Uses
Pamidronate is used to treat high blood calcium levels and certain bone problems (bone metastases/lesions) that may occur with some types of cancer. It is also used to treat a certain type of bone disease (Paget's disease) that causes abnormal and weak bones.
Pamidronate belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. It works by slowing the release of calcium from bones to lower blood calcium levels, reducing the risk of broken bones (fractures) and reducing bone pain.
How To Use
This medication is given by slow injection into a vein as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
During treatment with this medication, it is important that you take in plenty of fluids and pass urine often to help avoid kidney problems. Intravenous fluids are usually given with this medication. Ask your doctor how much fluid you should drink, and follow these instructions carefully.
Side Effects
Flu-like symptoms (such as mild fever, chills, tiredness, muscle/joint aches) may occur after treatment. Most of these effects are mild and can last up to 48 hours. Bone pain, redness/swelling/pain at the infusion site, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness or trouble sleeping may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you experience any symptoms of low calcium such as muscle spasms or numbness/tingling (especially around the lips/mouth). Your doctor may ask you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent low blood calcium levels after treatment.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- sores in jaw/mouth
- jaw pain
- increased or severe bone/joint/muscle pain
- new or unusual hip/thigh/groin pain
- eye problems (such as redness/itching/swelling or sensitivity to light)
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
- unusual tiredness/weakness
- mental/mood changes (such as irritability or confusion)
- fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using pamidronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or other bisphosphonates (such as alendronate); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- recent or planned dental procedures (such as tooth removal)
- parathyroid/thyroid surgery
- kidney problems
- dehydration
- heart failure
Some people using pamidronate may have serious jawbone problems. Your doctor should check your mouth before you start this medication. Tell your dentist that you are using this medication before you have any dental work done. To help prevent jawbone problems, have regular dental exams and learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you have jaw pain, tell your doctor and dentist right away.
Before having any surgery (especially dental procedures), tell your doctor and dentist about this medication and all other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Your doctor or dentist may tell you to stop taking pamidronate before your surgery. Ask for specific instructions about stopping or starting this medication.
This drug may rarely make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Pamidronate may stay in your body for many years. You should not become pregnant while using pamidronate. Pamidronate may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for some time after the last dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if pamidronate passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- other bisphosphonates (such as alendronate)
- other medications which may affect the kidneys (including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen)
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: muscle spasms or numbness/tingling (especially around the lips/mouth).
Notes
Lab and/or medical tests (such as calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium blood levels, complete blood count, albumin, kidney function) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
