Pamidronate
Precautions
Before using pamidronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or other bisphosphonates (such as alendronate); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recent or planned dental procedures (such as tooth removal), parathyroid/thyroid surgery, kidney problems, dehydration, heart failure.
Some people using pamidronate may have serious jawbone problems. Your doctor should check your mouth before you start this medication. Tell your dentist that you are using this medication before you have any dental work done. To help prevent jawbone problems, have regular dental exams and learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you have jaw pain, tell your doctor and dentist right away.
Before having any surgery (especially dental procedures), tell your doctor and dentist about this medication and all other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Your doctor or dentist may tell you to stop taking pamidronate before your surgery. Ask for specific instructions about stopping or starting this medication.
This drug may rarely make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Pamidronate may stay in your body for many years. You should not become pregnant while using pamidronate. Pamidronate may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for some time after the last dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if pamidronate passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Flu-like symptoms (such as mild fever, chills, tiredness, muscle/joint aches) may occur after treatment. Most of these effects are mild and can last up to 48 hours. Bone pain, redness/swelling/pain at the infusion site, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness or trouble sleeping may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you experience any symptoms of low calcium such as muscle spasms or numbness/tingling (especially around the lips/mouth). Your doctor may ask you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent low blood calcium levels after treatment.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: sores in jaw/mouth, jaw pain, increased or severe bone/joint/muscle pain, new or unusual hip/thigh/groin pain, eye problems (such as redness/itching/swelling or sensitivity to light), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), unusual tiredness/weakness, mental/mood changes (such as irritability or confusion), fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.
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