What is Didronel/Etidronate used for?

This medicine is also used to help prevent bone loss and to increase normal healthy bone production in patients with Paget's disease, in patients who have had hip surgery, or in those patients with osteoporosis.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Didronel/Etidronate be stored?

Store at room temperature in a cool dry place, protect from heat and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.

General drug information:

When should Didronel/Etidronate not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications.

What precautions should I follow when taking Didronel/Etidronate?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you are taking blood thinners if you have stomach problems if you have peptic ulcers if you have any other medical condition like liver or kidney function impairment or heart problem

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Didronel/Etidronate?

If you want to take an antacid or a mineral supplement, make sure that there is an interval of at least 2 hours before or after taking this medicine. Do not take at the same time.

What are the side effects of Didronel/Etidronate?

Most severe:  Black or tarry stools, broken bones, difficulty passing urine or less frequent passing of urine, increased bone pain, redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth, skin rash, itching (hives), stomach or lower back pain, swelling of the lips, arms, legs, face, tongue, or throat

Most common: Diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, vomiting

Other: None

How should I take Didronel/Etidronate?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.