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You will have a pamidronate infusion once a day for up to three days. On the first day of your infusion, you may be told to start calcium supplements for 5 to 10 days total. Pamidronate infusions can make calcium levels in our blood lower, therefore it is important that you take the extra calcium prescribed by your doctor when you get your infusions. Some calcium supplements can be bought over the counter - such as chewable Tums Calcium Carbonate Tablets, and you may be instructed to obtain these from your local pharmacy. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or a Gillette Telehealth Nurse for assistance.

If you have labs drawn, the results of your lab work will be available in two to three weeks.

After a pamidronate infusion you might experience the following:

  • Fever and flu-like symptoms. This may occur within 48 hours after your treatment and is usually short-lived. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed to lessen the symptoms. If fever continues more than two days or remains high despite acetaminophen, call Telehealth or your primary care clinic.
  • Nausea. This is rare and should go away in three to four days.
  • Headache. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve mild to moderate pain.
  • Drowsiness and/or dizziness. These effects are rare but might occur for a few days after treatment. Children might require supervision if they are dizzy.
  • Pain, redness or tenderness where the needle was placed. This might not happen until a few days after the treatment. Apply warm compresses or soak in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.

Call Telehealth Nursing at 651-229-3890 if you experience:

  • Muscle cramps
  • Swelling of the feet or legs
  • Lower back or side pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Prolonged (more than 48 hours)
 

Caring for the IV (Intravenous) Catheter

If you are receiving 2 or 3 daily infusions of pamidronate, the IV (intravenous) catheter that is placed during your first pamidronate infusion will stay in until you’re done with infusions on your last day.

While your IV catheter is in place you will need to care for it at home. At home, each night before bed, and again each morning, you need to clean and flush the catheter. We will send these supplies home with you:

  • Two alcohol wipes
  • Two normal saline syringes

Follow these instructions:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  2. Use an alcohol wipe to clean the top of the IV hub for 15 seconds.
  3. Slide blue clamp open.
  4. Screw normal saline syringe onto the hub and push the plunger to administer 2 ml normal saline. Remove the saline syringe and discard.
  5. Slide blue clamp closed.

If you can’t find your supplies call Telehealth Nursing at 651-229-3890.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team. If you are a Gillette patient with urgent questions or concerns, please contact Telehealth Nursing at 651-229-3890.