Tiludronate (Systemic)
   
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Tiludronate (Systemic)
US Brand Names
• Skelid
Description
Tiludronate (tye-LOO-droh-nate) is used to treat Paget's disease of the bone.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
Special Considerations
In 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 tiludronate, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to tiludronate. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy
Studies have not been done in pregnant women. However, studies in rabbits given large doses of tiludronate have shown that this medicine causes deformed bones in the fetus. In rats, tiludronate caused prolonged labor and, in some cases, death of the fetus or mother.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether tiludronate passes into breast milk.
Children
Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of tiludronate in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults
Tiludronate has been tested in elderly patients and has not been found to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
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 tiludronate, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
• Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum or
• Aspirin or other salicylates or salicylate-containing medicines or
• Mineral supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium, or aluminum-These medicines may decrease the effects of tiludronate and should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking tiludronate
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of tiludronate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
• Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood)
• Overactive parathyroid gland or
• Vitamin D deficiency-Tiludronate may make these conditions worse
• Kidney disease-Effects may be increased because of slower removal of tiludronate from the body
• Stomach or intestine problems, including trouble swallowing, inflammation of the esophagus, or ulcer-Tiludronate may make these conditions worse
Administration
Take tiludronate with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water on an empty stomach.
It is important that you eat a well-balanced diet with an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D (found in milk or other dairy products). However, do not take any beverages (including mineral water), dietary supplements, food, or other medicines at least 2 hours before or after taking the tiludronate. To do so may keep this medicine from working properly.
Dosing
The dose of tiludronate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of tiludronate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
o For treating Paget's disease of the bone:
� Adults and teenagers-400 milligrams (mg) a day for at least three months.
� Children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
To store this medicine:
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Cough; fever; head congestion; hoarseness or other voice changes; nasal congestion; runny nose; sneezing; sore throat.
Less common
Blurred or decreased vision; chest pain; eye pain; headache; swelling of face, feet, or lower legs; unusual weight gain.
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
Back pain; body pain (general); diarrhea; nausea; upset stomach.
Less common
Dizziness; joint pain; muscle pain; pain in throat; red or irritated eyes; skin rash; stomach gas; vomiting.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
March 23, 1998     
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