Pamidronate

Wirral Hospital NHS Trust

Rheumatology Patient Information Leaflet

This leaflet is for people who are being treated with Pamidronate for either Paget's disease or osteoporosis.

How is it given?

Pamidronate is given by intravenous infusion, that means slow injection through a drip, into a vein.
If you have Paget's disease you will be given two infusions, 2 weeks apart. Each infusion will take a 2-hour period.

If you have osteoporosis you will be given one infusion every 3 months over the period of one year. Each infusion will take one hour.

What does it do?

Bone is a living tissue. Old bone is constantly being broken down and replaced by new bone. This process usually balances out.

In osteoporosis, where the bone is 'too thin', Pamidronate reduces the rate at which bone is broken down, whilst still allowing new bone to be made. This makes the bones thicker and stronger.

In Paget's disease the processes of breaking down old bone and replacing it with new bone happens more haphazardly than normal. Whilst the bone does not become too thin, the quality of bone is affected.

Pamidronate reduces and controls the rate that bone is broken down, this helps maintain good quality bone structure.

Are there any side effects?

Most people do not experience any serious side effects. A few people may develop flu-like symptoms, such as a raised temperature, aching muscles, or headache and sickness, after being given the medicine. However, these resolve after a day or so and do not need treatment.

For more detailed information, please ask to speak to a pharmacist or a doctor.

Before you go home, please make sure you are aware when you need to return to the ward or outpatients.

Document Information
Expiry Date: 11/04/04
Author: Richards, Sue. Sr
Organisation: Wirral Hospital Trust