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Skelid and Pregnancy
In animal studies on Skelid and pregnancy, the medication increased the risk of scoliosis, low fetal weight, miscarriages, and paw malformations when it was given to pregnant rabbits and mice. In some animals, the drug also caused prolonged labor and delivery. Due to these potential risks, let your healthcare provider know immediately if you are taking Skelid and pregnancy occurs.
Skelid® (tiludronate disodium) is a prescription medication used for the treatment Paget's disease of bone. It may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not known at this time. Animal studies have suggested that Skelid may cause problems when used during pregnancy.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.
When given to pregnant rabbits, Skelid increased the risk of scoliosis (curvature of the spine). When given to pregnant mice, the drug increased the risk of miscarriages, low fetal weight, and paw malformations. In some animals, Skelid caused prolonged labor and delivery (sometimes resulting in maternal death).
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Skelid, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of taking Skelid during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD