Didronel

Etidronate Tablets

Packs of 60 x 200mg Tablets

Didronel Uses

Didronel (Etidronate) is used to treat a certain type of bone disease called Paget's disease. This medication may also be used to treat bone problems that may occur after hip replacement or spinal cord injury. Etidronate belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. It works by slowing bone loss, thereby helping your bones grow stronger and less likely to break.

How To Use Didronel

Take this medication by mouth without food, on an empty stomach 2 hours before a meal, usually once daily or as directed by your physician.

Take with a full glass of water (6 to 8 ounces/180 to 240 milliliters) unless your physician directs you otherwise. After taking etidronate, do not lie down for at least 30 minutes.

Avoid taking etidronate 2 hours before or 2 hours after food or any products containing iron, magnesium, calcium, or aluminum (e.g., antacids, laxatives, vitamins, dairy products). Doing so may cause less drug to be absorbed by your body. If stomach upset occurs, it may help to divide your dose and take part of it 2 or more times during the day instead of in one daily dose. Talk to your physician about the correct way to do this.

It is important to get enough vitamin D and calcium in your diet while taking this medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist for more details.

For Paget's disease and bone problems after hip replacement or spinal cord injury, treatment with this medication usually lasts 3-6 months. For Paget's disease, your physician may direct you to repeat treatment but start the repeat treatment at least 90 days after your last course of treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Didronel Side Effects

Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your physician or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your physician has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your physician immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• increased or severe bone/joint/muscle pain
• jaw pain
• painful swallowing
• vomiting
• leg cramps
• skin numbness/tingling
• stomach/abdominal pain
• vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
• black/tarry stools
• hair loss
• mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression)
• bent bones
• easily broken bones

Tell your physician immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

• signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat)
• unusual bruising/bleeding
• unusual tiredness

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching
• swelling
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your physician or pharmacist.

Didronel Interactions

Your physician or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your physician or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your physician or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:

• "blood thinners" (warfarin)
• vitamins that contain minerals
• calcium supplements
• laxatives that contain magnesium
• antacids
• aspirin
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as indomethacin, ibuprofen)

If your physician has prescribed low doses of aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue to take the aspirin. Consult your physician or pharmacist for more details.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your physician or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your physician and pharmacist.

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