Q:  I was a user of Fosamax for about three years but I hated taking it and now I’m sure I will not continue using this product. Do you know if Didrocal fits in the same category as Fosamax etc?  Is there a recommended site I can research for more info?

Thank you

J.
A:  Hi J.,

Thanks for taking the time to share your comments with me. Didrocal is a bisphosphonate administered for 14 days followed by calcium therapy for 76 days. I do not recommend it for the same reasons I don’t recommend the other bisphosphonate drugs, such as Fosamax, etc.

Here’s a little more detailed information:
DIDROCAL®
Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals
Etidronate Disodium
Calcium Carbonate
Bone Metabolism Regulator

Action And Clinical Pharmacology: The Didrocal therapy is a nonhormonal treatment consisting of etidronate disodium administered for 14 days followed by calcium carbonate administered for the next 76 days.

Etidronate Disodium: Etidronate disodium is a bisphosphonate (diphosphonate) that inhibits bone resorption, primarily through the drug’s effect on osteoclasts. Etidronate disodium owes its highly selective bone effects to its ability to adsorb to hydroxyapatite on the bone surface.

Granted, 14 days is not such lengthy therapy, but the dose is quite hefty: 400 mg per day. There are also warnings to patients with kidney issues that sound quite alarming.

Warmest regards,

Vivian