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Boniva Compared to Alternatives

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

Boniva helps to increase bone mineral density and is given as a tablet once every month or by injection once every three months. Gastrointestinal side effects, and back, muscle or joint pains are... View more

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

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

Recent helpful reviews
4.7
45 Reviews

For Osteoporosis: Took first Boniva for the first time 3 weeks ago. Have had a headache for 4 days and my stomach is now cramping with diarrhea. Has anyone had this experience?

5

For Osteoporosis: Ok. I went ahead and took the second round. I had no side effects this time. Honestly I was very nervous considering what I went through the first time, but I had no problems. It must be working because I usually take motrin or tylenol for back pain several times a day every day. I only had to take Motrin twice all month and my back fractures haven't bothered me nearly as much. Hopefully the Boniva is doing some good now. :) (also, the doc put me on 3,000 mg of calcium /day).

6
2.9
48 Reviews

For Prevention of Osteoporosis: Joint pain, back pain, involuntary jerking, swelling, thinning hair, constant in pain.

2

For Prevention of Osteoporosis: The side effects increased with intensity the longer I took it. Muscle, joint and bone pain. I reached the point where I needed a cane to walk. Once I stopped taking it, problems all went away.

2
4.1
19 Reviews

For Osteoporosis: My bone density improved while taking Fosamax. However, I had nausea, intense heartburn, gained 20 pounds, and had to start taking prescription stomach medications due to gastric problems. Finally, I stopped taking it, lost 20 pounds, felt much better and could eat again, but my doctor is now telling me I have lost significant bone mass since stopping this medication. Will now try Atelvia with calcium supplements.

3

For Osteoporosis: I started taking Fosamax for Osteoporosis and I have had a low back pain and body aches the first week, and on the second week I have had severe headache that lasted over two days, now its a dull headache. I'm not to sure on this medicine, I'm worried about the side effects. I hope the effects get better not worse.

3

View all 45 reviews

View all 48 reviews

View all 19 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Common side effects include: bronchitis, arthralgia.

See the full Boniva side effects document.

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

See the full alendronate 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 1 tablet
Dosage 150 mg
Per Unit* $166.67
Cost* $166.67

View all Boniva prices and generic prices

Quantity 4 tablet
Dosage 70 mg
Per Unit* $9.87 - $9.99
Cost* $39.47 - $39.97

View all alendronate prices

Quantity 4 tablet
Dosage 70 mg
Per Unit* $35.49
Cost* $141.97

View all Fosamax prices and generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

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.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (4)

FDA Alerts (3)

FDA Alerts (3)

Drug Interactions

A total of 294 drugs are known to interact with Boniva:

  • 41 major drug interactions (187 brand and generic names)
  • 253 moderate drug interactions (2330 brand and generic names)
  • 0 minor drug interactions (0 brand and generic names)

A total of 227 drugs are known to interact with alendronate:

  • 2 major drug interactions (6 brand and generic names)
  • 220 moderate drug interactions (2222 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (53 brand and generic names)

A total of 227 drugs are known to interact with Fosamax:

  • 2 major drug interactions (6 brand and generic names)
  • 220 moderate drug interactions (2222 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (53 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

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

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