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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
In Canada--
Another commonly used name is APD .
Pamidronate (pa-mi-DROE-nate) is used to treat hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) that may occur with some types of cancer. It is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone and to treat bone metastases (spread of cancer).
This medicine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of receiving the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For pamidronate, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to pamidronate or etidronate. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy--Studies have not been done in humans. However, studies in rats given higher doses of oral pamidronate have shown that the medicine may decrease fertility, increase the length of pregnancy, and cause death of the baby rat.
Breast-feeding--It is not known if pamidronate passes into breast milk.
Children--Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of pamidronate in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults--When pamidronate is given along with a large amount of fluids, older people tend to retain (keep) the excess fluid.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving pamidronate, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of pamidronate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Dosing--The dose of pamidronate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders . The following information includes only the average doses of pamidronate.
It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits after you have received pamidronate. If your condition has improved, your progress must still be checked. The results of laboratory tests or the occurrence of certain symptoms will tell your doctor if your condition is coming back and a second treatment is needed.
For patients using this medicine for hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) :
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Abdominal cramps; chills; confusion; fever; muscle spasms; sore throat
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Note: |
Abdominal cramps, confusion, and muscle spasms are less common when pamidronate is given in doses of 60 mg or less. |
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common--at higher doses
Nausea; pain and swelling at place of injection
Less common
Muscle stiffness
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 06/02/93
Revised: 08/18/97
Interim revision:
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