AREDIA (PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM) IV

Aredia is also commonly used in treating and preventing osteoporosis among patients.

How does Aredia work?

Aredia modifies the cycle of bone development and breakdown. In the body, cells called osteoclasts create new bone and remove old bone in the body. Through the use of bisphosphonates, Aredia coats the bone and controls the osteoclasts. This prohibits from bones from being further damaged and allows the remaining bone to strengthen.

Aredia Dosage Information

Aredia is a specialty pharmaceutical injected into the vein by a doctor or nurse at a clinic or hospital. This medicine is given through an IV during a process which may take between 2 and 24 hours. After receiving proper instruction, your doctor may prescribe this medication for self-injection at home. Do not take this medication at home if you do not fully understand how to use it or how to dispose of the materials after the procedure.

Since Aredia is used to treat different illnesses, it may be prescribed in several ways:

• As a single dose, one time
• As a single dose repeated three days
• Or given once between 3 and 4 weeks

Aredia may be mixed with a liquid or diluted in an IV bag. To ensure your safety, do not mix Aredia with any liquid containing calcium or other drugs in the IV bag. You may store the solution for 24 hours in the fridge. However, if the solution changes color or contains particles it should no longer be used. Dispose of used needles in a puncture-proof container.

Doctors commonly prescribe Calcium and Vitamin D supplements by mouth to aid in the process if you do not have hypercalcemia.

Aredia Side Effects

Aredia may cause rare but serious adverse side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Aredia, contact your doctor:

• Painful aching of joints, muscles or bone; pain, numbness or swelling of the jaw
• Allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the tongue, face or throat
• Fever or flu-like symptoms, paleness, easy bruising and increased bleeding
• Abnormal urination including less frequent or no urination, pain while urinating, or trouble urinating
• Inflammation or rapid weight gain
• Changes in vision, soreness of the eyes, or unusual sensitivity to light
• Abnormal thoughts or conduct such as confusion or hallucinations
• Seizures (convulsions) which may be caused by unusual brain activity
• Irregular heart rate, feeling dehydrated or thirsty, increase in urination, a decline in muscle strength, or aching of the legs

Common, less serious side effects while using Aredia include:

• Stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, heartburn or decrease in appetite
• Irregular bowel movements leading to diarrhea or constipation
• Faintness or drowsiness
• Red swelling underneath the skin at the location of the injection site of the IV
• Continuous pain in the head
• Allergy symptoms: runny or stuffy nose, and/or coughing
• Mild back pain or joint aching