Etidronate disodium

About Etidronate disodium

This belongs to the group of medicines known as bisphosphonates.

It is used to treat Paget's disease.

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.

Etidronate is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Didronel. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Etidronate disodium

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Etidronate disodium

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Avoid food for at least two hours before and two hours after each dose of etidronate disodium. You should also avoid milk, any drinks containing milk, iron supplements, mineral supplements and indigestion remedies during this four hour period.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of etidronate disodium contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside etidronate disodium.
• Always keep your appointments to see your doctor so that your progress can be checked.

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 to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Nausea (feeling sick), diarrhoea, constipation, tummy pain, increased bone pain, skin rashes, itching, headache, pins and needles.

Important: If you develop a fever, sore throat or an infection that you can't shake off, or have any unexplained bruising contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Etidronate disodium

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 21/10/2003