Details

Pamidronate is in a group of medicines called bisphosphonates. It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Pamidronate is used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood related to cancer (also called hypocalcaemia of malignancy). Pamidronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone. Pamidronate is used to treat bone damage caused by certain types of cancer such as breast cancer or bone marrow cancer. Pamidronate does not treat cancer. Before using pamidronate, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a history of thyroid surgery, or low levels of platelets or red blood cells. Pamidronate can harm your kidneys, and this effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines harmful to the kidneys. Some people using medicines similar to pamidronate have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Pamidronate should not be used in pregnancy.

Typical Uses

Pamidronate is used to treat high blood calcium levels and certain bone problems (bone metastases/lesions) that may occur with some types of cancer. It is also used to treat a certain type of bone disease (Paget's disease) that causes abnormal and weak bones. Pamidronate belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. It works by slowing the release of calcium from bones to lower blood calcium levels, reducing the risk of broken bones (fractures) and reducing bone pain.

Side Effects

Common pamidronate side effects may include high fever severe joint, bone, or muscle pain new or unusual pain in your thigh or hip urinating less than usual or not at all swelling, rapid weight gain pain or burning when you urinate seizure (convulsions) eye pain, vision changes pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating or confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling, or jerking muscle movements.

Drug Interactions

• Pamidronate+cidofovir- Using cidofovir together with pamidronate is not recommended. Cidofovir may cause kidney damage, and combining it with other medications that can also affect the kidney such as pamidronate may increase that risk. If you have been receiving pamidronate, you may need to wait at least seven days after your last dose before you can start treatment with cidofovir.
• Pamidronate+deferasirox- Talk to your doctor before using deferasirox together with pamidronate. If you take a medication like pamidronate by mouth, combining it with deferasirox may increase your risk of developing gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding.
• Pamidronate+sirolimus- Pamidronate may cause kidney problems, and combining it with other medications that can also affect the kidney such as sirolimus may increase that risk. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.
• Pamidronate+tacrolimus- Pamidronate may cause kidney problems, and combining it with other medications that can also affect the kidney such as tacrolimus may increase that risk. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.
• Pamidronate+tenofovir- Talk to your doctor before using tenofovir together with pamidronate. Tenofovir may cause kidney problems, and combining it with other medications that can also affect the kidney such as pamidronate may increase that risk. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.

Mechanism of action

Pamidronate belongs to a category of drugs called as bisphosphonates that decrease the amount of calcium released by the bones into the blood, thus inhibiting the breakdown of bones and preserving bone thickness and density.

Pregnancy Category : D