Aredia

What is it?

A preparation of the biphosphonate drug disodium pamidronate available as a powder for reconstitution and intravenous infusion. Vials contain 15mg or 30mg.

Medical Uses

Hypercalcaemia caused by malignancy, metastases or lesions and bone pain secondary to breast cancer or multiple myeloma, Paget's disease of bone.

Dosage

Adults, hypercalcaemia, depending upon levels of calcium in blood plasma, maximum dose of 90mg each treatment given by slow infusion at a rate not exceeding 30mg in two hours. Dose may be divided over 2-4 days. Lesions and bone pain: 90mg every 4 weeks or 3weeks (with chemotherapy) in breast cancer. Paget's disease: 30mg once each week for 6 weeks; or, 30mg in first week, 60mg in weeks 2, 4 and 6 to a maximum of 210mg. This can be increased, if necessary, to an absolute maximum of 360mg. The treatment regime can be repeated every 6 months until remission takes place and reinstigated in the event of relapse.

Special Care

Severe kidney disorders, may cause convulsions due to disturbance of electrolyte balance. Electrolytes balance, potassium and calcium levels should be monitored. If use of drug is prolonged, kidney function must be monitored. P regnancy, breastfeeding.

Avoid Use

Children

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Other infusions containing calcium disophonates, drugs for hypocalcaemia, plicamycin.

Known Side Effects

Diarrhoea, nausea, short- lived rise in body temperature, 'flu- like symptoms, muscle and bone pain, headache, hypocalcaemia, lowering of magnesium levels. Rarely, decrease in number of white blood cells (lymphocytes) in blood, anaemia, other blood effects.