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etidronate

Generic Didronel

Used for Paget's Disease

Etidronate is used to treat a bone condition called Paget's disease. It's also used to prevent and treat bone growth in abnormal places in the body (like soft tissue) after hip replacement or a spinal cord injury. This medication is no longer available because it was discontinued in the United States.

Reviewed by:

Shifali Patel, PharmD

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on December 21, 2021

Basics FAQs Interactions Prices Medicare

What is Etidronate?

How Etidronate works

Drug Facts

Common BrandsDidronel (brand no longer available)

Drug ClassBisphosphonate

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityDiscontinued

Frequently asked questions about Etidronate

What is etidronate?

Etidronate is a bisphosphonate. It works by slowing down bone loss, so your bones can remain strong and healthy. It treats Paget's disease, which causes growth of abnormal and weak bones. It also prevents and treats bone growth in unusual places like your soft tissue (heterotopic ossification) after joint or nerve injury. Etidronate isn't used to treat osteoporosis.

Is etidronate still available?

No. Etidronate is no longer available in the United States.

Why was etidronate discontinued?

It's unknown why etidronate was discontinued. According to the FDA, etidronate wasn't discontinued because it was unsafe or didn't work well.

What can I take to replace etidronate?

If you used etidronate in the past or you currently have a bone condition, discuss other options with your healthcare provider. Depending on the nature of your condition and your medical history, your provider will help guide you to a medication that's best for you.

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Interactions between Etidronate and other drugs

Etidronate may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Etidronate. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

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. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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