Case Evaluation

Aredia: Introduction to Aredia

Aredia

Generic Name: Pamidronate (pam-ih-DROE-nate)

Brand Name: Aredia

Aredia is used for: Treating high calcium levels in the blood due to cancer. It is also used to treat Paget disease of the bone and bone tumors caused by certain cancers. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Aredia is a bisphosphonate. It works by reducing normal and abnormal bone loss, which helps to maintain bone strength. This also helps to reduce the amount of calcium in the blood in situations in which the levels of blood calcium may be too high.

You should not use Aredia if you are allergic to any ingredient in Aredia or to other bisphosphonates (eg, alendronate)

Before using Aredia :

  • Some medical conditions may interact with Aredia . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
  • if you have allergies to medicines,foods, or other substances
  • if you have stomach or bowel problems, low calcium blood levels, blood problems (eg, anemia, low blood platelet levels, low white blood cell counts), kidney problems, or dental problems
  • if you are using chemotherapy or radiation

How to use Aredia :

Use Aredia as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Aredia is usually administered as an infusion at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Aredia at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.

If Aredia contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it. Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal. If you miss a dose of Aredia , contact your doctor immediately. Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Aredia .

Important safety information:

Aredia may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Aredia . Using Aredia alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Aredia may cause jaw bone problems in some patients, especially those who have cancer, are using certain medicines (such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids), or have poor dental hygiene. These problems have been often associated with dental procedures. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate dental examination before you begin treatment with Aredia.

Certain dental procedures should be avoided if possible while you are using Aredia. Lab tests, including kidney function tests, complete blood cell count, and calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and potassium blood levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. Use Aredia with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:

Do not use Aredia if you are pregnant. Aredia may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking Aredia . If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Aredia during pregnancy. It is unknown if Aredia is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Aredia , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Aredia : All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

  • Back pain;
  • constipation;
  • coughing;
  • dizziness;
  • drowsiness;
  • headache;
  • increased sweating;
  • indigestion;
  • loss of appetite;
  • mild bone, joint, or muscle pain;
  • mild fever for 24 to 48 hours;
  • nausea;
  • stomach pain;
  • stuffy or runny nose;
  • trouble sleeping;
  • unusual tiredness;
  • vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

  • Severe allergic reactions (rash);
  • hives;
  • itching;
  • difficulty breathing;
  • tightness in the chest;
  • swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
  • abnormal skin sensations;
  • decreased urination;
  • fainting;
  • fast or irregular heartbeat;
  • frequent or painful urination;
  • jaw pain or swelling;
  • muscle cramps or spasms;
  • pain, swelling, or redness at injection site;
  • persistent or high fever;
  • seizures;
  • severe or prolonged bone, joint, or muscle pain;
  • shortness of breath;
  • unusual weakness;
  • vision changes;
  • white patches in the mouth.

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