Tiludronate (By mouth)

Introduction:

Tiludronate (tye-loo-DROE-nate)

Treats a bone disorder called Paget's disease.

Brand Name(s):

Skelid

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a large glass (8 ounces) of plain water only (not mineral water, coffee, juice, or any other liquid). It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, 2 hours before or 2 hours after eating.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. It is especially important that you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not remove the tablet from the foil strip until you are ready to take the tablet.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not take any other medicine within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking tiludronate. This is especially important if you are taking aspirin, indomethacin (Indocin®), or calcium or mineral supplements.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking chemotherapy, radiation, or corticosteroids (such as prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, Decadron®, or Medrol®).
• Wait at least 2 hours after you take tiludronate before taking antacids that contain aluminum, magnesium, or calcium (such as Maalox®, Mylanta®, or Tums®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, trouble swallowing, or trouble with your digestive system.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine, especially if you are having dental surgery. Also tell your doctor if you have anemia, blood clotting problems, cancer, infection of any kind, poor oral hygiene, dental problems, or if you have recently had tooth extraction or dental surgery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Blurred vision, eye problems.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination.
• Chest pain.
• Falls.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Trouble swallowing, stomach pain, new or increased heartburn.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth or tooth problems.
• Mild constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Skin rash or itching.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: