Understanding What is the Price of Drate D Tablet

October 11, 2025 •

2 min read

Over 200 million people worldwide suffer from osteoporosis, making effective and affordable treatment crucial. This article explores what is the price of Drate D tablet, a medication containing alendronate and Vitamin D3 used for bone health.

Quick Summary

This guide reviews the cost of Drate D tablet, a regional osteoporosis treatment. It covers factors affecting price, compares it to alternatives, and explains how to find better deals.

Key Points

Regional Brand: Drate D tablet is a brand name primarily available in markets such as Pakistan, and its pricing is specific to that region.
Active Ingredients: The tablet contains alendronate and cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), and these components are available worldwide under different brand and generic names.
Significant Price Variation: The price of osteoporosis medication varies greatly depending on the country, the brand (e.g., Drate vs. Fosamax), and whether a generic is used.
Generic Options are Cheaper: In many countries, generic versions of alendronate/cholecalciferol are significantly less expensive than brand-name drugs, and coupons can further reduce costs.
Cost Management is Possible: Strategies like comparing pharmacy prices, using coupons, and confirming insurance coverage can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for osteoporosis treatment.

The medication known as Drate D tablet is a specific brand formulation used to treat osteoporosis, particularly in regional markets like Pakistan. It contains alendronate sodium and cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). In other regions, equivalent medications containing these active ingredients are available under different brand or generic names. The price of Drate D and its equivalents varies significantly due to geography, branding, and generic availability.

Pricing of Drate Plus D Tablets in Pakistan

In Pakistan, Drate Plus D tablets are manufactured by S.J. & G. Fazal Elahi and available through online pharmacies. Prices vary depending on the pharmacy. A typical pack contains four tablets with 70mg of Alendronate and 70mcg (2800 IU) of Cholecalciferol. Recent online listings show prices from approximately PKR 600 to PKR 850 for a pack of four tablets.

Pricing of Drate D Equivalent in the United States

In the United States, Drate D is not available. The equivalent is sold as the brand-name Fosamax Plus D or, more affordably, as a generic combination of alendronate and cholecalciferol. Generic options are significantly cheaper. Generic alendronate prices can be as low as $6.60 using a coupon. Brand-name equivalents on international online pharmacies have been listed around $7.33 per tablet for a larger quantity. Generic alendronate is often covered by US insurance and Medicare plans.

Comparison Table: Drate D vs. Market Equivalents


Feature	Drate Plus D (Pakistan)	Fosamax Plus D (US Brand Equivalent)	Generic Alendronate/Vitamin D3 (US)
Manufacturer	S.J. & G. Fazal Elahi	Merck & Co.	Various Manufacturers
Active Ingredients	Alendronate 70mg, Cholecalciferol 70mcg	Alendronate 70mg, Cholecalciferol 2800 IU or 5600 IU	Alendronate 70mg, Cholecalciferol 2800 IU or 5600 IU
Average Price	~$2.00 - $3.00 USD (PKR 600-850/4 tablets, dependent on currency conversion)	Considerably higher than generic; varies by pharmacy and insurance plan	~$6.60 USD for a week's worth using discount coupons
Availability	Primarily in Pakistan and surrounding markets	Available in the US with a prescription	Widely available in the US with a prescription
Insurance Coverage	Specific to regional health systems	Often covered by US insurance, but with higher co-pays than generic	Widely covered by most US insurance plans, typically with lower co-pays

Factors Influencing Medication Prices

Medication prices are influenced by factors including regional markets, brand vs. generic availability, insurance coverage, pharmacy markups, and logistics.

How to Manage the Cost of Osteoporosis Medication

Consider generic alternatives if available, use prescription discount cards, discuss dosage with your provider, compare pharmacy prices, understand insurance coverage, inquire about patient assistance programs, and consider mail-order pharmacies.

Conclusion

While Drate D's specific price is regional, understanding the cost of its equivalent ingredients is important. Costs can be managed by choosing generics and using discounts. Consult a healthcare professional before changing medication. For more information on alendronate, see {Link: WebMD https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1257-7174/alendronate-oral/alendronate-oral/details}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Drate D tablet, specifically the 'Drate Plus D' version, contains the active ingredients alendronate sodium and cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3).

Drate Plus D tablets are used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It is particularly used in postmenopausal women.

No, the Drate D brand is primarily sold in specific regional markets like Pakistan. The US equivalent is the generic combination of alendronate and cholecalciferol, or the brand-name Fosamax Plus D.

The typical dosage for the equivalent weekly tablet in the US is 70mg of alendronate and either 2800 or 5600 IU of Vitamin D3, taken once per week.

Medications containing alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of plain water, at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day. Patients should also remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it.

The price can differ due to several factors, including local market regulations, the cost of manufacturing and distribution, currency exchange rates, brand-specific pricing strategies, and the availability of generic versions.

Yes, for patients in the US, coupons from services like GoodRx can significantly lower the cost of generic alendronate. Checking online coupon sites or talking to your pharmacist is recommended.

Yes, common side effects include stomach pain, nausea, and indigestion. More serious but rare side effects can include esophageal issues and musculoskeletal pain. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any side effects.