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Bisphosphonates

What are Bisphosphonates?

Bisphosphonates are a group of medicines that slow down or prevent bone loss, strengthening bones. Bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclasts which are responsible for breaking down and reabsorbing minerals such as calcium from bone (the process is known as bone resorption). Bisphosphonates allow osteoblasts (bone building cells) to work more effectively, improving bone mass.

Bisphosphonates are used in the treatment of osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, and may be used to lower high calcium levels in people with cancer. When used to treat osteoporosis, the optimal duration of treatment is not yet known; however, the majority of benefits appear to happen within the first five years of treatment and long-term use has been associated with atypical femur fractures, osteonecrosis of the jaw and esophageal cancer. Experts recommend the need for bisphosphonate treatment should be reviewed every three to five years.

List of Bisphosphonates

View by  Brand | Generic
Drug Name Avg. Rating Reviews
Reclast (Pro)
Generic name: zoledronic acid
4.9
262 reviews
Boniva (Pro)
Generic name: ibandronate
3.1
98 reviews
Fosamax (Pro)
Generic name: alendronate
2.6
74 reviews
Zometa (Pro)
Generic name: zoledronic acid
4.5
41 reviews
Actonel (Pro)
Generic name: risedronate
3.0
32 reviews
Aclasta
Generic name: zoledronic acid
4.3
28 reviews
Atelvia (Pro)
Generic name: risedronate
4.7
3 reviews
Fosamax Plus D (Pro)
Generic name: alendronate / cholecalciferol
1.0
1 review
Actonel with Calcium
Generic name: calcium carbonate / risedronate
3.0
1 review
Skelid
Generic name: tiludronate
No reviews
Didronel
Generic name: etidronate
No reviews
Binosto (Pro)
Generic name: alendronate
No reviews
Aredia
Generic name: pamidronate
No reviews
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.