Brand Names: Didronel

Generic Name: etidronate (Pronunciation: e ti DROE nate)

• What is etidronate (Didronel)?
• What are the possible side effects of etidronate (Didronel)?
• What is the most important information I should know about etidronate (Didronel)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking etidronate (Didronel)?
• How should I take etidronate (Didronel)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Didronel)?
• What happens if I overdose (Didronel)?
• What should I avoid while taking etidronate (Didronel)?
• What other drugs will affect etidronate (Didronel)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is etidronate (Didronel)?

Etidronate is in a group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body.

Etidronate is used to treat Paget's disease, and to treat conditions of irregular bone growth due to hip fracture or spinal cord injury.

Etidronate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Didronel 200 mg

rectangular, white, imprinted with P&G, 402

Didronel 400 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with NE, 406

Etidronate 200 mg-MYL

rectangular, white, imprinted with ED 200, G

Etidronate 400 mg-MYL

oblong, white, imprinted with ED400, G

What are the possible side effects of etidronate (Didronel)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using etidronate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• painful or difficult swallowing;
• severe heartburn, burning pain in your upper stomach, or coughing up blood;
• severe joint, bone, or muscle pain;
• jaw pain, numbness, or swelling;
• severe diarrhea;
• bone fracture; or
• a red, blistering, peeling skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild diarrhea;
• headache, confusion;
• muscle cramps, joint pain; or
• numbness or tingly feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Didronel (etidronate disodium) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about etidronate (Didronel)?

Take etidronate with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking an etidronate tablet.

For at least the first 2 hours after taking etidronate, do not eat or drink anything other than plain water, and do not take any other medicines including vitamins or mineral supplements.

Especially avoid drinking milk or eating dairy products within 2 hours after taking etidronate. Also avoid taking supplements that contain calcium, magnesium, iron, or aluminum (such as in multivitamins with iron, and in many types of antacids).

Some people using medicines similar to etidronate have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums. You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre existing dental problem.

If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are using etidronate. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.