Sodium clodronate

About sodium clodronate

Sodium clodronate works by binding to bone and reducing the rate at which bone is broken down.

When bone is broken down, calcium is lost from the bone and seeps into the blood. In cancer, there is excessive breakdown of bone which leads to high levels of calcium in the blood. As sodium clodronate prevents bone from being broken down as quickly, it reduces these high levels of calcium in the blood that are a result of cancer.

Before taking sodium clodronate

Before taking sodium clodronate 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 an upset stomach or bowel.
• If you are due to have any dental treatment. Your doctor will advise that your dental treatment is completed before starting this medicine.
• 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 sodium clodronate

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take sodium clodronate at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you do forget to take a dose, don't worry, just take the next dose when it is due.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Avoid food for at least one hour before and one hour after each dose of sodium clodronate. You should also avoid milk, any drinks containing milk, iron supplements, mineral supplements and indigestion remedies during this two hour period as these prevent the sodium clodronate from working as it should.
• Drink plenty of water while you are taking sodium clodronate.
• 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 sodium clodronate.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. Your doctor will want to check your calcium levels and do other tests from time to time.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with sodium clodronate as some are not, for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Can sodium clodronate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which 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.

How to store sodium clodronate

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

Important information about all medicines