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Bisphosphonate and oestrogen-based tablets for osteoporosis, bone loss and fracture risk make up this small range of four medicines, including Fosamax, Evista, Actonel and Estrace.

Fosamax

Alendronic Acid

35mg · 70mg

Alendronic acid tablets for osteoporosis and Paget's disease. It slows the natural process that removes old bone.

From$1.52/ tabletView

Evista

Raloxifene

60mg

Raloxifene tablets for postmenopausal osteoporosis and breast cancer. It mimics oestrogen in bone but opposes it in breast tissue.

From$0.80/ tabletView

Actonel

Risedronate

35mg

Risedronate tablets for osteoporosis and Paget's disease. They attach to bone mineral to slow the cells that break bone down.

From$5.58/ tabletView

Estrace

Estradiol

1mg · 2mg

Estradiol tablets for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness. They replace the oestrogen that falls after menopause.

From$1.45/ tabletView

Key points

  • Bisphosphonates slow the rate at which bone is broken down and are widely used in osteoporosis.
  • Bone-density testing and fracture-risk assessment help set the context for osteoporosis treatment.
  • Non-bisphosphonate options are also part of osteoporosis care, including oestrogen-based Estrace, listed here for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Fosamax, Evista and other medicines in this range

Alendronic acid is the ingredient in Fosamax, listed for osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of bone. Actonel contains risedronate, listed for the same two conditions. Raloxifene, the ingredient in Evista, is listed for postmenopausal osteoporosis and breast cancer. Estradiol in Estrace is also listed for postmenopausal osteoporosis, alongside menopausal vasomotor symptoms and atrophic vaginitis.

Further reading