Home>drugs by ailments>High calcium levels in the blood>pamidronate

Pamidronate

Information about Pamidronate

Pamidronate Uses

Pamidronate is used in the treatment of high calcium levels in the blood.

How Pamidronate works

Pamidronate is a bisphosphonate. It acts by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause the destruction of bone, thereby strengthening the bones and minimizing the risk of fractures.

Common side effects of Pamidronate

Headache, Back pain, Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain, Indigestion, Heartburn, Diarrhea

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Radhika Dua

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

03 Jun 2020 | 05:37 AM (UTC)

We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information

Want to know more

Available Medicine for Pamidronate

Expert advice for Pamidronate

Your doctor has prescribed Pamidronate to make your bones stronger and lower the risk of fractures.
Take it in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything.
Maintain an upright posture for 30 minutes after taking the medication so the medicine does not irritate your food pipe.
It may cause the amount of calcium in your blood to fall. Take calcium-rich food in your diet and have regular blood tests to monitor the level of calcium in your blood.
It is important to look after your mouth and teeth while you are taking this medicine. Have regular dental check-ups and inform your dentist about taking Pamidronate.
It is given by injection into a vein, usually over at least 15 minutes or as directed by your doctor.
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
It can lower the level of calcium in the blood. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements as suggested by your doctor.
You may develop fever or flu like symptoms, such as chills, tiredness and weakness. These are usually temporary and should go away after a few days. You may take a pain reliever/fever reducer to prevent or treat these symptoms.
It may cause a rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Have regular dental check-ups and inform your doctor if you develop sudden pain in your jaw.
Your doctor will monitor your response to Pamidronate by testing your bone mineral density (BMD). This is usually done every 1-3 years.
Do not take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions for Pamidronate

Pamidronate

Q. What does Pamidronate do?

Pamidronate helps in preventing breakdown of the bones. Bone is continuously being broken down and regenerated by special kinds of bone cells by a process called remodelling or turnover. However, conditions like bone stress and bone marrow edema may create pain and imbalance in this daily turnover. Pamidronate acts in the areas with increased bone turnover, decreases this process of breakdown and thereby reduces the pain and discomfort associated with it.

Q. How is Pamidronate administered?

Pamidronate should be administered under the supervision of a doctor or a trained healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It is given as a 1-2 hour infusion by a drip into a vein in your arm. The dose will depend on the condition you are being treated for and will be decided by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Pamidronate.

Q. How often will I be given Pamidronate?

Your dose of Pamidronate will be decided by your doctor depending on your condition. Usually, an individual requires 1-3 doses of Pamidronate.However, the exact dose and its frequency will depend on your illness and how well you respond to the treatment.

Q. Is Pamidronate safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, Pamidronate may not be safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Although Pamidronate does not affect the fertility of women or the sperm count in males, it is best to consult your doctor before taking Pamidronate. In general, avoid Pamidronate if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid any harmful effects on the baby. There is not enough data available to know the exact effect of Pamidronate on the unborn baby or via breast milk. Also, women who are taking Pamidronate are advised to avoid pregnancy after 6 months of completing treatment with Pamidronate.. This is because traces of Pamidronate stays in the bones for long periods of time and may be released during this time which can cause harm to the baby.

Q. Does Pamidronate cause hair loss?

Yes, Pamidronate can cause hair loss, but this is not a common side effect. If you experience hair loss while taking this medication immediately report to your doctor and follow the advice given.

Q. Is Pamidronate safe?

Pamidronate is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

Q. What other lifestyle changes should I make?

To get maximum benefit from Pamidronate, there are certain lifestyle changes that you must adhere to. Include some calcium or Vitamin D rich foods for bone strength. Try to spend more time in sunlight to get natural vitamin D. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption as they may harm your bones. You can take up an exercise regime such as walking and low-impact aerobics as they are good for your bones. Similarly, you can try strength-training exercises where you use your own body weight which in turn improve bone health.