Pamidronate
Information about Pamidronate
Pamidronate uses
Pamidronate is used in the treatment of high calcium levels in the blood.
How pamidronate works
Pamidronate is a bisphosphonate. It acts by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause the destruction of bone, thereby strengthening the bones and minimizing the risk of fractures.
Common side effects of pamidronate
Headache, Diarrhea, Low blood platelets, Joint pain, Muscle pain, Vomiting, Conjunctivitis, Nausea, Decreased potassium level in blood, Abdominal pain, Loss of appetite, Decreased phosphate level in blood, Decreased calcium level in blood, Fever, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Atrial fibrillation, Decreased magnesium level in blood, High blood pressure, Bone pain, Constipation, Flu-like symptoms, Tiredness, Lymphocytopenia, Granulocytopenia, Sleep disturbance, Skin rash, Generalized pain, Hydronephrosis, Infusion site reaction, Agitation, Muscle cramp, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Itching, Abnormal liver function tests, Increased urea nitrogen level in blood, Osteonecrosis of the jaw, Uveitis, Seizure, Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, Allergic reaction, Acute renal failure, Protein in urine, Anaphylactic reaction, Blood in urine, Reactivation of herpes simplex and herpes zoster infection, Increased sodium level in blood, Increased potassium level in blood, Confusion, Hallucination
Available Medicine for Pamidronate
Expert advice for Pamidronate
- Your doctor has prescribed Pamidronate to make your bones stronger and lower the risk of fractures.
- Take it in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything.
- Maintain an upright posture for 30 minutes after taking the medication so the medicine does not irritate your food pipe.
- It may cause the amount of calcium in your blood to fall. Take calcium-rich food in your diet and have regular blood tests to monitor the level of calcium in your blood.
- It is important to look after your mouth and teeth while you are taking this medicine. Have regular dental check-ups and inform your dentist about taking Pamidronate.
- It is given by injection into a vein, usually over at least 15 minutes or as directed by your doctor.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
- It can lower the level of calcium in the blood. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements as suggested by your doctor.
- You may develop fever or flu like symptoms, such as chills, tiredness and weakness. These are usually temporary and should go away after a few days. You may take a pain reliever/fever reducer to prevent or treat these symptoms.
- It may cause a rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Have regular dental check-ups and inform your doctor if you develop sudden pain in your jaw.
- Your doctor will monitor your response to Pamidronate by testing your bone mineral density (BMD). This is usually done every 1-3 years.
- Do not take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Pamidronate
Pamidronate
Q. What does Pamidronate do?
Pamidronate helps in preventing breakdown of the bones. Bone is continuously being broken down and regenerated by special kinds of bone cells by a process called remodelling or turnover. However, conditions like bone stress and bone marrow edema may create pain and imbalance in this daily turnover. Pamidronate acts in the areas with increased bone turnover, decreases this process of breakdown and thereby reduces the pain and discomfort associated with it.
Q. How is Pamidronate administered?
Pamidronate should be administered under the supervision of a doctor or a trained healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It is given as a 1-2 hour infusion by a drip into a vein in your arm. The dose will depend on the condition you are being treated for and will be decided by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Pamidronate.
Q. How often will I be given Pamidronate?
Your dose of Pamidronate will be decided by your doctor depending on your condition. Usually, an individual requires 1-3 doses of Pamidronate.However, the exact dose and its frequency will depend on your illness and how well you respond to the treatment.