Quick answer: a 30day supply of generic alendronate (70mg) usually runs between $5 and $18 if you use a discount card, while the brandname Fosamax can be $30$45. Below you'll find current prices, printable coupons, insurance tricks, and realworld tips to keep this medication affordable.
What you'll get: an uptodate price snapshot for 2025, stepbystep coupon guides, and personal stories that show exactly how you can cut the cost by 70% or more. Let's dive in, because paying too much for a boneprotecting drug shouldn't be part of your health plan.
Why cost varies
Dosage and form
How each strength changes the price
Alendronate comes in 10mg, 35mg, and 70mg tablets, plus an oral solution. The higher the strength, the higher the pertablet priceespecially for the liquid form, which can be twice as pricey as the tablets.
Brand vs. generic
Big price gap between Fosamax and its generic
Generic alendronate is typically 23 cheaper than the brandname Fosamax. If your pharmacy has the generic in stock, you'll save a lot. Always ask the pharmacist if a generic is available before you fill the prescription.
Pharmacy type
Bigbox vs. independent vs. mailorder
Prices can swing $5$30 for the same 4tablet pack depending on where you shop. Bigbox chains often have higher list prices but may accept more coupons, while independent pharmacies sometimes offer lower cash prices. Mailorder and online pharmacies can give you the best bulk rates, especially for 90day supplies.
Insurance coverage
Copays, tiers, and priorauthorizations
Most Medicare PartD plans and many private insurers cover generic alendronate, but they may place it on a higher tier that requires a larger copay. Some plans also need a priorauthorizationif you skip that step, you could end up paying full price.
Location and shipping
Taxes, fees, and delivery costs
State taxes and shipping fees add $0$10 on top of the drug price. Picking up the medication at a local store often saves you the shipping charge, while ordering online can sometimes waive it for larger orders.
| Factor | Impact on Cost | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Dosage & Form | Higher strength = higher price | Check prescription details |
| Brand vs. Generic | Brand can be 23 more expensive | Ask for generic alternative |
| Pharmacy Type | Price swing $5$30 per 4pack | Compare local and mailorder prices |
| Insurance | Copays vary by tier; priorauth may be needed | Verify tier & requirements |
| Location & Shipping | Add $0$10 | Prefer local pickup or freeshipping promos |
Current pricing 2025
Generic alendronate tablets
70mg, 35mg, and 10mg price breakdown
According to Drugs.com, the 70mg tablet (the most common dose) falls between $4.26 and $8.44 for a 4tablet pack. If you buy a 100tablet bulk pack, the pertablet price drops to about $0.63.
The 35mg tablets sit in a $3.82$8.27 range for a 4pack, while the 10mg tabletsoften prescribed for patients with swallowing difficultiescost roughly $35.46 for a 30tablet bottle, averaging $1.18 per tablet.
Brandname options
Fosamax and other branded versions
Brandname Fosamax typically costs $30$45 for a 30day supply, according to data from Healthline. The price margin stems from marketing, patent protections, and limited generic competition in some regions.
Oral solution (70mg/75mL)
When the liquid version makes sense
The oral solution (300mL bottle) is priced around $251.48, which translates to about $0.84 per milliliter. It's a good choice for patients who can't swallow tablets, but the perdose cost is noticeably higher.
How to save
Printable coupons & discount cards
Stepbystep guide to using them
Two of the most effective tools are the Optum Perks coupon (up to 80% off) and the Drugs.com discount card. Here's how to get the most out of them:
- Visit the coupon site and locate the alendronate discount.
- Print the barcode or save the digital QR code on your phone.
- Show the coupon at checkout or enter the code when ordering online.
- Confirm the final price before you paysome pharmacies will apply the discount automatically.
These coupons can shave $5$15 off a 30day supply, even if you don't have insurance.
Insurance tricks & assistance programs
Getting the most from your plan
If you're on Medicare PartD, most plans cover generic alendronate, but the exact copay depends on the tier. Call your plan's customer service line and ask:
- "Is generic alendronate on Tier2 or Tier3?"
- "Do I need a priorauthorization for Fosamax?"
- "Can I receive a 90day supply without extra cost?"
For those without prescription coverage, check out patientassistance listings on NeedyMeds or the Medicine Assistance Tool. While alendronate doesn't have a dedicated manufacturer program, these resources sometimes feature temporary coupons or statespecific aid.
