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Skelid and Breastfeeding

According to the manufacturer of Skelid, breastfeeding women should use caution while taking the drug. Since Skelid is incorporated into bone and is slowly released over time, it may potentially affect growing bones if it passes through breast milk. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about Skelid and breastfeeding to weigh the benefits and possible risks in your particular situation.

 

Skelid and Breastfeeding: An Overview

At this time, it is unknown if Skelid® (tiludronate disodium) passes through breast milk in humans. The manufacturer of Skelid recommends that it be used cautiously in breastfeeding women. This means that you and your healthcare provider should weigh the potential risks and benefits and that you and your infant should be monitored closely if you decide to take Skelid. If you are breastfeeding or are thinking about breastfeeding, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking Skelid.
 

Skelid and Breastfeeding: What Does the Research Say?

No studies have been done to see if Skelid passes through breast milk. If your healthcare provider recommends taking Skelid while breastfeeding, be sure to watch for any side effects in your child. Skelid is incorporated into bone and is slowly released over time. It is not known how Skelid might affect growing bones (if, in fact, it does pass through breast milk). Therefore, many healthcare providers do not recommend that women breastfeed while taking Skelid.
 
You may wonder why no studies have been done to see if Skelid is safe to use during breastfeeding. Such studies are usually considered to be unethical, for several reasons. Importantly, the breastfeeding child cannot consent to the study. Also, the child would be exposed to unknown risks, without the possibility of directly experiencing any benefit from the medication. Most of the information known about using medications during breastfeeding is gathered from experience in women who choose to take the medications (outside of clinical studies).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;