Skelid

Skelid is used to treat Paget's disease, a condition that cause the bones to become enlarged or misshapen . Skelid is a bisphosphonate, and it works by slowing breakdown of the bones to preserve its shape that slows down progress of Paget's disease.

Skelid requires a prescription drug. 

Skelid has special instructions on administration and requires special precautions. You must use Skelid following doctor's instructions. 

The doctor will have to consider the following before prescribing Skelid.

Allergies

You cannot use Skelid if you have allergies to it.

Health conditions

Tell all of your health problems to the doctor before taking Skelid. The doctor needs to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Anemia
• Problems with blood clotting
• Having cancer, or taking medicines for cancer
• Tooth problems or poor oral hygiene
• Any infection in the body
• Barrett's esophagus
• Bone or joint pain
• Problems in the esophagus such as difficulty swallowing or inflammation
• Muscle pain
• Asthma
• Stomach or bowel problems such as gastritis, heartburn or ulcers
• Kidney disease
• Low calcium levels
• Inability to remain standing for more than 30 minutes

Pregnancy

Skelid is not safe for use during pregnancy. Skelid is an FDA pregnancy category C drug, which means it may cause harm to the unborn baby when given to pregnant patients.

Breastfeeding

Many drugs are excreted in breastmilk, so for better safety, do not breastfeed when taking Skelid.

Use on children

Skelid is not proven effective or safe on children. Do not give Skelid to children and patients younger than 18 years old.

Use on elderly

Skelid can be used on elderly patients.

Drug interactions

Note that Skelid may interact with certain drugs, vitamins and supplements that can cause undesirable effects. Calcium Tell the doctor all the medicines, supplements or vitamins you take, especially the following:

• Aspirin
• Multivitamins containing magnesium, calcium, iron, and other minerals, which greatly reduce absorption of Skelid
• Calcium supplements, or any medication or vitamin that contains calcium
• Magnesium supplements
• Antacids, which often contains magnesium or calcium
• Aspirin
• Indomethacin

Food interactions

Note that certain food can interact with Skelid and make it less effective. Food greatly reduces absorbability of Skelid.

Alcohol and tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco may increase the risk of serious reactions when you are taking Skelid. Avoid consumption of alcohol and using tobacco products. 

Skelid is available as tablets that you take by mouth. Make sure to follow the doctor’s prescription in taking Skelid.

Skelid is usually taken only once a day for three months, and then an assessment is performed to determine response.

You have to follow specific instructions in taking Skelid. Skelid is more effective when taken on an empty stomach, so take it 2 hours after eating. Take Skelid with a full glass of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Skelid.

If you have to take antacids, calcium, iron, or other multivitamins, take them 2 hours after taking Skelid. Take other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, 2 hours after taking Skelid. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

It is important not to miss any doses of Skelid for a sustained effect. If you missed a dose of Skelid, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to original dosing.

Do not take two doses of Skelid at once, or increase dose without doctor’s instructions. Doing so can result in overdose. If you overdosed on Skelid, call local poison control hotlines right away.

Store Skelid at room temperature and avoid exposure to heat and light.

Make sure to follow doctor’s instructions in taking Skelid. Do not discontinue taking the drug without doctor’s approval. If your supply of Skelid becomes low, refill your prescription right away.Continue taking Skelid even if you feel fine.

You need to be regularly seen by the doctor when taking Skelid. Make sure to keep up with clinic visits and lab tests.

Skelid may cause drowsiness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery right after taking the drug.

Skelid is known to worsen asthma. If you have asthma, tell it to the doctor.

Do not take any medicine, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter supplements, and supplements/vitamins unless prescribed by the doctor.

Calcium supplements and eating a healthy diet is important for bone health. Make sure to follow doctor’s instructions in diet and taking vitamins when having treatment with Skelid.

Make sure to do regular weight-bearing exercise when taking Skelid, which helps build up strong and healthy bone structure. Ask your doctor regarding good exercise practices.

Skelid may cause problems in the jaw or mouth, especially in patients who are taking the drug for a long time. Certain conditions such as cancer, anemia, problems with blood clotting, infections and use of medicines like anticancer drugs, corticosteroids and, radiation can worsen this risk. Talk to your doctor about having dental work done before and when taking Skelid. If you are going to the dentist, make sure he or she knows you are taking Skelid.

If you became pregnant or do breastfeeding while taking Skelid, call your doctor at once. 

Skelid is known to cause serious side effects that require medical intervention. If you are taking Skelid, call your doctor right away if you experienced any of the following:

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives, skin rash, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat.
• Severe skin reaction symptoms such as redness, peeling or blistering skin
• Passing out black or grossly bloody stools
• Vomiting gross blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Chest pain
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Pain or swellin of the throat
• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• New or worsening heartburn or hyperacidity
• Severe pain or swelling in the muscles or joints
• Swelling of the hands or feet
• Swelling or pain in the jaw
• Changes in vision

Skelid may cause minor side effects, which are not harmful to heath:

• Unusual or abnormal skin sensations
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Nausea
• Stomach upset
• Stuffiness of the nose
• Vomiting