Prolia vs. Alendronate for Osteoporosis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Prolia

(denosumab)

Alendronate

(Fosamax)

Summary for Prolia

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 for Prolia

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 for Prolia

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 for Prolia

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 for Prolia

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)

Summary for Alendronate

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 Alendronate

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in females
Treatment of osteoporosis in males
Paget's disease

Pros and Cons for Alendronate

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

Common Side Effects for Alendronate

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 Alendronate

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

Prices with our coupons for Prolia vs. Alendronate

Prolia1 syringe / 1ml of 60mg/ml

$1,824.75$2,457.71

Get free coupons

More Information

Alendronate3 dose packs / 4 tablets of 70mg

$16.78$73.79

Get free coupons

More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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

Compare
Prolia vs. Alendronate

Prolia

Alendronate

Summary for Prolia

Indications for Prolia

Pros and Cons for Prolia

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prolia

Warnings for Prolia

Summary for Alendronate

Indications for Alendronate

Pros and Cons for Alendronate

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Alendronate

Warnings for Alendronate

Prices with our coupons for Prolia vs. Alendronate

Compare other Osteoporosis drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Prolia

Alendronate

Summary for Prolia

Indications for Prolia

Pros and Cons for Prolia

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prolia

Warnings for Prolia

Summary for Alendronate

Indications for Alendronate

Pros and Cons for Alendronate

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Alendronate

Warnings for Alendronate