etidronate (Didronel)

• Etidronate is in a class ofdrugscalled bisphosphonates that is used for treatingosteoporosis(reduced density of bone that leads tofractures),好epainfrom diseases such as metastaticbreast cancer,multiple myeloma, and Paget's disease. The bisphosphonate class includesalendronate(Fosamax),ibandronate(Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia),risedronate(Actonel), andtiludronate(Skelid). Bone is in a constant state of remodeling; new bone is laid down by cells called osteoblasts while old bone is removed by cells called osteoclasts. Bisphosphonates strengthen bone by inhibiting bone removal by osteoclasts. Aftermenopause, there is an increased rate of bone loss leading toosteoporosis, and etidronate has been shown to increasebone densityand decrease fractures of bones.
• The FDA approved etidronate in September 1977.

What brand names are available for etidronate?

Didronel

Is etidronate available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

我需要etidronate的药方吗?

Yes

Etidronate is a medication prescribed for the treatment of Paget's disease and preventing heterotopic ossification (abnormal bone growth). Off-label uses include the treatment ofhypercalcemia与cancer, andpreventionofpostmenopausalosteoporosisand steroid-inducedosteoporosis.

Seek emergency medical attention if you have signs of anallergic reaction, which include:

• hives,
• wheezing,
• difficultybreathing, and
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using etidronate and call your doctor immediately if you experience the following:

• severepainin your joints, bones, or muscles,
• jaw pain, numbness, or swelling,
• severediarrhea,
• muscle spasmsor contractions, and
• numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes.

Common side effects include:

• headache,
• upset stomach,
• leg cramps, and
• joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects, as others may occur. Talk to your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

• The recommended dose for treating adults with Paget's disease is 5-10 mg/kg daily for up to 6 months or 11 to 20/mg/kg daily for up to 3 months. The maximum dose is 20 mg/kg daily.
• The dose for preventing heterotopic ossification afterhip replacementis 20 mg/kg daily one month before and for 3 months after surgery.
• For prevention of heterotopic ossification afterspinal cord injurythe dose is 20 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks then 10 mg/kg daily for 10 weeks.

Food (especially, calcium rich foods such as dairy products), antacids,vitaminswith mineralsupplements, and certain medications can interfere with the absorption of etidronate. Therefore, etidronate should be taken on an empty stomach 2 hours before or after eating or taking other medications.

Avoid taking any other medicines for at least 2 hours after taking etidronate. This includesvitamins, calcium, and antacids. Some medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb etidronate.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially a blood thinner likewarfarin(Coumadin,Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with etidronate, including prescription andover-the-countermedicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about etidronate.

• The safety and effectiveness of etidronate has not been established inpregnantwomen.
• The safety and effectiveness of etidronate has not been established innursingmothers.