How does it work?

Disodium pamidronate belongs to a group of medications called the bisphosphonates. These agents are used in a variety of metabolic bone disorders. The bone cells continously deposit and remove calcium and phophorous, stored in a protein network that makes up he structure of the bone. Biphosphonates bind very tightly to the bone preventing removal of calcium from bone cells. This decreases breakdown and turnover of bone in the body and leading to stronger bones. In osteoporosis or Paget's disease of bone, bone turnover can sometimes be speeded up causing the bones to become weak and prone to breaking. This drug helps to slow this process down, so keeping bones stronger.

What is it used for?

Areas of bone that have been damaged by disease (osteolytic lesions)

High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia)

Use with caution in

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Previous surgery on the thryoid

Severe kidney disease

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Rash

Itching (pruritus)

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Blood disorders

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Alteration in results of liver function tests

Disturbance in the components of the blood

Decreased kidney function

Cold or flu-like symptoms

Dizziness

Low red blood cell count (anaemia)

Bone pain

Temporary increase in body temperature

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

-The administration of disodium pamidronate with the following preparations can decrease amount absorbed into the body: -calcium supplements and calcium-containing products (e.g milk) -antacids -iron preparations

Other medicines containing the same active ingredients

Aredia Dry Powder

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