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Etidronate
Etidronate is licensed to treat Paget's disease and abnormal bone formation due to total hip replacement surgery or spinal cord injury. The drug can help slow down the breakdown of bone, slow down the buildup of new bone, and prevent or stop the formation of abnormal bone. It comes in tablet form and is usually taken daily for three to six months.
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Etidronate disodium (Didronel®) is a prescription medication approved for the following uses:
- Treating Paget's disease in men and women
- Preventing or treating abnormal bone formation (known medically as heterotopic ossification) after total hip replacement surgery or spinal cord injury.
(Click What Is Etidronate Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with etidronate. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problem. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Commonly reported problems include but are not limited to:
(Click Side Effects of Etidronate to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD