Etidronate & Calcium

About Etidronate & Calcium

This belongs to the group of medicines known as bisphosphonates.

It is a combination treatment containing two types of tablets, etidronate disodium and calcium carbonate.

This product is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease which causes bones to become brittle and fragile, which can lead to fracture and breakage. 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.

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

Before Taking Etidronate & Calcium

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 & Calcium

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take one etidronate disodium (white tablets in foil strip) once a day for 14 days, then take one calcium carbonate (pink-speckled tablets in tubes) once a day for 76 days. The whole course is usually repeated after these 90 days.
• Avoid food for at least two hours before and two hours after each etidronate disodium (white) tablet. You should also avoid milk, any drinks containing milk, iron supplements, mineral supplements and indigestion remedies during this four hour period.
• Dissolve or mix each calcium carbonate (pink-speckled) tablet in water before taking.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine 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 this medicine.

Can Etidronate & 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 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.

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 & Calcium

• 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: 13/09/2002