Gen-Etidronate

Brand Name:CO Etidronate, Didronel

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Etidronate Disodium increases bone density or thickness. It is used to treat bone disorders (e.g. Paget’s disease) in which the bones become large and dense, weak and brittle, and/or are susceptible to fracturing, bowing and becoming deformed. This drug can also be used in combination with a calcium supplement to prevent or treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, to prevent osteoporosis caused by taking corticosteroid medications for long periods of time. It treats bone problems resulting from hip replacement or spinal surgery.

Etidronate may be used for other medical conditions. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to etidronate disodium or other bisphosphonates (such as risedronate, alendronate). Tell your doctor if you have osteomalacia (bone disease caused by lack of vitamin D) or if you have ever had:

  • bowel disease or colitis
  • esophageal or stomach problems
  • very low amount of calcium in the blood
  • problems with your kidney
  • long bone fractures

What about possible side effects?

Etidronate is usually well tolerated. The most common side effects are:

  • heartburn
  • diarrhea
  • nausea

These side effects are usually related to dose. As well, some of these side effects may go away with time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you have any risk factors that may make you more sensitive to these side effects. Contact your doctor if these symptoms continue or become worse.

Other less common and potentially serious side effects include:

  • bone pain
  • abdominal pain
  • headache
  • itching
  • rash
  • heartburn

Call your doctor right away if you experience:

  • difficulty swallowing
  • severe abdominal pain
  • blood in stool or vomiting blood
  • a condition called leukopenia - call your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection (rare)
  • a condition called thrombocytopenia - call your doctor immediately if you experience any increase in bruising or bleeding (rare)

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • laxatives containing magnesium
  • antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum
  • vitamins or mineral supplements or other medicines containing calcium, iron, magnesium, or aluminum

These medicines may decrease the effects of etidronate, and should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking etidronate.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Etidronate Disodium has very mild side effects. However, if taken in large doses, it can lead to thinning of the bones and an increased risk of fractures. In order to check your progress, regular visits should be made to your doctor even if you are between treatments.

How to take: This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. It should not be taken at the same time with other beverages other than water. Other food, especially foods that are high in calcium, such as milk or milk products, should be spaced for 2 hours before and after each dose.

Children: Not usually prescribed. Some changes in bone growth may occur which will go away when the medication is stopped. Talk to your doctor.

Seniors: No known problems.

Pregnant women: Safety has not been established. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Safety has not been established. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: No known problems.

Alcohol: No known problems. If you drink, always drink in moderation.

Overdose: If you experience any unusual reactions, or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. Stopping treatment could result in the worsening of your condition.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: Consumption of foods containing calcium at the same time can reduce the effectiveness of etidronate disodium. To ensure the drug works most effectively it should be taken on an empty stomach. If you are taking this medication for osteoporosis, your diet should also contain adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Therefore, supplements may be prescribed by your doctor. Calcium supplements should be spaced at least 2 hours apart from etidronate.