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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Etidronate and calcium

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Etidronate and calcium

  • This is a combination treatment containing 2 types of tablets. Each treatment pack will last about 3 months.
  • Follow carefully the information that you have been given. If you are still unsure how to take the 2 different types of tablets, ask your pharmacist for further advice.
  • If you buy any medicines, make sure your pharmacist knows that you are taking these tablets.
  • Good dental hygiene is particularly important with this treatment - this means that you must brush your teeth regularly and have routine dental check-ups.

About etidronate and calcium

Type of medicineBisphosphonate with a calcium supplement
Used forThe treatment and prevention of osteoporosis
Also calledEtidronate is also known as etidronate disodium and disodium etidronate
Available asDidronel® PMO (a combination treatment containing two types of tablets - etidronate disodium Didronel® and effervescent calcium carbonate Cacit®)

Osteoporosis is a bone disease which causes bones to become brittle or fragile and which can lead to bone fractures and breakages. During a lifetime, old bone is constantly replaced by new bone. After the age of about 30-35 years, bones begin to lose density because old bone is being lost faster than new bone can replace it.

Each plain white tablet contains etidronate disodium, which belongs to the group of medicines known as bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates slow down the rate at which old, worn out bone is lost. New bone continues to be deposited which leads to an increase in bone mass.

Each pink-speckled tablet contains calcium carbonate. Calcium is needed to keep bones strong and healthy.

Before taking etidronate and calcium

Before taking etidronate and calcium make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have, or have ever had, kidney stones or other kidney problems.
  • If you have osteomalacia (a disease in which bones soften).
  • If you know you have too much calcium in your blood or urine.
  • If you are having, or are due to have, any dental treatment.
  • If you have a bowel problem such as enterocolitis (inflammation of the intestine).
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take etidronate and calcium

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. It is important that you take these tablets exactly as directed. Your treatment pack contains 14 etidronate disodium tablets Didronel® and 76 effervescent calcium carbonate tablets Cacit®.
  • Take one white etidronate disodium tablet each day for 14 days. When you have finished taking these, then starting from the next day, take one calcium carbonate tablet each day for 76 days.
  • Try to take your tablets at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you do forget to take a dose, do not worry, just continue on the next day as usual. Do not take two doses together to make up.

    How to take etidronate disodium tablets (Didronel®)
  • Swallow your dose with a drink of water and avoid food for at least two hours before and two hours after each dose.
  • You should also avoid milk, any drinks containing milk, iron supplements, mineral supplements, laxatives and indigestion remedies for at least two hours before and two hours after each dose. This is because these can prevent etidronate disodium from being absorbed properly.

    How to take calcium carbonate tablets (Cacit®)
  • Dissolve one tablet in a glass of water and, as soon as the fizzing has stopped, drink the contents. These tablets can be taken at the same time as food or milky drinks.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are having any dental treatment, tell your dentist that you are taking a bisphosphonate as some dental treatments are not recommended while you are taking etidronate disodium.
  • Eating a well-balanced diet and taking regular exercise can help bones stay strong. Remember to follow any lifestyle advice your doctor has given you.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with etidronate and calcium.

Can etidronate and calcium cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Feeling sick, abdominal painEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
ConstipationTry to eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water a day

Important: if you develop any of the following, contact your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay:

  • Swelling of the mouth or throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • A severe itchy skin rash

Important: if you develop any of these, contact your doctor as soon as possible:

  • Fever, sore throat or an infection that you can not shake off
  • Unexplained bruising
  • Pain, swelling, numbness of the jaw, a "heavy jaw feeling" or loosening of a tooth
  • Thigh, hip, or groin pain

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store etidronate and calcium

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Didronel® PMO, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2008, accessed August 2009.
  • British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3439DocRef: dils2564Last Reviewed: 14 Dec 2009Version: 24
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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