Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Fosamax vs. Forteo

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

Key takeaways

Alendronate (Fosamax) and teriparatide (Forteo) are both used to treat osteoporosis, but they work in different ways and have different forms of administration. Alendronate (Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate that you take orally, either daily or weekly, and it works by slowing down bone breakdown. In contrast, teriparatide (Forteo) is a parathyroid hormone analog that you inject under the skin once a day, and it helps build new bone. Alendronate (Fosamax) and teriparatide (Forteo) are both available in generic and brand forms. Alendronate (Fosamax) can cause stomach-related side effects and requires you to stay upright for 30 minutes after taking it, whereas teriparatide (Forteo) can cause dizziness and must be stored in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can only use teriparatide (Forteo) for up to 2 years due to a potential risk of bone cancer, while alendronate (Fosamax) can be used for longer periods, depending on your condition and doctor's advice.

  • Alendronate (Fosamax)
    Forteo (teriparatide)
  • Alendronate (Fosamax)
    Forteo (teriparatide)

  • Summary of Fosamax vs. Forteo

    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 Parathyroid hormone analog
    Prescription only

    Forteo (teriparatide) is used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss or weakening). It's for people who are at very high fracture risk or people who've already tried other osteoporosis medications. Forteo (teriparatide) is an injection that you give to yourself once a day. Some common side effects include general body pain and joint pain. This medication comes as a prefilled pen, but it doesn't come with pen needles. Forteo (teriparatide) is only available as a brand medication; there's no generic version yet.

  • Indications of Fosamax vs. Forteo

    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in females
    •Treatment of osteoporosis in males
    •Paget's disease
    Indications for
    •Osteoporosis in females who've gone through menopause (postmenopause)
    •Osteoporosis in males
    •Osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids

  • Pros and Cons of Fosamax vs. Forteo

    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 Parathyroid hormone analog
    Pros
    •Can use if you're unable to take or still getting fractures with other osteoporosis medications
    •A first-choice option for people at very high fracture risk (have had a fracture caused by osteoporosis before or have many risk factors for fracture)
    •Lowers the risk for back fractures and fractures in other parts of the body (not including the hip) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for most people with osteoporosis
    •Only available as an injection under the skin
    •Can only use for a total of 2 years throughout your entire life because of unclear risk for bone cancer with longer treatment

  • Common Side Effects of Fosamax vs. Forteo

    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
    •Body pain (21%)
    •Joint pain (10%)
    •Runny nose (10%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Body weakness (9%)
    •Headache (8%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •High blood pressure (7%)

  • Warnings of Fosamax vs. Forteo

    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
    •Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
    •High calcium levels in the blood
    •Kidney stones
    •Low blood pressure
    •Higher risk of side effects from digoxin (Lanoxin)

  • Prices with our coupons for Fosamax vs. Forteo

    Learn more about Alendronate
    Learn more about Forteo

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 ReclastEvista vs CalcitoninEvista vs NolvadexEvista vs ReclastForteo vs CalcitoninForteo vs EvistaForteo vs NolvadexMinivelle vs ClimaraPremarin Vaginal Cream vs ClimaraPremarin vs ClimaraPrempro vs ClimaraProlia vs CalcitoninProlia vs EvistaProvera vs ClimaraReclast vs ActonelReclast vs NolvadexReclast vs ProliaVivelle Dot vs Climara
View More

Browse medications

View All

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