Skip to main content
Print

Boniva Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Boniva Alendronate Fosamax
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Boniva (ibandronate) Alendronate Fosamax (alendronate)
Prescription only

Boniva helps to increase bone mineral density and is given as a tablet once every month or by injection once every three months. Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances and back... View more

Prescription only

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

Prescription only

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

Related suggestions
More about Boniva (ibandronate) More about Alendronate More about Fosamax (alendronate)
Generic Status

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available
Ratings & Reviews

Boniva has an average rating of 3.2 out of 10 from a total of 92 ratings on Drugs.com. 19% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 73% reported a negative effect.

Alendronate has an average rating of 2.3 out of 10 from a total of 153 ratings on Drugs.com. 13% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 84% reported a negative effect.

Fosamax has an average rating of 2.5 out of 10 from a total of 67 ratings on Drugs.com. 16% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 83% reported a negative effect.

View all 92 reviews

View all 153 reviews

View all 67 reviews

Drug Class
Side Effects

Common side effects include:

  • bronchitis
  • arthralgia

See also: Boniva side effects in more detail.

Commonly reported side effects include:

  • decreased serum calcium
  • decreased serum phosphate

See also: alendronate side effects in more detail.

Common side effects include:

  • decreased serum calcium
  • decreased serum phosphate

See also: Fosamax side effects in more detail.
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 3 tablet
Dosage 150 mg
Per Unit* $204.23
Cost* $612.70

View all Boniva prices and generic prices

Quantity 4 tablet
Dosage 70 mg
Per Unit* $4.51 - $7.72
Cost* $18.03 - $30.89

View all alendronate prices

Quantity 4 tablet
Dosage 70 mg
Per Unit* $39.80
Cost* $159.18

View all Fosamax prices and generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Intravenous solution
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral solution
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet
Brand Names

N/A

 Binosto, Fosamax 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

N/A

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.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 162 drugs are known to interact with Boniva:

  • 26 major drug interactions (152 brand and generic names)
  • 136 moderate drug interactions (1896 brand and generic names)

A total of 106 drugs are known to interact with alendronate:

  • 2 major drug interactions (6 brand and generic names)
  • 99 moderate drug interactions (1777 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (45 brand and generic names)

A total of 106 drugs are known to interact with Fosamax:

  • 2 major drug interactions (6 brand and generic names)
  • 99 moderate drug interactions (1777 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (45 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Food may reduce the absorption of ibandronate, which may lead to lower blood levels of the... View more
  • Food may reduce the absorption of alendronate, which may lead to lower blood levels of the... View more
  • Food may reduce the absorption of alendronate, which may lead to lower blood levels of the... View more
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

May 16, 2003

September 29, 1995

September 29, 1995
WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A
More Information
Patient 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

Compare Drugs

To view a report comparing 3 (or more) medications, please sign in or create an account.

Create an account Sign In