Tiludronate

Tiludronate is used to treat Paget's disease of bone (a condition in which the bones are soft and weak and may be deformed, painful, or easily broken). Tiludronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness).

Tiludronate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken on an empty stomach once a day for three months. This treatment may be repeated if symptoms come back or worsen after some time has passed. Take tiludronate at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tiludronate exactly as directed. Do not take it more or less often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor. Take tiludronate with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces [180 to 240 milliliters]) of plain water. Do not take tiludronate with any other liquid, including mineral water. Do not eat or drink for 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take tiludronate. Tiludronate controls Paget's disease of bone only when it is taken as prescribed. Do not stop taking tiludronate without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Tiludronate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
nausea</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
gas</li>
<li>
swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs</li>
<li>
red or irritated eyes</li>
<li>
rash</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
new or worsening heartburn</li>
<li>
difficulty swallowing</li>
<li>
pain on swallowing</li>
<li>
chest pain</li></ul>Tiludronate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking tiludronate.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking tiludronate, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tiludronate, or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: chemotherapy medications for cancer and oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone). if you are taking aspirin, indomethacin (Indocin), or calcium or mineral supplements, take them 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take tiludronate. If you are taking antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum (Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, others), take them at least 2 hours after you take tiludronate. tell your doctor if you are undergoing radiation therapy and if you have or have ever had difficulty swallowing; heartburn, ulcers, or other problems with your stomach or esophagus (tube connecting the mouth to the stomach); anemia (condition in which the red blood cells do not bring enough oxygen to all the parts of the body); cancer; any type of infection, especially in your mouth; problems with your mouth, teeth, or gums; any condition that stops your blood from clotting normally;or dental or kidney disease. you should know that tiludronate may cause serious problems with your jaw, especially if you have dental surgery or treatment while you are taking the medication.A dentist should examine your teeth and perform any needed treatments before you start to take tiludronate. Be sure to brush your teeth and clean your mouth properly while you are taking tiludronate. Talk to your doctor before having any dental treatments while you are taking this medication. you should know that tiludronate may cause severe bone, muscle, or joint pain. You may begin to feel this pain within days, months, or years after you first take tiludronate. Although this type of pain may begin after you have taken tiludronate for some time, it is important for you and your doctor to realize that it may be caused by tiludronate. Call your doctor right away if you experience severe pain at any time during your treatment with tiludronate. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking tiludronate and your pain may go away after you stop taking the medication.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.