Aredia or Pamidronate
Aredia or Pamidronate is used to treat Paget's disease, hypercalcemia (too much calcium
in the blood) associated with malignancy, and osteolytic lesions and bone metastases.
Aredia or Pamidronate helps prevent bone breakdown.
The drug will be added to an intravenous fluid that will drip through a needle or
catheter into your vein. You will receive your dose of Aredia or Pamidronate as an
infusion that may last several hours or all day. Your health care provider (doctor, nurse,
or pharmacist) may measure the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using
laboratory tests and physical examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with
your doctor. The length of treatment depends on how you respond to the medication.
Precautions concerning Aredia or Pamidronate
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Aredia or Pamidronate, etidronate
(Didronel), alendronate (Fosamax), tiludronate (Skelid), risedronate (Actonel), or any
other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you
are taking, especially antacids, calcium supplements, and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had anemia, gastrointestinal problems,
hypocalcemia, kidney disease, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking Aredia or Pamidronate, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you
are taking Aredia or Pamidronate.
- You should make sure your diet contains enough calcium and vitamins. You should discuss
this with your health care provider.
side effects of Aredia or Pamidronate
Although side effects from Aredia or Pamidronate are not common, they can occur. Tell
your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- loss of appetite
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- fever
- constipation
- muscle weakness
- swelling of ankles
- dizziness
- headache
- bone pain
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your health care provider
immediately:
- seizures
- eye pain
- irregular heartbeat
- very stiff muscles
Signs of infection
If you are receiving Aredia or Pamidronate in your vein or under your skin, you need to
know the symptoms of a catheter-related infection (an infection where the needle enters
your vein or skin). If you experience any of these effects near your intravenous catheter,
tell your health care provider as soon as possible:
- tenderness
- warmth
- irritation
- drainage
- redness
- swelling
- pain
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