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Compare Reclast vs. Actonel

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

Key takeaways

Reclast (zoledronic acid) and Risedronate (Actonel) are both bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis, but they have some key differences. Reclast is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion once a year or every two years, while Risedronate is taken orally with various dosing options, including daily, weekly, or monthly. Reclast is typically administered in a clinic or provider's office, whereas Risedronate can be taken at home. Reclast is also used for Paget's disease and osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroid use, similar to Risedronate. Both medications can cause side effects like muscle pain, joint pain, and headache, but Risedronate may cause esophagus irritation, which is not a side effect expected with Reclast. Both medications can lead to severe jaw problems and low calcium levels, but Reclast has a higher risk of kidney damage. Reclast is available in both brand and generic forms, while Risedronate is available as a lower-cost generic and also comes in a delayed-release form called Atelvia.

  • Reclast (zoledronic acid)
    Risedronate (Actonel)
  • Reclast (zoledronic acid)
    Risedronate (Actonel)

  • Summary of Reclast vs. Actonel

    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.

    Summary for Bisphosphonate
    Prescription only

    Risedronate (Actonel) is a first-choice medication used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss or weakening). It can help improve bone mineral density (BMD) and lower the risk of bone fractures. There are several dosing options and a delayed-release form in case a particular dosing schedule is more convenient for some people.

  • Indications of Reclast vs. Actonel

    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
    Indications for
    •Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)
    •Osteoporosis in men
    •Osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroid use
    •Paget's disease

  • Pros and Cons of Reclast vs. Actonel

    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
    Pros and Const for Bisphosphonate
    Pros
    •Can be used for many types of osteoporosis
    •Many available dosing options (daily, weekly, monthly) for postmenopausal women
    •Also comes as a delayed-released form that's taken after breakfast for postmenopausal women
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Risk of many side effects, including stomach pain and severe jaw problems
    •Not recommended for people with severe kidney disease

  • Common Side Effects of Reclast vs. Actonel

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Note: For once-daily dosing

    •Infection (31%)
    •Back pain (28%)
    •Joint pain (24%)
    •Constipation (13%)
    •Stomach pain (12%)
    •Heartburn (11%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Diarrhea (11%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (11%)
    •Urinary tract infection (11%)
    •Arthritis (10%)
    •Headache (10%)
    •Bronchitis (10%)

  • Warnings of Reclast vs. Actonel

    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
    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 Reclast vs. Actonel

    Learn more about Reclast
    Learn more about Risedronate

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