Drug Name

Didronel (Etidronate)

Drug Uses

Didronel is used to treat osteoporosis (thinning of bone) in women after menopause, even though this medication has not yet been approved by the FDA specifically for this purpose. After menopause, there is an increased rate of bone loss (resorption), as well as an increased risk of bone fractures. In these patients, didronel has been shown to increase bone density while strengthening bone, as well as decrease the rate of bone fractures. Didronel is as well as helpful in the treatment of Paget's disease of the bone. The cause of Paget's disease is unknown. It is characterized by a disorderly as well as accelerated remodeling of the bone, leading to bone weakness as well as pain. Didronel reduces bone pain as well as fractures in Paget's disease. Didronel is as well as used to halt an unusual condition, called heterotopic ossification. In heterotopic ossification, bone is deposited in cushioned tissues as well as muscles, usually after hip replacement or spinal cord surgery.

How Taken

Since calcium riche foods such as dairy products, antacids, vitamins with mineral supplements, as well as confident medications can interfere with the absorption of didronel, the medication should be used in an empty stomach, 2 hours before eating or using other medications.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Didronel belongs to a class of medications that strengthen bone. Bone is in a constant state of remodeling in which aged bone is removed by cells called osteoclasts, as well as recent bone is laid down by cells called osteoblasts. Didronel inhibits bone removal by the osteoclasts.

Missed Dose

Incase you miss a dose of this medicine as well as you take 1 dose daily, take the missed dose incase you remember the alike day. Incase you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose as well as go back to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at room temperature, sealed container, avoid moisture.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not halt using this medicine without checking with your doctor. Before you begin using any recent medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution should be used in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Incase you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits as well as risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown incase this drug is excreted in breast milk. Incase you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the benefits as well as risks to your baby.

Likely Side Effects

Didronel is generally well tolerated. Side effects are usually mild as well as often do not require discontinuing the medication. These include stomach pain or upset, constipation, diarrhea, muscle ache, as well as headache. In rare instances, patients with Paget's disease of the bone will experience increased bone pain during treatment with didronel.

More Information

Non-drug therapy may as well as help halt bone loss. Consult your doctor about a weight-bearing exercise plan or other lifestyle changes that may be helpful. Follow all diet recommendations for adequate daily calcium as well as vitamin D intake. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not take this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Incase using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.