What is etidronate?
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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking etidronate?
Do not take etidronate if you have a condition called osteomalacia (softening of the bones).
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take
this medication. Before taking etidronate, tell your doctor if you have:
Some people using medicines similar to etidronate have developed bone loss
in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition 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 dental surgery or
pre-existing dental problems.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether etidronate is harmful to an unborn
baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
during treatment.
It is not known whether etidronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take etidronate?
Take etidronate exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger
amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription
label.
Do not crush, chew, or suck the pill. Swallow it whole.
Take each etidronate tablet 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.
It is important to take etidronate regularly to get the most benefit.
Paget's disease is usually treated for 30 to 60 days with etidronate. After you stop taking
etidronate, you must stay off the medication for at least 90 days before starting etidronate therapy
again.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor will need to check your
progress on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Etidronate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include taking calcium
and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store etidronate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of etidronate?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about etidronate?
Your pharmacist has information about etidronate written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of etidronate?
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:
-
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:
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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about etidronate?
Take each dose 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 of this condition 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 pre-existing dental problems.
What should I avoid while taking etidronate?
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).
What other drugs will affect etidronate?
Before taking etidronate, tell your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin
(Coumadin).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with etidronate. Tell
your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new
medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of etidronate?