Pamidronic acid is a nitrogen containing bisphosphonate, used to prevent osteoporosis. It is used to prevent bone loss, and treat osteoporosis. It is also used to strengthen bone in Paget's disease, to prevent bone loss due to steroid use, and in certain cancers with high propensity to bone, such as multiple myeloma. In multiple myeloma, it is usually administered as an intravenous infusion, lasting about 3 hours. The therapy is repeated monthly, and lasts for the life of the patient. Due to its ability to sequester calcium in bone, it is also used to treat high calcium levels. It is also used as an experimental treatment of the bone disorder known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta, brittle bones and fragile fatigues. Common side effects include bone pain, low calcium levels, nausea, and dizziness. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a rare complication which has been associated with the use of bisphosphonates, including pamidronate.
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