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Etidronate disodium

  • Etidronate disodium helps relieve the symptoms of Paget's disease. It belongs to a class of medicines known as bisphosphonates.
  • Avoid food for at least two hours before and two hours after taking a dose, and do not drink milk or any drinks containing milk during this time.
  • Do not take iron or mineral supplements, laxatives or indigestion remedies for at least two hours before and two hours after a dose.
  • Good dental hygiene is particularly important while you are taking etidronate - this means that you must brush your teeth regularly and have routine dental check-ups.

About etidronate disodium

Type of medicineBisphosphonate
Used forPaget's disease of the bone
Also calledDisodium etidronate
Didronel®
Available asTablets

Paget's disease is a disease of the bones, which leads to thickening of the skull, spine, pelvis and long bones of the body, resulting in pain, deformity and fractures. Etidronate disodium helps to relieve these symptoms by preventing bone loss and reducing thickening.

Before taking etidronate disodium

Before taking etidronate disodium make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have, or have ever had, kidney problems.
  • If you have osteomalacia (a disease in which bones soften).
  • If you are having, or are due to have, any dental treatment.
  • If you have a broken bone which has not yet completely healed.
  • 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 disodium

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take etidronate disodium exactly as directed by your doctor. 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.
  • Try to take etidronate disodium 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.

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. Your doctor will most likely test your blood and urine every few months.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with etidronate disodium.

Can etidronate disodium 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
New or worse bone pain, broken bonesTell your doctor as your treatment may need to be interrupted

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 disodium

  • 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® 200 mg Tablets, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 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: 3348DocRef: dils2336Last Reviewed: 15 Sep 2009Version: 24
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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