Hi, I have osteoporsis and have had it for years. I don't retrain calicum on my own. You must take the calicum with vitamen D. Oscal 500 come with D already in it. That is what I take. The Actional is to help stop the bone loss and actually rebuild some of the loss. I know it is expensive but you should try to take them if at all possible. Have you asked your Dr. for samples? Also check with the drug company itself, sometime they have programs to reduce the cost. Fossomax( I may have the name wrong) is also on the market. It has been around longer and may have a generic. I became very nausated on it. It is taken daily instead of just once a week but it is VERY important with either to follow the directions of being up and drinking with full glasses of water. Any way I can help just let meknow. cau