FDA pharmacologic class
Bisphosphonates
5 medicines are in FDA's class of bisphosphonates (bisphosphonates): alendronate (Fosamax), zoledronic acid (Reclast), risedronate (Actonel), ibandronate and pamidronate; 1 combination product also contains one. 5 of the 6 are listed from generic labelers (FDA NDC Directory, October 8, 2026). The lowest pharmacy cost is alendronate sodium 70 mg tablet at $0.256 per tablet (NADAC).
Which medicines are bisphosphonates?
| Medicine | Brand names | Generic labelers (all forms) | Pharmacy cost | Boxed warning | Shortage | Recalls since 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alendronate | Binosto, Fosamax | 16 labelers | $0.256 per tablet 70 mg tablet | No | No current entry | 2 |
| Zoledronic acid | Reclast | 21 labelers | $0.475 per mL 5 mg/100 mL | No | No current entry | 6 |
| Risedronate | Actonel, Atelvia | 8 labelers | $12.91 per tablet 150 mg tablet | No | No current entry | 3 |
| Ibandronate | none listed | 9 labelers | $2.68 per tablet 150 mg tablet | No | No current entry | 0 |
| Pamidronate | none listed | 2 labelers | n/a | No | No current entry | 0 |
| Alendronate and cholecalciferol | Fosamax | none listed | $52.51 per unit 70 mg-5600 unit | No | No current entry | 0 |
Source: FDA Established Pharmacologic Class (NDC Directory, openFDA); CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026; FDA shortages and recalls (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay?
Each medicine's most widely listed form, per unit, in the NADAC survey: what pharmacies paid, not what a patient pays; strengths differ, so compare like with like.
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price