Athlete Information Sheet on Pamidronate Disodium
What is Pamidronate:
Pamidronate is a member of a family of drugs called Bisphosphonates that reduce bone
breakdown.
How do Bisphosphonates work:
Bone is constantly being worn away and rebuilt by special bone cells. This is called bone
turnover or remodelling. Bone turnover can be increased in certain conditions such as osteitis
pubis, bone stress and other conditions. Bisphosphonates build up in areas where bone
turnover is increased, slow down this process and can help to reduce pain.
How is it given:
Pamidronate is given as a 1-2 hr infusion into a vein in the arm.
How much is given and how often:
Your doctor will decide on a suitable dose depending on your condition. Your doctor will also
decide on how many infusions you need and how often they will be given.
What are the possible side effects:
Like all medicines Pamidronate may cause some side effects. These are usually mild and
short –lived.
The most common side effects are: a flu like illness, tiredness and headache lasting for 24-48
hours. This usually resolves spontaneously and does not require treatment other than taking
paracetamol. It is rare for flu like symptoms to occur after the first dose of pamidronate so
subsequent doses can go ahead as planned
There can be a temporary increase in bone pain. This usually improves after a few days.
Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following:
Pain and redness or swelling at the infusion site, skin rash, itching or unexplained bruising,
joint or muscle pain, nausea or sickness, headache, tender or painful eyes.
In most cases these symptoms are mild, resolve within a couple of days and require no
specific treatment.
You should not be given pamidronate if:
You are pregnant, planning pregnancy in the next 6 months or breast-feeding.
You are allergic to pamidronate, any of its ingredients or another bisphosphonate
Effects on an unborn child
Pamidronate does not affect the ability to become pregnant but should not be given during pregnancy
as the effects on an unborn baby are not known. In addition, caution should be taken not to get
pregnant for 6 months after the treatment. Pamidronate stays in bones for long periods and may be
released during a normal pregnancy. Whether this affects the baby is not known for sure, but to date
babies born after infusions have been healthy and normal.
Please tell your doctor if you suffer from:
A kidney, heart, liver or thyroid problem Or eye inflammation (uveitis or iritis)
Julia Newton
26th April 2010
Produced in consultation with the Oxford Osteoporosis Service
Athlete pamidronate info version 3
Ability to drive / using medicines:
In rare cases sleepiness and dizziness may occur following an intravenous infusion of
pamidronate. If this occurs please do not drive or work machinery until these effects wear off.
It may be advisable to make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the infusion.
If you wish for further information please contact:
Rheumatology Day Unit on 01865 737553 / 656
Oxsport team via e mail: oxsport@noc.nhs.uk or telephone: 01865 738285
Julia Newton
26th April 2010
Produced in consultation with the Oxford Osteoporosis Service
Athlete pamidronate info version 3