Skip to Content
Print Share

Alendronate Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Alendronate Remove Alendronate from your drug comparison Prolia Remove Prolia from your drug comparison Fosamax Remove Fosamax from your drug comparison
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Alendronate Remove Alendronate from your drug comparison Prolia denosumab Remove Prolia from your drug comparison Fosamax alendronate Remove Fosamax from your drug comparison

Alendronate helps to reduce the risk of fracture in people with osteoporosis and some other bone conditions. Dosage instructions, including remaining upright for at least 30 minutes and taking with a... View more

Prolia is an injection that can be self-administered once every six months for the treatment of osteoporosis. It has been associated with an increased risk of fractures on discontinuation. Prescribed... View more

Fosamax helps to reduce the risk of fracture in people with osteoporosis and some other bone conditions. Dosage instructions, including remaining upright for at least 30 minutes and taking with a... View more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 110 reviews

View all 262 reviews

View all 47 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: decreased serum calcium, decreased serum phosphate.

See the full alendronate side effects document.

See the full Prolia side effects document.

Common side effects include: decreased serum calcium, decreased serum phosphate.

See the full Fosamax side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 4 tablet
Dosage 70 mg
Per Unit* $9.87 - $10.23
Cost* $39.47 - $40.91

View all alendronate prices

Quantity 1 mL
Dosage 60 mg/mL
Per Unit* $1,423.33
Cost* $1,423.33

View all Prolia prices

Quantity 4 tablet
Dosage 70 mg
Per Unit* $35.74
Cost* $142.97

View all Fosamax prices and generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

No

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral solution
  • Oral tablet
  • Subcutaneous solution
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Binosto, Fosamax Other denosumab brands include: Xgeva Other alendronate brands include: Binosto

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

N/A

609.6 hours

N/A

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (3)

N/A

FDA Alerts (3)

Drug Interactions

A total of 104 drugs are known to interact with alendronate:

  • 2 major drug interactions (6 brand and generic names)
  • 97 moderate drug interactions (1685 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (53 brand and generic names)

A total of 230 drugs are known to interact with Prolia:

  • 2 major drug interactions (6 brand and generic names)
  • 228 moderate drug interactions (683 brand and generic names)

A total of 104 drugs are known to interact with Fosamax:

  • 2 major drug interactions (6 brand and generic names)
  • 97 moderate drug interactions (1685 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (53 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Food may reduce the absorption of alendronate, which may lead to lower blood levels of the... View more

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
  • Food may reduce the absorption of alendronate, which may lead to lower blood levels of the... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

September 29, 1995

June 01, 2010

September 29, 1995

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer