Pamidronate (Injection)

Pamidronate (pa-mi-DROE-nate)

Treats cancer-related hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood). Also treats Paget's disease and complications caused by breast cancer or multiple myeloma spreading to the bones.This medicine is a bisphosphonate.

Brand Name(s):

Aredia
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 (Fosamax®), etidronate (Didronel®), risedronate (Actonel™), or tiludronate (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.
• This medicine is given slowly, so the needle may remain in place from 2 to 24 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:

• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. After the powder medicine has been mixed with a liquid for injection, you may keep the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• 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.

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, or if you have kidney disease, anemia (low iron) or other blood problems, or a seizure disorder (such as epilepsy).
• 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
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Seizures, muscle stiffness
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, rapid weight gain
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

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

• Bone, muscle, or joint pain
• Coughing, breathlessness
• Dizziness, headache, increased sweating
• Eye pain or changes in vision
• Mild fever, tiredness
• Nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, constipation, vomiting
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Redness, swelling, pain or a hard lump where the needle is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.