WHAT IS Didronel/Etidronate TABLETS?

ETIDRONATE/Didronel reduces calcium loss from bone. This drug helps make healthy bone and slows bone loss in people with Paget's disease. It may also be used in others with heterotropic ossification or high blood calcium. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Didronel/Etidronate?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Didronel/Etidronate?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Avoid food, milk products, vitamins with mineral supplements, and antacids with calcium/Phoslo, iron, magnesium, or aluminum within 2 hours of taking this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can if you have not already eaten. If you have already eaten, call your doctor of health care professional for advice. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Didronel/Etidronate?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. It may be some time before you see benefit from this medicine. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Your doctor or health care professional may order blood tests or other tests to check how you are doing.

You should make sure you get enough calcium/Phoslo and vitamin D while you are taking this medicine, unless your doctor tells you not to. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

Some people who take this medicine have severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain. Tell your doctor if you have pain that does not go away or that gets worse.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Didronel/Etidronate?

• iron supplements
• aluminum hydroxide
• warfarin/Coumadin
• antacids
• calcium/Phoslo supplements
• aspirin
• drugs for inflammation like ibuprofen/Motrin, naproxen/Naprelan, and others
• magnesium supplements
• vitamins with minerals

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Didronel/Etidronate?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• broken bones
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• worsening of asthma symptoms
• hallucinations
• heartburn or stomach pain
• allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
• difficulty passing urine
• black or tarry stools

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• nausea, vomiting
• diarrhea
• bone, joint or muscle pain
• confusion, depression or trouble with memory

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Didronel/Etidronate?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• an unusual or allergic reaction to etidronate/Didronel , other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• trouble swallowing
• esophagus, stomach, or intestine problems, like acid reflux or GERD
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• kidney disease
• osteomalacia
• dental disease
• breast-feeding

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.