strengthen your bones. Prolia (denosumab) is a convenient option because you only need an injection every 6 months. It's injected under the skin by a healthcare professional at a medical office. Side effects include back and muscle pain. It also has a risk of causing dangerously low calcium levels.
Indications of Actonel vs. Prolia
Indications for

•Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)

•Osteoporosis in men

•Osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroid use

•Paget's disease

Indications for

•Osteoporosis in women who've gone through menopause and at high risk of fracture

•Osteoporosis in men at high risk of fracture

•Osteoporosis caused by steroid medications in people at high risk of fracture

•Bone loss in men at high risk of fracture taking certain medications for prostate cancer

•Bone loss in women at high risk of fracture taking certain breast cancer medications
Pros and Cons of Actonel vs. Prolia
Pros and Const for Bisphosphonate
Pros

•Can be used for many types of osteoporosis

•Many available dosing options (daily, weekly, monthly) for postmenopausal women

•Also comes as a delayed-released form that's taken after breakfast for postmenopausal women

•Available in a lower-cost generic form

Cons

•Risk of many side effects, including stomach pain and severe jaw problems

•Not recommended for people with severe kidney disease

Pros and Const for Monoclonal antibody
Pros

•Works well at preventing bone loss, which lowers your risk of breaking a bone

•Only given once every 6 months, which is less often than most other osteoporosis medications

•An alternative option for people who can't take bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax)

•A good option for postmenopausal women at very high risk of fractures

Cons

•Must go to the medical office to get the injection

•Must take with calcium and vitamin D supplements

•Can cause bone and muscle pain

•Not safe during pregnancy
Common Side Effects of Actonel vs. Prolia
Common Side Effects for
Note: For once-daily dosing

•Infection (31%)

•Back pain (28%)

•Joint pain (24%)

•Constipation (13%)

•Stomach pain (12%)

•Heartburn (11%)

•Nausea (11%)

•Diarrhea (11%)

•Flu-like symptoms (11%)

•Urinary tract infection (11%)

•Arthritis (10%)

•Headache (10%)

•Bronchitis (10%)

Common Side Effects for

•Back pain (35%)

•Pain in the arm or leg (12%)

•Muscle, bone, or joint pain (up to 8%)

•High cholesterol levels (7%)

•Pain or discomfort while urinating and other symptoms of a bladder infection (6%)

•Sensation that the room is spinning (5%)

•Swelling in the hands or feet (5%)

•Upper respiratory tract infection (5%)
Warnings of Actonel vs. Prolia
Common Side Effects for

•Stomach and esophagus irritation and ulcers

•Breakdown of the jawbone (osteonecrosis)

•Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain

•Leg bone fractures

•Low calcium in the blood

Common Side Effects for

•Dangerously low calcium levels

•Risk of fractures in the thigh bone

•Risk of spine fractures after stopping Prolia (denosumab)

•Risk of serious infections

•Risk of problems in the jawbone

•Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions

•Severe bone, muscle, or joint pain

•Don't take with Xgeva (denosumab)
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Compare Actonel vs. Prolia

Key takeaways

Summary of Actonel vs. Prolia

Indications of Actonel vs. Prolia

Pros and Cons of Actonel vs. Prolia

Common Side Effects of Actonel vs. Prolia

Warnings of Actonel vs. Prolia

Prices with our coupons for Actonel vs. Prolia

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