Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Aredia (Pamidronate-disodium).
Atypical femur fracture: There is evidence that long term use of this class of medication may contribute to a type of rare fracture of the long bone in the thigh (femur).
If you experience new or unusual pain in the groin, hip, or thigh area, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Bone, joint, and muscle problems: On rare occasions, people taking Aredia (Pamidronate-disodium) experience severe bone, joint, or muscle pain. This is usually reversed when the medication is stopped.
Deterioration of the jawbone: People with cancer treated with pamidronate (or other bisphosphonates) may rarely develop osteonecrosis of the jaw (deterioration of the jaw bone). If you experience any pain, swelling, or infection of the jaw, report this to your doctor. Before starting treatment with pamidronate, your doctor may recommend that you see a dentist for an examination and any necessary dental treatment. While receiving pamidronate, people should avoid invasive dental procedures such as tooth extractions.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Pamidronate may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid driving, operating potentially dangerous machinery, or participating in other activities that may be hazardous until you know how Aredia (Pamidronate-disodium) affects you.
Heart disease: Treatment with pamidronate usually requires intravenous fluids to be given before the medication, to ensure that your kidneys will be able to effectively remove the medication from the body. This extra fluid may cause extra work for the heart to move the blood through the body, leading to symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling in the ankles, legs, or hands, or chest pain while receiving the fluids or medication, let your doctor know immediately.
Some people experience an irregular heartbeat with the use of pamidronate. If you experience a rapid, pounding heart beat, dizziness or fainting, or difficulty breathing while receiving Aredia (Pamidronate-disodium), let your doctor know right away.
If you have any type of heart condition, including high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Aredia (Pamidronate-disodium) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney problems: Decreased kidney function and Kidney Disease may cause pamidronate to build up in the body, leading to side effects. If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Aredia (Pamidronate-disodium) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Aredia (Pamidronate-disodium), and whether any special monitoring is needed. You doctor will monitor your kidney function during and after intravenous infusions of pamidronate.
Pamidronate may also cause decreased kidney function. If you experience symptoms of decreased kidney function, such as change of urine colour, decreased urine production, swelling, fatigue, or abdominal pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Low calcium levels: Pamidronate may cause low calcium levels. You will need to have regular blood tests while taking pamidronate to monitor your calcium levels. Your doctor may recommend taking calcium and vitamin D supplements while you are being treated with pamidronate, to ensure there is enough calcium in your blood.
Pregnancy: Aredia (Pamidronate-disodium) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Aredia (Pamidronate-disodium), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if pamidronate passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Aredia (Pamidronate-disodium), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Aredia (Pamidronate-disodium) have not been established for children.
