Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Fosamax vs. Boniva

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

Key takeaways

Alendronate (Fosamax) and ibandronate (Boniva) are both bisphosphonates used to treat and prevent osteoporosis, but they have some key differences. Alendronate (Fosamax) can be used by both men and women, while ibandronate (Boniva) is only approved for postmenopausal women. Alendronate (Fosamax) offers more flexibility in dosing, with options for daily or weekly oral intake, and it also comes in different forms like tablets, oral solutions, and effervescent tablets. In contrast, ibandronate (Boniva) is taken once a month as a tablet or as an IV infusion every three months. Alendronate (Fosamax) is recommended as a first-choice option because it lowers the risk of fractures in various parts of the body, including the hip and back, whereas ibandronate (Boniva) mainly reduces the risk of back fractures. Both medications have similar side effects, such as stomach pain and severe jaw problems, but ibandronate (Boniva) has a slightly higher incidence of common side effects like heartburn and joint pain.

  • Alendronate (Fosamax)
    Ibandronate (Boniva)
  • Alendronate (Fosamax)
    Ibandronate (Boniva)

  • Summary of Fosamax vs. Boniva

    Summary for Bisphosphonate
    Prescription only

    Alendronate sodium (Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate that prevents and treats osteoporosis. It works by slowing the breakdown of bones so that the body has a chance to build up more bone; this strengthens bones and lowers the risk of fractures. Alendronate (Fosamax) is taken by mouth, either daily or weekly dosing, depending on your dose. In addition to the tablet, it's also available as an oral solution and a dissolvable tablet (brand name Binosto). Some common side effects of alendronate (Fosamax) can include stomach pain, heartburn, and bone or muscle pain.

    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.

  • Indications of Fosamax vs. Boniva

    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in females
    •Treatment of osteoporosis in males
    •Paget's disease
    Indications for
    •Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)

  • Pros and Cons of Fosamax vs. Boniva

    Pros and Const for Bisphosphonate
    Pros
    •Can be taken by males and females (unlike another bisphosphonate)
    •Option for daily or weekly dosing for osteoporosis
    •Taken by mouth
    •Comes as a regular tablet, oral solution, or effervescent tablet
    Cons
    •Can't lie down for 30 minutes after you take it
    •Must take on empty stomach, can't eat for 30 minutes after a dose
    •Can cause serious jaw problems and severe muscle or joint pain
    •Has many stomach-related side effects
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Fosamax vs. Boniva

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain (up to 7%)
    •Muscle, bone, and joint pain (up to 4%)
    •Heartburn or indigestion (up to 4%)
    •Nausea (up to 4%)
    •Passing gas (up to 4%, more common with daily dose)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Fosamax vs. Boniva

    Common Side Effects for
    •Irritation and ulcers of the stomach and esophagus
    •Lower calcium levels
    •Muscle Pain
    •Jaw bone problems
    •Leg bone fractures
    •Not recommended in people with serious kidney problems
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Fosamax vs. Boniva

    Learn more about Alendronate
    Learn more about Ibandronate

Compare other Osteoporosis drugs

Climara vs FosamaxFosamax vs ActonelFosamax vs BonivaFosamax vs CalcitoninFosamax vs EstraceFosamax vs EvistaFosamax vs ForteoFosamax vs MinivelleFosamax vs NolvadexFosamax vs ProliaFosamax vs ReclastActonel vs ProliaCalcitonin vs ReclastClomid vs NolvadexEvista vs CalcitoninEvista vs NolvadexForteo vs CalcitoninForteo vs EvistaForteo vs NolvadexMinivelle vs ClimaraNolvadex vs FemaraPremarin Vaginal Cream vs ClimaraPremarin vs ClimaraPrempro vs ClimaraProlia vs CalcitoninProlia vs ForteoProvera vs ClimaraReclast vs NolvadexVivelle Dot vs ClimaraZoladex vs Nolvadex
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.