Didronel
Etidronate
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Didronel
Didronel is a medicine that causes strengthening of bone. Bone is always in a state of remodeling and this is done by removal of old bone by osteoclasts and formation of new bones by osteoblasts present in the bone itself for the purpose of bone remodeling. Didronel is the medicine that inhibits removal of old bones by osteoclasts and thus causes strengthening of bone.
Therapeutic Uses of Didronel
Didronel is used in the treatment of post menopausal osteoporosis in women. But this medicine is not approved by USFDA for treatment of osteoporosis; still it is used for the purpose. After menopause there is increased bone loss or demineralization (called bone resorption) and due to bone loss the chances of fracture is much higher. In the postmenopausal women Didronel can reduce bone loss and strengthen the bones thus reduce chances of fracture.
Didronel can also be used in the treatment of Paget’s disease where there is increased remodeling of the bone but in a disorderly fashion. So there is weakness of bones and also there is also pain in the bones. Didronel reduces pain and fracture in the bones in Paget’s disease.
Didronel is also used in the treatment of an uncommon and unusual medical condition known as heterotopic ossification. In this unusual condition bone is deposited or bone formation is there in the soft tissues and also in muscles, mainly seen after hip joint replacement or spinal cord surgery.
Direction of use of Didronel
Didronel should be taken on empty stomach at least 2 hours before taking food or other medication. This is done because calcium rich foods like milk, dairy products, antacids, vitamins with mineral supplements and some medications can interfere with the absorption of Didronel from intestine.
Dose of Didronel, if Missed
If you take only one dose every day and you miss a dose than take the missed dose as soon as you remember if it you remember on the same day. If you can not remember the same day than skip the missed dose and take the regular dose the next day as usual. Do not take 2 doses at a time or in a day if you are taking single daily dose.
How to Store Didronel
Didronel should be stored at room temperature in a sealed container or tightly closed dry container away from heat, moisture and heat. Keep Didronel out of reach of children.
More Information about Didronel
Do not share Didronel with anyone if not prescribed. Use it for yourself if it is prescribed for you. It also should not be used in other medical conditions unless your doctor tells you so. This medication is generally for long use and you should refill your supply before the supply runs out.
Non drug therapy like exercise with weight bearing can be very much helpful for your treatment. Consult with your doctor if you can do weight bearing exercise. Lifestyle modification may also be helpful. You should strictly adhere to the diet recommendation of your doctor or other health care provider that are meant for adequate calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Didronel
- Do not stop taking Didronel abruptly without consulting your doctor or do not start a new medication before asking your doctor, it may be prescription medicine, non prescription medicine (over the counter medicines).
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: if you are pregnant, you should not take Didronel. If you become pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking Didronel, than consult your doctor about the risks of taking Didronel during pregnancy. It is not clear if Didronel is present in breast milk, but you should not breast feed your baby. If you want to breast feed your baby than consult your doctor about the risks to your child if you are taking Didronel during breast feeding.
- Didronel should be used with extreme caution in giving it to the elderly people as they can be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine.
Possible Adverse Effects
Most of the patients usually tolerate Didronel well. There are some minor side effects like stomach pain, stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, muscle pain, headache etc. Some patients with Paget’s disease get increased pain in the bones during therapy with Didronel, though it is very rare. All the above side effects are mild and do not require withdrawal of Didronel.