AREDIA

Drug Name: AREDIA

AREDIA DESCRIPTION:
PAMIDRONATE - INJECTION (pam-ih-DRO-nate)

COMMON AREDIA BRAND NAME(S):
Aredia

AREDIA SIDE EFFECTS:
Mild fever, redness, swelling or pain at injection site, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, constipation or initial increase in bone pain may occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: stiff muscles, difficulty moving, rapid heart rate, weakness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE AREDIA:
AREDIA: AREDIA is given as an injection as directed. For high calcium levels, usually one dose is given. Based on your condition and response, a repeat dose may be given after 7 days. For Paget's disease, an iv infusion is given usually once a day for 3 days. It is important to maintain an adequate diet while taking this medication. Be sure you receive proper amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Discuss this with your doctor or nutritionist.

AREDIA USES:
AREDIA acts on bone to help regulate blood calcium levels. It is used to treat Paget's disease of bone and to treat high blood calcium levels. The medication has also been used in the treatment of osteoporosis, to reduce bone pain associated with certain illnesses and to treat bone loss due to breast cancer.

AREDIA PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). AREDIA should not be used during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

AREDIA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

AREDIA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

AREDIA NOTES:
Laboratory tests will be done routinely while taking this medication to monitor its effects.

MISSED AREDIA DOSE:
It is important to receive each dose as scheduled. If you miss a dose, contact your health care provider to determine a new schedule if necessary. As with most medications, do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

AREDIA STORAGE:
AREDIA is prepared just prior to use. Store as directed. The reconstituted vial can be stored under refrigeration at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) for 24 hours. The infusion solution is stable for up to 24 hours at room temperature.