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Compare Fosamax vs. Reclast

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

Key takeaways

Alendronate (Fosamax) and zoledronic acid (Reclast) are both bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis, but they have some key differences. Alendronate (Fosamax) is taken orally, either daily or weekly, and is available as a tablet, oral solution, or dissolvable tablet. In contrast, zoledronic acid (Reclast) is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, typically once a year or once every two years, at a clinic or provider's office. Alendronate (Fosamax) requires you to stay upright and avoid eating for 30 minutes after taking it, while Reclast (zoledronic acid) does not have these restrictions. However, Reclast (zoledronic acid) can cause flu-like symptoms after the infusion, such as fever and chills, which usually resolve within a few days. Both medications can cause serious side effects like jaw problems and low calcium levels, but Reclast (zoledronic acid) also carries a risk of kidney damage, especially in those with pre-existing kidney issues. Alendronate (Fosamax) and Reclast (zoledronic acid) are both available in brand name and generic form.

  • Alendronate (Fosamax)
    Reclast (zoledronic acid)
  • Alendronate (Fosamax)
    Reclast (zoledronic acid)

  • Summary of Fosamax vs. Reclast

    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

    Reclast (zoledronic acid) is used to treat osteoporosis. It's only available as an intravenous (IV) infusion that's given at a clinic or your provider's office. The medication is an option for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who can't take bisphosphonates by mouth or for those at very high fracture risk. Reclast (zoledronic acid) is a long-lasting medication, so the dosing isn't often (either one-time only, once a year, or once every 2 years). It can cause side effects like muscle and joint pain, headache, and fever. This medication is available under the brand name Reclast and as a generic.

  • Indications of Fosamax vs. Reclast

    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)
    •Osteoporosis in men
    •Osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids
    •Paget's disease

  • Pros and Cons of Fosamax vs. Reclast

    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
    •Lowers the risk of fractures in different parts of the body, including the hip and back
    •Infusions are one-time only, once a year, or once every 2 years
    •Can freely choose when to eat, drink, or take other medications
    •Can use if you can't take other bisphosphonates because of trouble swallowing or too much stomach pain
    •Can consider using for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who have very high fracture risk
    Cons
    •Only available as an IV infusion that's given at a clinic or provider's office
    •Risk of many side effects, including joint or muscle pain and severe jaw problems
    •Risk of side effects like fever, pain, and chills after each infusion
    •Might cause breathing problems in people allergic to aspirin

  • Common Side Effects of Fosamax vs. Reclast

    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
    •Joint pain (up to 24%)
    •Fever (up to 18%)
    •Higher blood pressure (up to 13%)
    •Headache (up to 12%)
    •Muscle pain (up to 12%)
    •Arm or leg pain (up to 11%)
    •Arthritis (up to 9%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (up to 9%)
    •Nausea (up to 9%)
    •Dizziness (up to 8%)
    •Shoulder pain (up to 7%)
    •Bone pain (up to 6%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 6%)
    •Vomiting (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Fosamax vs. Reclast

    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
    •Breakdown of the jaw (osteonecrosis)
    •Low calcium in the blood
    •Kidney damage
    •Leg bone fractures
    •Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain
    •Harm to unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Fosamax vs. Reclast

    Learn more about Alendronate
    Learn more about Reclast

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