Aredia (Pamidronate Disodium) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 24, 2012

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Osteoporosis facts

Osteoporosis is a condition of increased susceptibility to fracture due to fragile bone.
Osteoporosis weakens bone and increases risk of bone fracture.
Bone mass (bone density) decreases after 35 years of age and decreases more rapidly in women after menopause.
Key risk factors for osteoporosis include genetics, lack of exercise, lack of calcium and vitamin D, personal history of fracture as an adult, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, history of rheumatoid arthritis, low body weight, and family history of osteoporosis.
Patients with osteoporosis have no symptoms until bone fractures occur.
The diagnosis of osteoporosis can be suggested by X-rays and confirmed by tests to measure bone density.
Treatments for osteoporosis, in addition to prescription osteoporosis medications, include stopping use of alcohol and cigarettes, and assur...

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Aredia Patient Information including How Should I Take

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pamidronate or to other bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), risedronate (Actonel), tiludronate (Skelid), or zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use pamidronate:

kidney disease;
a history of thyroid surgery; or
if you are also taking thalidomide to treat bone marrow cancer.

FDA pregnancy category D. Pamidronate can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use pamidronate without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether pamidronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Some people using medicines similar to pamidronate have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums.

You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and dental surgery or pre-existing dental problems.

How is pamidronate given (Aredia)?

Before you receive pamidronate, your blood may need to be tested. You may also need additional blood tests on a regular basis during the first 2 weeks of treatment. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Pamidronate is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up from 2 to 24 hours to complete.

Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

Pamidronate is sometimes given as a single dose only one time. It may also be repeated over 3 days in a row, or given once every 3 to 4 weeks. How often you receive this medication and the length of your infusion time will depend on the condition being treated. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may need to mix pamidronate with a liquid (diluent) in an IV bag before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication. Never mix pamidronate with a solution that contains calcium (such as lactated Ringer's solution) or with other drugs in the same IV bag or line.

After mixing pamidronate with a diluent, you may store the mixture in the refrigerator and use it within 24 hours. Do not freeze. Do not use the mixed medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

If you do not have hypercalcemia, your doctor may want you to take calcium or vitamin D supplements by mouth while you are using pamidronate. Do not take any vitamin or mineral supplements that your doctor has not prescribed.

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