Pamidronate (Injection)

Introduction:

Pamidronate (pam-i-DROE-nate)

Treats cancer-related hypercalcemia (too much calcium in your blood), and complications caused by breast cancer or multiple myeloma spreading to your bones. Aredia® also treats Paget's disease.

Brand Name(s):

OTN Pamidronate Disodium, NovaPlus Pamidronate Disodium, Aredia, Pamidronate Disodium Novaplus, NOVAPLUS Pamidronate Disodium

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to pamidronate or other bisphosphonates such as alendronate, etidronate, risedronate, tiludronate, Actonel®, Didronel®, Fosamax®, or Skelid®. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
  • You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Using more medicine than the doctor prescribes, or giving the medicine too quickly, may damage your kidneys.
  • This medicine is given slowly, so the needle may remain in place from 2 to 4 hours. Your doctor will tell you the number of treatments you will need and the length of time between treatments.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose, call your doctor or home health caregiver for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. After the medicine has been mixed with a liquid for injection, you may keep the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let the mixture reach room temperature before you use it.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Tell your doctor if you are using a steroid medicine such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Medrol®. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a diuretic ("water pill") such as furosemide, torsemide, Demadex®, or Lasix®.
  • Tell your doctor if you are using a medicine to treat an infection (antibiotics) such as amikacin, gentamicin, streptomycin, Amikin®, or Garamycin®. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using thalidomide (Thalomid®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, asthma, seizures, or problems with your blood (such as anemia). Your doctor will need to know if you have a history of problems with your mouth or teeth (such as gum disease). Make sure your doctor knows if you have been treated with a bisphosphonate medicine in the past.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You should avoid having major dental work done while you are being treated with this medicine.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Burning or pain with urination, blood in your urine.
  • Confusion, memory problems, and muscle aches, stiffness, or tingling (especially in your lips, tongue, fingers, or feet).
  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.
  • Pain, redness, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
  • Pain or other problems with your teeth or jaw.
  • Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.
  • Skin rash.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Coughing, wheezing, or breathlessness.
  • Dizziness, headache, or sweating more than usual.
  • Eye pain or swelling, or changes in vision.
  • Mild bone, muscle, or joint pain.
  • Mild fever, chills, or unusual tiredness.
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
  • Stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea.
  • Swelling in your mouth.
  • Unexpected weight loss.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com