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Fosamax vs. Estrace

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

Key takeaways

Alendronate (Fosamax) and estradiol (Estrace) are both medications that can be used to improve bone health, but they belong to different classes and have different uses. Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that prevents and treats osteoporosis by slowing bone breakdown. Estradiol, on the other hand, is an estrogen replacement used to relieve menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness and itching and also to prevent bone loss after menopause. Alendronate is taken orally, either daily or weekly, and is available in tablet, oral solution, and dissolvable tablet forms. Estradiol comes as an oral tablet and cream, although the cream is not approved to prevent bone loss after menopause. Common side effects of alendronate include stomach pain and heartburn, whereas estradiol can cause nausea and breast pain and increase the risk of certain cancers and blood clots. Alendronate requires you to stay upright for 30 minutes after taking it. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic.

Alendronate

(Fosamax)

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estradiol tablet

 

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Summary for Fosamax

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.

Indications for Fosamax

Pros and Cons for Fosamax

Pros

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

Common Side Effects for Fosamax

  • 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)

Warnings for Fosamax

  • 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

Summary for Estrace

Prescription only

Estradiol tablet is an estrogen hormone used to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal irritation. It also helps prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause. Though not as common, it's also FDA approved to treat certain advanced stages of breast and prostate cancer. The dose depends on your condition, but tablets are typically taken by mouth 1 to 3 times a day. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, and breast pain.

Indications for Estrace

Pros and Cons for Estrace

Pros

  • Relieves multiple menopausal symptoms
  • Available in many strengths, allowing you to customize your dose
  • Comes as a tablet that you take by mouth

Cons

  • Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
  • Some people might need to take it with another hormone called progestin
  • Not a first-choice medication for treating bone loss after menopause

Common Side Effects for Estrace

  • Headache
  • Breast pain
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Stomach cramps or bloating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Hair loss

Warnings for Estrace

  • Uterine (endometrial) cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Blood clots and strokes
  • Heart disease and heart attacks
  • Dementia
  • Gallbladder and liver problems
  • Vision problems
  • High triglycerides
  • Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
  • Fluid Retention
  • Changes in calcium levels in the blood
  • Worsening of other health conditions

Prices with our coupons for Fosamax vs. Estrace

Price Card Drug Icon
Alendronate3 dose packs / 4 tablets of 70mg
$16.67$112.91
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Estradiol90 tablets / 1mg
$19.72$71.63
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