The bone disease osteoporosis causes bone tissue to thin out and lose density over time. Women most commonly develop the condition, with it affecting 20 percent of women 50 and older, MedlinePlus reports. In most cases, osteoporosis results from hormone changes that occur when women enter menopause. Many treatments can both treat and prevent the condition. The drug pamidronate most commonly gets used to treat other bone conditions, but it also can treat and prevent osteoporosis.
What Is Pamidronate?
Pamidronate is a bisphosphonate, a group of drugs that can increase bone density, slow the break down of bone tissue and decrease the level of calcium released into the bloodstream when bone breaks down. In addition to treating osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, it also can treat certain types of cancer that cause high blood calcium levels and bone conditions such as Paget's disease.
How It Is Used
Pamidronate gets administered via an intravenous injection under the supervision of a medical professional. It must be given slowly, typically over two to 24 hours, MedlinePlus reports. The frequency of the dosing depends on a patient's condition, but intravenous bisphosphonates typically get administered less frequently than oral medications. Your doctor will determine an adequate treatment regimen based on your health and the severity of your condition.
Side Effects
Pamidronate can cause side effects in patients. Some side effects are not severe and include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, a low fever, constipation and redness or hardness at the injection site, Drugs.com reports. Other side effects may indicate a potentially serious complication requiring medical intervention. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following after receiving a pamidronate injection: seizures, vision changes, eye problems, severe joint, muscle or bone pain, jerky muscle movements, limp muscles, less frequent or no urination, pain or burning while urinating, increased urination, extreme thirst, a high fever, body swelling, rapid weight gain, mental confusion or an uneven heart rate.
Drug Interactions
Certain drugs may cause dangerous interactions or alter the effectiveness of pamidronate or other drugs you take. Always tell you doctor and pharmacist about all other drugs you take before receiving pamidronate. Of specific concern are thalidomide, oral steroids and chemotherapy drugs.
Warnings
Pamidronate can harm a fetus or baby and should not be used by women that are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can also cause jaw problems, particularly in people that undergo oral surgery or dental treatment while on the drug. Pamidronate also may not be safe for people with certain health conditions, including liver or kidney disease and seizures disorders and those that have has thyroid surgery or undergone radiation treatment.
