pamidronate Health Article

Generic name(s):

pamidronate

Brand name(s):

Aredia

What is the most important information I should know about pamidronate?

Do not use pamidronate without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to pamidronate or another similar medication such as alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), risedronate (Actonel), tiludronate (Skelid), or zoledronic acid (Zometa).

A dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry should be considered before starting treatment with pamidronate. This is especially important if you:

• have poor dental health;

• have cancer;

• are receiving chemotherapy; or

• are taking corticosteroids.

What is pamidronate?

Pamidronate is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. Pamidronate reduces breakdown of the bones.

Pamidronate is used in the treatment of Paget's disease of bone; to reduce high levels of calcium in the blood associated with malignancy (cancer); and to reduce the breakdown of bone due to metastases of breast cancer or multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the blood).

Pamidronate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using pamidronate?

Do not use pamidronate without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to pamidronate or another similar medication such as alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), risedronate (Actonel), tiludronate (Skelid), or zoledronic acid (Zometa). Before using pamidronate, talk to your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may not be able to use pamidronate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

A dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry should be considered before starting treatment with pamidronate. This is especially important if you:

• have poor dental health;

• have cancer;

• are receiving chemotherapy; or

• are taking corticosteroids.

Pamidronate is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use pamidronate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether pamidronate passes into breast milk. Do not use pamidronate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use pamidronate?

A healthcare professional will administer pamidronate by injection into a vein (intravenous infusion).

If you are using pamidronate at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions regarding preparation, administration, and storage of the medication.

Your doctor may want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with pamidronate to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store pamidronate as directed by the manufacturer.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of pamidronate.

What happens if I overdose?

If an overdose of pamidronate is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

The symptoms of a pamidronate overdose may include fever and low blood pressure.

What should I avoid while using pamidronate?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while using pamidronate unless otherwise directed by your doctor.