Generic (brand)DosageIndicationContraindications
Bisphosphonates (oral unless otherwise specified)
Alendronate (Fosamax)5 mg per day or 35 mg per week, tablet or solutionPrevention

  • Abnormalities of the esophagus

  • Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes

  • Hypersensitivity to any component of this product

  • Hypocalcemia

  • Patients at increased risk of aspiration should not receive alendronate solution

10 mg per day or 70 mg per week, tablet or solutionTreatment
Alendronate/cholecalciferol (Fosamax Plus D)70 mg plus 2,800 IU per week; 70 mg plus 5,600 IU per weekTreatment
Risedronate (Actonel)5 mg per day; 35 mg per week; 75 mg in two consecutive days per month; 150 mg per monthPrevention and treatment
Risedronate (Atelvia)35 mg per week (delayed release)Treatment
Risedronate/calcium carbonate (Actonel with calcium)35 mg per week (day 1) plus 1,250 mg calcium for no-risedronate days (days 2 through 7 of seven-day treatment cycle)Prevention and treatment
Ibandronate (Boniva)150 mg per month; 2.5 mg per dayPrevention and treatment
3 mg IV every three monthsTreatment
Zoledronic acid (Reclast)5 mg IV every two yearsPrevention

  • Hypocalcemia

  • Creatinine clearance < 35 mL per minute per 1.73 m2 (0.58 mL per second per m2) and acute renal impairment

  • Hypersensitivity to zoledronic acid or any components of this product

5 mg IV every yearTreatment
Estrogen agonist/antagonist
Raloxifene (Evista)60 mg per dayPrevention and treatment

  • Venous thromboembolism

  • Pregnancy, women who may become pregnant, and breastfeeding mothers

Calcitonin
Calcitonin-salmon (Fortical)200 IU per day, nasal sprayTreatment*

  • Allergy to calcitonin-salmon or synthetic calcitonin-salmon

Calcitonin-salmon (Miacalcin)200 IU per day, nasal sprayTreatment*
100 IU SC or IM every other dayTreatment*
Parathyroid hormone
Teriparatide (recombinant human parathyroid hormone1-34; Forteo)20 mcg SC per dayTreatment (high fracture risk)

  • Hypersensitivity to teriparatide or to any of its excipients

  • Reactions have included angioedema and anaphylaxis

RANK ligand inhibitor
Denosumab (Prolia)60 mg SC every six monthsTreatment

  • Hypocalcemia