Comparing Fosamax vs Risedronate

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Fosamax (alendronate)	Risedronate	Enter another drug to compare

Fosamax (alendronate)

Risedronate

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

Prescription only

Risedronate 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

More about Fosamax (alendronate)

More about Risedronate

Ratings & Reviews

Fosamax has an average rating of 2.8 out of 10 from a total of 76 ratings on Drugs.com. 18% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 80% reported a negative effect.

Risedronate has an average rating of 2.7 out of 10 from a total of 79 ratings on Drugs.com. 15% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 80% reported a negative effect.

View all 76 reviews

View all 79 reviews

Side Effects Experienced by Users Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified.

Pain (22.4%)
Headaches (13.2%)
Joint pain (10.5%)
Bone pain (9.2%)
Nausea (9.2%)
Back pain (7.9%)
Chills (7.9%)

View all Fosamax side effects

Pain (26.6%)
Headaches (12.7%)
Joint pain (12.7%)
Bone pain (11.4%)
Nausea (11.4%)
Diarrhea (10.1%)
Fatigue (10.1%)

View all Risedronate side effects

Drug Class

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates

Generic Availability

Lower cost generic approved

Lower cost generic

Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance

Quantity	4 tablet
Strength	70 mg
Per unit^*	$43.69
Cost^*	$174.74

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Quantity	4 tablet
Strength	35 mg
Per unit^*	$20.47
Cost^*	$81.86

View all Risedronate prices

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Dosage Forms

Oral tablet

Oral delayed release tablet
Oral tablet

Half Life Drug half-life is the time required for plasma concentration to reduce to half its original value.

N/A

561 hours

CSA Schedule ¹ View glossary of CSA terms

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 118 drugs are known to interact with Fosamax:

3 major drug interactions (8 brand and generic names)
110 moderate drug interactions (1897 brand and generic names)
5 minor drug interactions (45 brand and generic names)

A total of 112 drugs are known to interact with Risedronate:

3 major drug interactions (8 brand and generic names)
109 moderate drug interactions (1895 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

Food may reduce the absorption of risedronate, which may lead to lower blood levels of the... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

September 29, 1995

March 27, 1998

WADA Class View classifications

N/A

More Information

Patient Resources

Fosamax uses

Professional Resources

Prescribing information

¹ 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

Comparing Fosamax vs Risedronate

See also:

Prolia

Premarin

Evenity

Reclast

Estrace

Zometa

Boniva

Atelvia

Xgeva

Evista

Further information

Comparing Fosamax vs Risedronate

See also:

Further information

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