Pamidronate Disodium Injection 60mg/10 ml Taj Pharma

1. Name of the medicinal product

Pamidronate Disodium Injection 30mg/10 ml Taj Pharma
Pamidronate Disodium Injection 60mg/10 ml Taj Pharma
Pamidronate Disodium Injection 90mg/10 ml Taj Pharma

2. Qualitative and quantitative composition

Each ml Contains:
Pamidronate disodium                        3mg
Mannitol USP                                    47mg
Water for injection USP                     q.s

Each ml Contains:
Pamidronate disodium                        6mg
Mannitol USP                                    47mg
Water for injection USP                     q.s

Each ml Contains:
Pamidronate disodium                        9mg
Mannitol USP                                    47mg
Water for injection USP                     q.s

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. Pharmaceutical form

Concentrate for solution for infusion.

Colourless solution, free from particles.

4. Clinical particulars

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Treatment of conditions associated with increased osteoclast activity:

• Tumour-induced hypercalcaemia
• Osteolytic lesions and bone pain in patients with bone metastases associated with breast cancer or multiple myeloma
• Paget’s disease of bone.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Method of administration

Disodium pamidronate concentrate must never be given as a bolus injection (see “Warnings”). The concentrate of disodium pamidronate concentrate in ampoules should be diluted in a calcium-free infusion solution (0.9 % Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion B.P. is recommended) and infused slowly.

The infusion rate should never exceed 60mg/hour (1mg/min), and the concentration of disodium pamidronate concentrate in the infusion solution should not exceed 90mg/250mL. A dose of 90mg should normally be administered as a 2-hour infusion in 250mL infusion solution. However, in patients with multiple myeloma and in patients with tumour-induced hypercalcaemia, it is recommended not to exceed 90mg in 500mL over 4 hours.

In patients with established or suspected renal impairment (e.g. those with tumour-induced hypercalcaemia or multiple myeloma) it is recommended that the infusion rate does not exceed 20mg/h (see also “Renal Impairment”). In order to minimise local reactions at the infusion site, the cannula should be inserted carefully into a relatively large vein.

Until further experience is gained, disodium pamidronate concentrate is only recommended for use in adult patients.

The optimal duration of bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis has not been established. The need for continued treatment should be re-evaluated periodically based on the benefits and potential risks of Disodium Pamidronate on an individual patient basis, particularly after 5 or more years of use.

Posology

Tumour-induced hypercalcaemia

It is recommended that patients be rehydrated with 0.9% w/v sodium chloride solution before or during treatment.

The total dose of disodium pamidronate concentrate to be used for a treatment course depends on the patient’s initial serum calcium levels. The following guidelines are derived from clinical data on uncorrected calcium values. However, doses within the ranges given are also applicable for calcium values corrected for serum protein or albumin in rehydrated patients.

Table 1

The total dose of disodium pamidronate concentrate may be administered either in a single infusion or in multiple infusions over 2-4 consecutive days. The maximum dose per treatment course is 90 mg for both initial and repeated courses.

A significant decrease in serum calcium is generally observed 24-48 hours after administration of Disodium Pamidronate Injection, and normalisation is usually achieved within three to seven days. If normocalcaemia is not achieved within this time, a further dose may be given. The duration of the response may vary from patient to patient, and treatment can be repeated whenever hypercalcaemia recurs. Clinical experience to date suggests that disodium pamidronate concentrate may become less effective as the number of treatments increases.

Adults and Elderly

Predominantly lytic bone metastases and multiple myeloma

The recommended dose of disodium pamidronate for the treatment of predominantly lytic bone metastases and multiple myeloma is 90mg administered as a single infusion every 4 weeks.

In patients with bone metastases who receive chemotherapy at 3-weekly intervals, disodium pamidronate 90mg may also be given on a 3-weekly schedule.

Osteolytic lesions and bone pain in bone metastases associated with breast cancer

The recommended dose is 90mg every four weeks. This dose may also be administered at three weekly intervals to coincide with chemotherapy if desired.

Paget’s disease of Bone

The recommended total dose of disodium pamidronate for a treatment course is 180 to 210mg. This can be administered either in 6 unit doses of 30mg once a week (total dose of 180mg), or in 3 unit doses of 60mg every other week. Experience to date suggests that any mild and transient unwanted effects (see “Side-effects”) tend to occur after the first dose. For this reason if unit doses of 60mg are used it is recommended that treatment be started with an initial additional dose of 30mg (i.e. total dose 210mg). Each dose of 30 or 60mg should be diluted in 125 or 250 ml 0.9% w/v Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion B.P. respectively, and the infusion rate should not exceed 60mg/hour (1mg/min). This regimen or increased dose levels according to disease severity, up to a maximum total dose of 360mg (in divided doses of 60mg) can be repeated every six months until remission of disease is achieved, and if relapse occurs.

