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Brand Names: Aredia

Generic Name: pamidronate (Pronunciation: PAM i DROE nate)

• What is pamidronate (Aredia)?
• What are the possible side effects of pamidronate (Aredia)?
• What is the most important information I should know about pamidronate (Aredia)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using pamidronate (Aredia)?
• How is pamidronate given (Aredia)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Aredia)?
• What happens if I overdose (Aredia)?
• What should I avoid while using pamidronate (Aredia)?
• What other drugs will affect pamidronate (Aredia)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is pamidronate (Aredia)?

Pamidronate is in a group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body.

Pamidronate is used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood related to cancer (also called hypercalcemia of malignancy). Pamidronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone.

Pamidronate is used to treat bone damage caused by certain types of cancer such as breast cancer or bone marrow cancer. Pamidronate does not treat cancer. Use all other medications your doctor has prescribed for those conditions.

Pamidronate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of pamidronate (Aredia)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever;
• severe joint, bone, or muscle pain;
• jaw pain, numbness, or swelling;
• painful or difficult urination;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, flu symptoms;
• seizure (convulsions);
• eye pain, vision changes, increased sensitivity to light; or
• uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild heartburn or stomach upset, loss of appetite;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, constipation;
• runny or stuffy nose, cough;
• increased sweating;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• pain, redness, swelling or a hard painful lump under your skin around the IV needle;
• dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tired feeling;
• mild joint or back pain; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about 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).

Before using pamidronate, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a history of thyroid surgery, or if you are also taking thalidomide to treat bone marrow cancer.

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.

Some people using medicines similar to pamidronate have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums.

Pamidronate can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when pamidronate is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys. Before taking pamidronate, tell your doctor about all other medications you use. Many drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can be harmful to the kidneys.

Serious side effects of pamidronate include fever, severe bone pain, severe joint or muscle pain, urinating less than usual or not at all, swelling, rapid weight gain, eye pain, vision changes, confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, muscle weakness or limp feeling, and fainting or seizure.