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Compare Boniva vs. Prolia

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

Key takeaways

Ibandronate (Boniva) and Prolia (denosumab) are both used to treat osteoporosis, but they work in different ways and have different dosing schedules. Ibandronate (Boniva) is a bisphosphonate that you take as a tablet once a month or as an IV infusion every three months. It is only approved for postmenopausal women. Prolia (denosumab), on the other hand, is a monoclonal antibody given as an injection every six months and is approved for both men and women, as well as for those with osteoporosis caused by certain medications. While both medications help strengthen bones, Prolia (denosumab) requires you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements daily to prevent low calcium levels, which can be dangerous. Ibandronate (Boniva) can cause stomach and esophagus irritation, so you need to follow specific instructions when taking it. Prolia (denosumab) can cause serious infections and jawbone problems, especially if you have dental issues or a weakened immune system.

  • Ibandronate (Boniva)
    Prolia (denosumab)
  • Ibandronate (Boniva)
    Prolia (denosumab)

  • Summary of Boniva vs. Prolia

    Summary for Bisphosphonate
    Prescription only

    Ibandronate (Boniva) is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (bone loss or weakening). It can help improve bone mineral density (BMD) and lower the risk of back fractures. Unlike other similar osteoporosis medications, ibandronate (Boniva) is only approved for women who have gone through menopause.

    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 Boniva vs. Prolia

    Indications for
    •Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)
    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 Boniva vs. Prolia

    Pros and Const for Bisphosphonate
    Pros
    •Taken once a month as a tablet
    •Also available as an IV infusion given by a healthcare provider every 3 months if there are too many stomach problems from the tablet
    •Helps lower the risk of back fractures
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Risk of many side effects, including stomach pain and severe jaw problems
    •Not approved for osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroid use, men with osteoporosis, or people with Paget's disease
    •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 Boniva vs. Prolia

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain (8%)
    •Heartburn (6%)
    •Joint pain (6%)
    •Back pain (5%)
    •Nausea (5%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Arm or leg pain (4%)
    •Headache (3%)
    •Muscle pain (2%)
    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 Boniva 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)

  • Prices with our coupons for Boniva vs. Prolia

    Learn more about Ibandronate
    Learn more about Prolia

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