Etidronate (Systemic)
Brand Names : Didronel, EHDP
Before Using This MedicineIn deciding to use a medicine,
the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will
do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For etidronate, the
following should be considered:
Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or
allergic reaction to etidronate. Also tell your health care professional if
you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or
dyes.
Diet - Make certain your health care professional
knows if your diet includes large amounts of calcium, such as milk or other
dairy products, or if you are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium or
low-sugar diet. Calcium in the diet may prevent the absorption of oral etidronate.
Pregnancy - Studies have not been done in humans. However, studies
in rats injected with large doses of etidronate have shown that etidronate
causes deformed bones in the fetus.
Breast-feeding - It is not known if etidronate passes into breast
milk. However, this medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing
babies.
Children - Some changes in bone growth may occur in children,
but will usually go away when the medicine is stopped.
Older adults - When etidronate is given by injection along with
a large amount of fluids, older people tend to retain (keep) the excess fluid.
Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking
etidronate, it is especially important that your health care professional
know if you are taking any of the following:
-
Antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum or
-
Mineral supplements or other medicines containing calcium, iron,
magnesium, or aluminum - These medicines may decrease the effects of etidronate,
and should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking etidronate
Other medical problems - The presence of other medical
problems may affect the use of etidronate. Make sure you tell your doctor
if you have any other medical problems, especially:
-
Bone fracture, especially of arm or leg - Etidronate may increase
the risk of bone fractures
-
Intestinal or bowel disease - Etidronate may increase the risk
of diarrhea
-
Kidney disease - High blood levels of etidronate may result causing
serious side effects
|