DIDRONEL

Drug Name: DIDRONEL

DIDRONEL DESCRIPTION:
ETIDRONATE DISODIUM - ORAL (eh-TIDD-row-nate dye-SO-dee-um)

COMMON DIDRONEL BRAND NAME(S):
Didronel

DIDRONEL SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea or increased bone pain may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop skin rash, itching, breathing trouble or mouth sores while taking DIDRONEL. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE DIDRONEL:
DIDRONEL: DIDRONEL is taken by mouth on an empty stomach two hours before meals. Avoid taking dairy products, antacids or vitamins or minerals within two hours of taking DIDRONEL since absorption may be affected. If stomach upset occurs, it may be relieved somewhat by taking divided doses during the day instead of one daily dose. Talk to your doctor about this. Take DIDRONEL as prescribed. Do not stop taking this medication or increase your dose without first consulting your doctor.

DIDRONEL USES:
DIDRONEL helps maintain calcium levels and bone metabolism. It is used to treat symptoms of Paget's disease. It may also be used after hip replacement or spinal cord injury.

DIDRONEL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing kidney disease, colitis or digestive disorders, bone disease or bone fractures or any allergies. DIDRONEL should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if DIDRONEL appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DIDRONEL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including vitamins with minerals or antacids or warfarin. Avoid taking DIDRONEL within two hours of any dairy product, vitamin with minerals or antacid since absorption may be affected. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

DIDRONEL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea, and numbness and tingling of the fingers.

DIDRONEL NOTES:
It is important to maintain a well balanced diet while taking DIDRONEL. While taking DIDRONEL, your doctor may periodically schedule lab tests to check the effectiveness of the therapy.

MISSED DIDRONEL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

DIDRONEL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.