Pamidronate Intravenous

In the U.S.

• Aredia

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution
• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Calcium Regulator

Chemical Class: Bisphosphonate

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits after you have received pamidronate injection. If your condition has improved, your progress must still be checked. The results of laboratory tests or the occurrence of certain symptoms will tell your doctor if your condition is coming back and a second treatment is needed.

Using pamidronate 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.

For patients using pamidronate for hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood):

• Your doctor may want you to follow a low-calcium diet. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Your doctor will need to know if you have a history of problems with your mouth or teeth (e.g., gum disease). Make sure your doctor knows if you have been treated with a bisphosphonate medicine, such as alendronate (Fosamax®), etidronate (Didronel®), pamidronate (Aredia®), risedronate (Actonel®), or tiludronate (Skelid®) in the past.

You may need to have a dental exam before you start using pamidronate.

It is important that you check with your doctor before having any dental procedures or surgeries done while you are receiving pamidronate. Tell your doctor right away if you have jaw tightness, swelling, numbing, or pain or a loose tooth. This could be symptoms of a severe problem of your jaw.

Make sure you tell your doctor about any new medical problems, especially with your teeth or jaws. Tell your doctor right away if you have severe bone, joint, or muscle pain after receiving pamidronate.

pamidronate may increase your risk of developing fractures of the thigh bone. This may be more common if you use it for a long time. Check with your doctor right away if you have a dull or aching pain in the thighs, groin, or hips.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

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 Pamidronate DISODIUM Vial

This medication is given by slow injection into a vein for at least 2 hours, but up to 24 hours, or as directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, laboratory tests, and response to treatment. Your doctor will order blood tests to check your kidney function prior to each treatment with this medication. The usual maximum adult dose of this medication is 90 milligrams for a single dose.

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.

If you are being treated for a high blood calcium level, you may receive only a single dose of pamidronate. If you are being treated for cancer-related bone problems, you may receive a dose every 3 to 4 weeks. If you are being treated for Paget's disease, you may receive treatment daily for 3 days. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

During treatment with this medication, it is important that you take in plenty of fluids and pass urine frequently 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.

It may take up to 7 days before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

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, severe loss of body water (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 medication may cause severe kidney problems. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. To help prevent harm to your kidneys, drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. (See also How to Use section.)

This drug may rarely make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana 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.

Caution is advised if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may stay in your body for several years and may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for information on reliable forms of birth control.

It is unknown if pamidronate passes into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.

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. 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

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium blood levels, complete blood count, albumin, kidney function tests such as serum creatinine) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

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.Information last revised July 2017. Copyright(c) 2017 First Databank, Inc.