ETIDRONATE (Didronel®) reduces the release and breakdown of calcium from bone. This drug helps to reduce excess calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) that you can get with certain cancers. This drug is also used to help prevent bone loss and to increase normal healthy bone production in patients with Paget’s disease, in patients who have had hip surgery, or in those patients with osteoporosis. Generic etidronate tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•dental disease
•kidney disease
•stomach, intestinal, or esophageal problems
•an unusual or allergic reaction to etidronate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take etidronate tablet by mouth in the morning, after you have risen for the day. Swallow the tablet with a full glass (6—8 fluid ounces) of plain water first thing in the morning. Do not take the tablet with any other type of liquid except plain water. Do not chew or suck the tablets. Do not eat or drink anything before you take your tablets and do not eat breakfast, drink, or take any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking etidronate. If you can wait for 2 hours before eating, your body will absorb even more of the medicine. After taking this medicine, remain sitting or standing upright (do not lie down or bend over) for at least 30 minutes. This will help to avoid irritation of your throat and esophagus (tube connecting mouth to stomach). Do not take this medicine at the same time as antacids, calcium, magnesium or iron supplements, or vitamins with minerals; if you take these medications, take them later in the day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can if you have not already eaten. If you have already eaten, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with etidronate?
•aluminum hydroxide
•antacids
•calcium supplements
•iron supplements
•magnesium supplements
•parathyroid hormone
•teriparatide
•warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects might I notice from taking etidronate?
Serious side effects from etidronate are rare. Patients using etidronate for more than 6 months at a time are at an increased risk of developing bone fractures (broken bones).
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•black or tarry stools
•broken bones
•constant jaw pain, especially burning or cramping
•difficulty passing urine or less frequent passing of urine
•increased bone pain
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•skin rash, itching (hives)
•stomach or lower back pain
•swelling of the lips, arms, legs, face, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•indigestion
•joint pain
•muscle pain
•nausea, vomiting
What should I watch for while taking etidronate?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you have Paget’s disease it may be some time before you see the benefit from etidronate. After your initial treatment period, you must have a 90-day treatment-free interval before re-treatment. Do not stop taking etidronate except on your prescriber’s advice. High levels of phosphorus and low levels of calcium in the blood can occur but generally do not cause serious problems. Your prescriber or health care professional may order regular blood tests to check for these problems.
It is very important to take etidronate with a full glass of plain water (6—8 ounces). Do not take with orange juice, coffee, or other fluids as these may decrease the absorption of etidronate. Do not take etidronate with food. Wait at least 30 minutes or longer after taking etidronate before you eat, drink or take other medicines.
Because etidronate may irritate your throat, remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine. Do not lie down. Do not bend over while you are sitting, standing, or walking.
Patients on calcium- and vitamin D-restricted diets are more sensitive to the effects of etidronate. You should maintain adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet, unless directed otherwise by your health care provider. Discuss your dietary needs with your prescriber or health care professional or nutritionist.
If you get bone pain or a worsening of bone pain, check with your prescriber or health care professional.
If you are taking an antacid, a mineral supplement like calcium or iron, or a vitamin with minerals, wait to take them at least 2 hours after you take etidronate. Do not take them at same time.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Didronel
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