Aredia

This page contains drug information on Aredia.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Aredia
the possible side effects of Aredia
what happens if you miss a dose of Aredia
what happens if you overdose with Aredia
the most important information about Aredia
how to use Aredia
other drugs that may affect Aredia
what to avoid while using Aredia
 
Generic Name: aredia (pah MIH droe nate)
Brand Names: Aredia
 
What is the most important information I should know about aredia?
 •  Do not use aredia without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to aredia or another similar medication such as alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), risedronate (Actonel), tiludronate (Skelid), or zoledronic acid (Zometa).
 •  A dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry should be considered before starting treatment with aredia. This is especially important if you: 
      · have poor dental health
      · have cancer
      · are receiving chemotherapy or
      · are taking corticosteroids.

What is aredia?
 •  aredia is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. aredia reduces breakdown of the bones.
 •  aredia is used in the treatment of Pagets disease of bone to reduce high levels of calcium in the blood associated with malignancy (cancer) and to reduce the breakdown of bone due to metastases of breast cancer or multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the blood).
 •  aredia may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using aredia?
 •  Do not use aredia without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to aredia or another similar medication such as alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), risedronate (Actonel), tiludronate (Skelid), or zoledronic acid (Zometa).
 •  Before using aredia, talk to your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may not be able to use aredia, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
 •  A dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry should be considered before starting treatment with aredia. This is especially important if you:
      · have poor dental health
      · have cancer
      · are receiving chemotherapy or
      · are taking corticosteroids.
 •  aredia is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use aredia without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
 •  It is not known whether aredia passes into breast milk. Do not use aredia without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use aredia?
 •  A healthcare professional will administer aredia by injection into a vein (intravenous infusion).
 •  If you are using aredia at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions regarding preparation, administration, and storage of the medication.
 •  Your doctor may want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with aredia to monitor progress and side effects.
 •  Your healthcare provider will store aredia as directed by the manufacturer.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of aredia.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  If an overdose of aredia is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
 •  The symptoms of a aredia overdose may include fever and low blood pressure.

What should I avoid while using aredia?
 •  There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while using aredia unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of aredia?
 •  Stop using aredia and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · kidney problems (detected by blood tests)
      · seizures or
      · low levels of calcium, magnesium, or phosphorus in the blood (detected by blood tests).
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use aredia and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · low-grade fever
      · dizziness, headache, or fatigue
      · bone pain or general weakness
      · stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or constipation or
      · redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect aredia?
 •  Other medicines that affect the kidneys may increase the risk of damage to the kidneys if used during treatment with aredia. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products during treatment with aredia.