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Skelid

Skelid is a prescription drug that is used for the treatment of Paget's disease. It works by slowing the breakdown of bone, which can help the body build bone normally. Skelid comes in the form of a tablet that is generally taken every day for three months. Although most people tolerate Skelid well, potential side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion or heartburn.

 

What Is Skelid?

Skelid® (tiludronate disodium) is a prescription medication approved to treat Paget's disease of bone.
 
(Click Skelid Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Skelid?

Skelid is made by sanofi-aventis.
 

How Does Skelid Work?

Skelid belongs to a group of medications known as bisphosphonates. The drug binds to certain cells in bones and slows the breakdown of bone. Normally, bone is continuously being broken down and rebuilt. Paget's disease of the bone is a condition involving rapid breakdown of bone combined with abnormal reformation of bone. The abnormally reformed bone is weaker than normal. Bisphosphonates, such as Skelid, can help slow the breakdown of bone and can help the body build bone more normally.
 

Effects of Skelid

One way to assess the severity of Paget's disease is by measuring the level of alkaline phosphate in the blood. In studies, Skelid was shown to decrease alkaline phosphate levels, which indicates that it helps to improve Paget's disease. Studies compared three months of Skelid use with six months of Didronel® (etidronate) use, a similar medication used to treat Paget's disease. On average, Skelid lowered alkaline phosphate levels significantly more than Skelid, even though it is taken for half as long.
 
(Skelid Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;