AREDIA(Pamidronate Disodium)
Warning: Renal toxicity has been associated with Aredia and other
bisphosphonates. This manifests as deterioration of renal function that can possible lead to kidney failure. The
drug may also cause fetal harm when given to pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to
avoid becoming pregnant if they are taking this medication.
Indications:
Aredia is used to treat
high blood calcium levels. It has also been used to treat certain
bone problems associated with certain types of cancer. It can also
be used in treating Paget’s disease, a medical condition that causes abnormal and weak bones. The medication is used to treat multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow)
and cancer that has spread to bone from other tumors (metastatic breast cancer for example).
Aredia
belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. It works by
slowing the release of calcium from the bones into blood stream, lowering the blood calcium
levels. This helps to reduce the risk of broken bones and
factures in addition to reducing bone pain.
Dosage:
Aredia is administered through an
IV into a vein for anywhere from 2 to 24 hours. The dosage can
vary based on your medical condition and lab tests. Your doctor
is likely to order blood tests to check your kidney function before each treatment with this
drug. The usual adult maximum single dose is 90mg. You may receive only a single dose if you are being treated for high blood
calcium. For cancer related bone problems, you may receive a
dose every three to four weeks. And for Paget’s disease the
treatment could be daily for three days.
When
taking this medication it is very important that you drink plenty of fluids and pass urine
frequently. This will help avoid kidney problems. Usually fluids are given intravenously along with the
medication. As it may take up to seven days before the full
benefits take effect, talk to your doctor about how much fluid you should be drinking. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Overdose: Overdosing
aredia can cause serious
health problems which can manifests by the
following symptoms:
Contraindication:
The medication is also contraindicated during pregnancy or
breastfeeding. See your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during the treatment; Aredia can cause serious
problems to the fetus. The drug is contraindicated in patients allergic to any ingredients in
Aredia. Tell your health care provider if you are allergic to:
Before
being treated with Aredia, tell your doctor if you have or had a history of thyroid surgery, seizures,
liver or kidney disease, thyroid surgery or dental surgery.
These factors may obligate him to prescribe another drug or change the way you should use the drug.
Interactions:
Make sure your doctor and/or pharmacist have a complete list of all the
medication you are taking. This should include both by
prescription and over the counter. Some products, but not all,
that may interact with this are other medications that affect the kidneys such as ibuprofen or naproxen; and
other bisphosphonates, such as alendronate
Side
effects: Aredia is
associated with side effects which can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. Most common
mild side effects of the medication include:
coughing;
constipation;
diarhea; nausea and
vomiting; heartburn;
difficulty sleeping; abdominal
or stomach pain; bone
pain; dizziness;
indigestion; loss of appetite; swelling
of your hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs; difficulty
or painful urination; fatigue or general weakness; and Pain,
redness, or swelling at the injection site.
In rare
cases, Aredia can cause serious side effects which require immediate medical attention. See your a health care
provider immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:
-
shortness
of breath
-
eye
pain or tearing
-
-
faiting
-
vomiting blood
-
jaw numbness
and pain
-
painful
or swollen gums
-
loosening
of the teeth
-
bloody
or black and tarry stools
-
sudden
tightening of muscles
-
Numbness
or tingling around your mouth or cheeks.
References:
1 - santecheznous.com, Aredia
2 - nlm.nih.gov
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