Pamidronic acid is used to treat bone diseases that occur together with certain types of cancers.
Pamidronic acid is also used to treat Paget's disease (a painful bone condition which can cause abnormal bone growth and deformity), helping regulate the growth of bone in patients with this disease.
Pamidronic acid is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. The injection is usually given slowly over many hours via a drip. It may be given just once only, or it may be given everyday for a few days. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to be given Pamidronic acid injection.
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
If you miss a dose of your injection, arrange to have it administered as soon as possible.
If you often miss your scheduled injection, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Pamidronic acid.
Do not use this medicine if you are taking other similar medicines such as clodronate, alendronate, risedronate or zoledronate.
Inform your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease
- heart disease
- thyroid disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
If you are going for an operation, including minor operations and dental work, always inform your doctor, surgeon or dentist that you are being treated with Pamidronic acid injection.
This medicine may cause your jaw bones to weaken. You may experience dental problems such as jaw pain, loose or shaky teeth. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene while being treated with Pamidronic acid. Your doctor may recommend that you have a dental check-up before starting you on this medicine. Inform your doctor and dentist if you:
- develop a tooth infection
- develop pain, numbness or discomfort in your teeth or gums
- have a tooth extraction
For as long as you are using Pamidronic acid, you will need to have regular blood and urine tests to monitor your calcium levels, blood counts and kidney function. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Ensure that you take enough calcium and vitamin D while being treated with Pamidronic acid. Your doctor will advise you about how much of these supplements to take.
Pamidronic acid may also cause dizziness. If you are affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause the any of the following side effects: pain, redness, irritation and discomfort at the injection site. It can also cause joint or muscle pain, high blood pressure, weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, constipation, flu-like symptoms, headache, difficulty sleeping, urinary tract infection, breathlessness and tingling in the hands and feet.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use this medicine if you are taking other similar medicines such as clodronate, alendronate, risedronate or zoledronate.
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following any of these medicines:
- medicines for treating cancer e.g. thalidomide
- NSAIDs (medicine for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin
- aminoglycosides (a group of antibiotics)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Pamidronic acid injection.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place below 30 °C. Keep away from the reach of children.
Store the injection in its original carton and protect from light. Light may cause the medication to lose some of its effectiveness. If the injection changes colour, do not use it.
Once diluted, the injection must be used within 24 hours. Throw away any diluted solution that is not used within 24 hours.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.