What is Didronel?
Didronel is a bisphosphonate medicine that affects the process of forming bone and reducing it within the body. It can reduce bone loss and could help prevent bone fractures. Didronel can be used for treating Paget's disease of the bone. Didronel can also be used to treat abnormal bone growth caused by complete hip replacements or injuries.
Warnings
It is not recommended to use Didronel in the event that you suffer from an osteomalacia-related condition (softening of bones).
Take Didronel by drinking a whole glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Only drink pure water (not mineral water) when taking the tablet. For two hours after taking the tablet, you should not consume food or anything other than pure water, and you shouldn't take any other medications, including minerals or vitamins.
Be sure to avoid drinking milk or eating dairy products within two hours of taking Didronel. Be sure to avoid supplements containing iron, calcium, magnesium, or aluminum (such as multivitamins that contain iron and numerous kinds of antiacids).
Before you take this drug
Do not use Didronel when you're sensitive to etidronate or if you suffer from an osteomalacia-related condition (softening of bones).
To ensure that this medication is appropriate for you, consult your doctor if:
- Kidney disease;
- The calcium levels are low in your blood.
- A dental problem (you may need a dental exam before you begin taking didronel); or
- If you've suffered a bone fracture recently,
In some cases, the medicine can cause bone loss (osteonecrosis) within the jaw. The symptoms include jaw pain, swelling, red gums, loose teeth, or slow healing following dental treatment. The longer you are using Didronel, the more susceptible you will be to suffering from this condition. The jawbone may suffer from osteonecrosis. This can be more likely if you've had cancer, received radiation, chemotherapy, or steroids. Other risk factors are blood disorders that cause clotting, anemia (low red blood cells), and a current dental problem.
It is unclear if the drug etidronate can harm an unborn baby. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant. It isn't known if it is possible to introduce etidronate into breast milk or if it can harm the nursing infant. Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding a child.
Similar drugs
Prednisone, hydrochlorothiazide, alendronate, dexamethasone, Prolia, Fosamax, and calcium carbonate
How to take Didronel?
Didronel is typically taken once each day. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The doctor may modify your dose. Avoid using this medicine in smaller or larger quantities or for longer than the recommended time. When you take this medication for total hip replacement, it is possible that you will need to begin the medication 1 month prior to the surgery.
Take Didronel at least two hours before eating and drinking any liquid, preferably foods high in calcium like cheese, milk, or yogurt. Your doctor must examine your progress when you are taking this medication.
Didronel is just one part of a full program of treatment that could include dietary changes as well as vitamin and calcium supplements. Follow the instructions of your doctor carefully. Take extra care of your dental hygiene when you take etidronate. Cleanse and brush your teeth frequently. If you are going to need any dental procedure (especially surgery), inform your dentist in advance that you're using this medication.
The doctor you consult will decide how long you should be treated with this medication. Didronel is typically prescribed for between 3 and 6 months. Place it in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture. When you quit taking Didronel, it is important that you abstain from the medication for at most 90 days prior to starting treatment once more.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the missed dose as soon as you can remember. Do not take any missed doses if you are close to the time of your next dose. Don't take any extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not take any other medications for at least two hours after taking etidronate. This includes calcium, vitamins, and antacids. Certain medications can cause the body's system to take in etidronate.
Side effects of Didronel
Seek medical attention immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, breathing problems, wheezing, snoring, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.
Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from:
- Extreme discomfort in joints or bones;
- Numbness, pain in the jaw, or swelling in the jaw
- Severe diarrhea; or
- Low levels of calcium muscles, spasms or contractions, numbness, or a tingly sensation (around your mouth or even in your toes and fingers).
Common didronel side effects could include:
- Headache;
- Stomach upset;
- Leg cramps; or
- Joint pain.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the fda at 1-800-fda-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Discuss with your physician all your medications currently in use and any new medications you begin or stop taking, in particular:
- Is a blood thinner—warfarin, coumadin, jantoven
This list isn't complete. Other drugs can interfere with etidronate. These include medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, as well as vitamins and herbal products. There are not all interactions included in this guideline for medication.
