DIDROCAL KIT (ETIDRONATE/CALCIUM)
Treatment for Paget’s Disease and Osteoporosis
Didrocal Kit was originally designed to treat Paget’s disease, a chronic bone disorder that involves an abnormality in the normal process of bone remodeling. It was later approved to treat osteoporosis in menopausal women to reduce the risk of bone fractures as the bone remodeling can also be affected when estrogen levels drop. Some women prefer taking Didrocal Kit that contains Etidronate and Calcium instead of hormones.
Contents of Didrocal Kit and How It Works
Didrocal Kit includes 14 white tablets with Etidronate that are to be taken once daily for 14 days, then there are 76 blue tablets that contain Calcium that you take once daily for the next 76 days. Etidronate is a bisphosphonate drug that slows down the rate that your old bone is broken down by cells called osteoclasts, allowing the osteoblast cells to rebuild new bone more efficiently. This increases the thickness of your bones so you are less likely to experience any fractures, usually of your hips.
More About Paget’s Disease
During the early stages of Paget’s disease, there are no symptoms to warn you that anything is going on. It’s usually during other testing such as x-rays, blood work, or bone scans that it becomes apparent. It appears to run in families so you may have some forewarning if you are aware of other family members that have this condition.
Paget’s disease can affect your skull, pelvis, collarbone, spine, and legs. As with osteoporosis, Paget’s disease involves the breakdown of old bone, except the bone that is formed in its place is less dense and more brittle. This results in being prone to fractures or bowing as the weakened bones cannot support weight as well. Didrocal Kit does not contain a cure for Paget’s disease or osteoporosis, but it can help you avoid the risk of fractures and deformities and allow you to control the symptoms and proceed with a fairly active lifestyle.
Before You Use Didrocal Kit
Ask your doctor if Didrocal Kit is safe to take if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies you have with your doctor and list all OTC and Rx medications you are taking, including dietary and vitamin supplements or herbal preparations. This will allow your doctor to make an informed decision as to whether Didrocal Kit is right medication for you.
Precautions and Recommendations for Didrocal Kit
Take this medication with 6-8 ounce glass of water at least an hour before eating or drinking juice, milk, coffee, tea, etc., or two hours after a meal. You should not lay down after taking Didrocal Kit as it can cause irritation in your esophagus.
Wait at least two hours after taking Didrocal Kit before using any antacids, supplements, or vitamins as these can interfere with the absorption of Etidronate/Calcium. Consult your dentist about an oral exam before starting Didrocal Kit as it may cause jaw problems for some individuals.
Possible Side Effects of Didrocal Kit
Drugs Similar to Didrocal Kit
The information provided on the NorthWestPharmacy.com website is intended to facilitate awareness about healthcare products and medical conditions generally but it is not a substitute for professional medical attention or advice. You should always speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking any prescription or non-prescription drug.