Bulk & 90day supplies
Why buying more saves more
Request a 90day prescription from your doctor. Pharmacies often give a lower pertablet price for longer fills, and you'll cut down on pharmacy trips. Just verify with your insurer that the tier allows a threemonth supply; otherwise you may need to pay outofpocket.
Mailorder & online pharmacies
Trusted platforms for lower prices
Reputable mailorder services such as CostPlus Drugs sell generic alendronate at a flat $5.53 per 4tablet pack plus $5 shipping. Amazon Pharmacy and GoodRx also list competitive prices, often with free shipping for orders over a certain amount.
Lifestyle "free" savings
Adjuncts that may reduce dosage need
Maintaining adequate calcium and vitaminD intake can sometimes allow your doctor to adjust the alendronate dosage. Some pharmacies reward ontime refills with small discountsask if an "adherence program" is available at your location.
Realworld examples
Case Study 1: Sarah,68, Medicare
From $30 to under $10
Sarah was paying $30 each month for brandname Fosamax. After a quick chat with her pharmacist, she switched to the generic 70mg tablet, printed an Optum Perks coupon, and ordered a 90day supply through a mailorder pharmacy. Her total cost dropped to $8 (including $5 shipping). That's a 73% savings, and she still gets the bonestrengthening benefits she needs.
Case Study 2: Mark,55, highdeductible plan
Zeroinsurance strategy
Mark's insurance didn't cover alendronate, so he was spending $20 for each 4tablet pack. He discovered CostPlus Drugs, used the $5 shipping promo, and began ordering a 100tablet bulk pack. His pertablet cost fell to $0.63, meaning a $14.50 reduction every refill.
Both stories illustrate that a little researchand the willingness to try a couponcan dramatically lower the outofpocket burden.
Quickreference pricecomparison
| Source | 70mg (4pack) | 35mg (4pack) | 30day generic | Brand (Fosamax) 30day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CostPlus Drugs | $5.53 + $5 shipping | N/A | ||
| Drugs.com | $4.26$8.44 | $3.82$8.27 | $1.18 per tablet (30pack) | $30$45 |
| Retail Avg. | $28.61 (full price) | $15.27$33.09 | $35.46 (30pack) | $30$45 |
Prices fluctuate, so always verify with your local pharmacy before you fill the script.
Bottom line & next steps
In 2025, the outofpocket cost of alendronate can range from a few dollars for a generic 70mg tablet to over $40 for the brandname version. By leveraging printable coupons, discount cards, 90day supplies, and trusted mailorder pharmacies, most patients can trim the price by 70% or more.
What should you do right now?
- Check the strength prescribed on your label.
- Visit a pricecomparison site like Drugs.com or CostPlus Drugs and note the lowest cash price.
- Print a free coupon from Optum Perks or Drugs.com before you head to the pharmacy.
- Ask your doctor if a 90day prescription is possible.
- If you're uninsured, explore local assistance listings on NeedyMeds.
Staying proactivekeeping a copy of your coupon, setting refill reminders, and reviewing your insurance tier each yearwill keep the savings rolling. Have you tried any of these tricks? Share your experience in the comments, and let's help each other keep bone health affordable.
FAQs
What factors cause the price of alendronate to change?
The price can vary based on dosage strength, tablet vs. liquid form, brand versus generic, pharmacy type (big‑box, independent, mail‑order), insurance tier and prior‑authorization requirements, and additional taxes or shipping fees.
How much does a 30‑day supply of generic alendronate usually cost?
Using a discount card, a 30‑day supply of the common 70 mg generic tablet typically costs between $5 and $18, while bulk purchases can lower the per‑tablet price to under $1.
Are there reliable coupons or discount cards for alendronate?
Yes. Optum Perks and the Drugs.com discount card both offer up to 80 % off. Print the barcode or save the QR code, present it at checkout, and you can save $5–$15 on a 30‑day supply.
Can I get alendronate cheaper by ordering online?
Mail‑order and reputable online pharmacies such as Cost Plus Drugs, Amazon Pharmacy, and GoodRx often provide lower cash prices and free or low‑cost shipping, especially for 90‑day supplies.
What should I do if my insurance doesn’t cover alendronate?
Check patient‑assistance resources like NeedyMeds or the Medicine Assistance Tool for temporary coupons, compare cash prices at local and online pharmacies, and consider using a discount card to reduce out‑of‑pocket costs.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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