A 48-year-old member asked:
What is the difference between actonel (risedronate) and fosamax?
3 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Frederick Singeranswered
Endocrinology 60 years experience
Chemical structure: Actonel (risedronate) and Fosamax are drugs in the bisphosphonate family. They have similar but not identical structures. They produce similar benefits for osteoporosis patients.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Arthur Helleranswered
Gastroenterology 45 years experience
Similar, but differ: Both are bisphosphonate drugs, taken orally, which decrease bone breakdown by osteoclast cells, and therefore increase bone density (a marker of bone strength). Different dosing, but can be weekly or monthly for either in osteoporosis. Were used in tumors to or to bone-now drugs mostly given IV for that. Fosamax (alendronate) stays in the system and bone longer; was thought to be more GI irritating (maybe not).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
Dr. Arthur Helleranswered
Gastroenterology 45 years experience
Similar, but differ: Both are bisphosphonate drugs, taken orally, which decrease bone breakdown by osteoclast cells, and therefore increase bone density (a marker of bone strength). Different dosing, but can be weekly or monthly for either in osteoporosis. Were used in tumors to or to bone-now drugs mostly given IV for that. Fosamax (alendronate) stays in the system and bone longer; was thought to be more GI irritating (maybe not).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
Similar questions
A 48-year-old member asked:
Which is better: actonel (risedronate) vs fosamax?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Paul Grinanswered
Pain Management 38 years experience
No difference: There is no such thing as "best" or "worst" medication, only those that work and don't work, based on the patient's individual circumstances and genetics.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
What is the difference between actonel (risedronate) and fossamax?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Arthur Helleranswered
Gastroenterology 45 years experience
Similar, but differ: Both are bisphosphonate drugs, taken orally, which decrease bone breakdown by osteoclast cells, and therefore increase bone density ;#40;a marker of bone strength;#41;. Different dosing, but can be weekly or monthly for either in osteoporosis. Were used in tumors in or to bone-now drugs mostly given IV for that. Fosamax (alendronate) stays in the system and bone longer; was thought to be more GI irritating ;#40;maybe not;#41;.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 23-year-old female asked:
Which is stronger: actonel (risedronate) or fosamax?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Sneidanswered
Endocrinology 43 years experience
Neither is: really "stronger". There are slight differences depending upon what criteria you use, but both are very potent and very effective inhibitors of bone resorption. Both need to be taken as directed, and combined with adequate calcium and vitamin D3.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Is there a generic drug equivalent for Fosamax or actonel (risedronate)?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Ankush Bansalanswered
Internal Medicine 16 years experience
Yes & no: Fosamax is off patent - the generic is alendronate. Generics are absolutely as effective as the brand name. Actonel (risedronate) is still on patent. No generic form exists yet.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 18, 2018
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