Didronel
Generic name:etidronate [ e-ti-DROE-nate ]
Drug class:Bisphosphonates
What is Didronel?
Didronel is a bisphosphonate medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent bone fractures.
Didronel is used to treat Paget's disease of bone.
Didronel is also used to treat conditions of irregular bone growth due to total hip replacement or spinal cord injury.
Warnings
You should not take Didronel if you have a condition called osteomalacia (softening of the bones).
Take Didronel with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking a tablet. For at least the first 2 hours after taking the tablet, do not eat or drink anything other than plain water, and do not take any other medicines including vitamins or mineral supplements.
Especially avoid drinking milk or eating dairy products within 2 hours after taking Didronel. Also avoid taking supplements that contain calcium, magnesium, iron, or aluminum (such as in multivitamins with iron, and in many types of antacids)
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Didronel if you are allergic to etidronate, or if you have a condition called osteomalacia (softening of the bones).
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
kidney disease;
low levels of calcium in your blood;
a dental problem (you may need a dental exam before you begin taking Didronel); or
if you have had a recent bone fracture.
In rare cases, this medicine may cause bone loss (osteonecrosis) in the jaw. Symptoms include jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, or slow healing after dental work. The longer you use Didronel, the more likely you are to develop this condition.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw may be more likely if you have cancer or received chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other risk factors include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre existing dental problem.
Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Didronel.
It is not known whether etidronate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether etidronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Didronel?
Didronel is usually taken once per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
When taking this medicine for total hip replacement, you may need to start the medicine 1 month before your surgery.
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