Is Actonel or Fosamax Better? A Detailed Comparison
Both Actonel (risedronate) and Fosamax (alendronate) are bisphosphonate medications used to treat and prevent osteoporosis by slowing bone loss. A head-to-head clinical trial found that for postmenopausal women, once-weekly Fosamax produced greater gains in bone mineral density (BMD) than once-weekly Actonel over 24 months, with similar tolerability. However, determining which is better is a complex decision that involves evaluating efficacy, side effects, cost, and individual patient factors.