Etifem (other name Didronel)

Common use

Didronel is used to treat Paget's disease of bone. Didronel is also used to treat conditions of irregular bone growth due to total hip replacement or spinal cord injury. Didronel is a bisphosphonate medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent bone fractures.

Dosage and direction

Didronel is usually taken once per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Take Didronel at least 2 hours before you eat or drink anything, especially foods that are high in calcium such as milk, cheese, or yogurt.

Precautions

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease; low levels of calcium in your blood; a dental problem (you may need a dental exam before you begin taking Didronel); or if you have had a recent bone fracture.
It is not known whether etidronate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether etidronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Contraindications

You should not take Didronel if you are allergic to etidronate, or if you have a condition called osteomalacia (softening of the bones).
Avoid taking any other medicines for at least 2 hours after taking etidronate. This includes vitamins, calcium, and antacids. Some medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb etidronate.

Possible side effect

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: severe pain in your joints, bones, or muscles; jaw pain, numbness, or swelling; severe diarrhea; or low calcium levels - muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes).
Common Didronel side effects may include: headache; upset stomach; leg cramps; or joint pain.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: a blood thinner - warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep away from children.