Renal Impairment

Disodium pamidronate should not be administered to patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30mL/min) unless in cases of life-threatening tumour-induced hypercalcaemia when the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

As with other i.v. bisphosphonates, renal monitoring is recommended, for instance, measurement of serum creatinine prior to each dose of disodium pamidronate. In patients receiving disodium pamidronate for bone metastases or multiple myeloma who show evidence of deterioration in renal function, disodium pamidronate treatment should be withheld until renal function returns to within 10% of the baseline value. This recommendation is based on a clinical study, in which renal deterioration was defined as follows:

• For patients with normal baseline creatinine, increase of 0.5 mg/dL.
• For patients with abnormal baseline creatinine, increase of 1.0 mg/dL.

A pharmacokinetic study conducted in patients with cancer and normal or impaired renal function indicates that the dose adjustment is not necessary in mild (creatinine clearance 61 to 90 mL/min) to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30 to 60 mL/min). In such patients, the infusion rate should not exceed 90 mg/4h (approximately 20 to 22 mg/h).

Hepatic impairment

Although patients with hepatic impairment exhibited higher mean AUC and C_max values compared to patients with normal hepatic function, this is not perceived as being clinically relevant. As pamidronate is still rapidly cleared from the plasma almost entirely into the bone, and as is administered on a monthly basis for chronic treatment, drug accumulation is not expected. Therefore no dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild to moderate abnormal hepatic function (see Pharmacokinetic properties – Hepatic impairment). Clinical data in patients with severe hepatic impairment is not available. Pamidronate should be administered to this patient population with caution.

Children

There is no clinical experience of the use of disodium pamidronate in children.

Patients treated with disodium pamidronate should be given the package leaflet and the patient reminder card.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to other bisphosphonates, or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Disodium Pamidronate is contraindicated in pregnancy and in breast feeding women.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Warnings

Disodium pamidronate concentrate should be given under the supervision of a physician with the facilities to monitor clinical and biochemical effects.

Disodium pamidronate concentrate should not be given as a bolus injection, but should always be diluted and given as a slow intravenous infusion (see Section 4.2″Posology and Method of Administration”).

Disodium pamidronate concentrate should not be given with other bisphosphonates because their combined effects have not been investigated.

Convulsions have been precipitated in some patients with tumour-induced hypercalcaemia due to the electrolyte changes associated with this condition and its effective treatment.

Standard hypercalcaemia-related metabolic parameters including serum calcium and phosphate should be monitored following initiation of therapy with disodium pamidronate. Patients who have undergone thyroid surgery may be particularly susceptible to develop hypocalcaemia due to relative hypoparathyroidism.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has been reported in clinical trials and in the post-marketing setting in patients receiving pamidronate.

Many of these patients were also receiving chemotherapy and corticosteroids. The majority of reported cases have been associated with dental procedures such as tooth extraction. Many had signs of local infection including osteomyelitis.

Post-marketing experience and the literature suggest a greater frequency of reports of ONJ based on tumour type (advanced breast cancer, multiple myeloma), and dental status (dental extraction, periodontal disease, local trauma including poorly fitting dentures).

The start of treatment or of a new course of treatment should be delayed in patients with unhealed open soft tissue lesions in the mouth except in medical emergency situations.

A dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry and an individual benefit-risk assessment is recommended prior to treatment with bisphosphonates in patients with concomitant risk factors.

The following risk factors should be considered when evaluating an individual’s risk of developing ONJ:

• Potency of the bisphosphonate (higher risk for highly potent compounds), route of administration (higher risk for parenteral administration) and cumulative dose of bisphosphonate
• Cancer, co-morbid conditions (e.g. anaemia, coagulopathies, infection), smoking
• Concomitant therapies: chemotherapy, angiogenesis inhibitors (see section 4.5), radiotherapy to neck and head, corticosteroids
• History of dental disease, poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, invasive dental procedures (e.g. tooth extractions) and poorly fitting dentures

All patients should be encouraged to maintain good oral hygiene, undergo routine dental check-ups and immediately report any oral symptoms such as dental mobility, pain or swelling, or non-healing of sores or discharge during treatment with pamidronate. While on treatment, invasive dental procedures should be performed only after careful consideration and be avoided in close proximity of pamidronate administration. For patients who develop ONJ while on bisphosphonate therapy, dental surgery may exacerbate the condition. For patients requiring dental procedures, there are no data available to suggest whether discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment reduces the risk of ONJ.

The management plan for patients who develop ONJ should be set up in close collaboration between the treating physician and a dentist or oral surgeon with expertise in ONJ.

Temporary interruption of pamidronate treatment should be considered until the condition resolves and contributing risk factors are mitigated where possible.

Atypical fractures of the femur

Atypical subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures have been reported with bisphosphonate therapy, primarily in patients receiving long-term treatment for osteoporosis. These transverse or short oblique, fractures can occur anywhere along the femur from just below the lesser trochanter to just above the supracondylar flare. These fractures occur after minimal or no trauma and some patients experience thigh or groin pain, often associated with imaging features of stress fractures, weeks to months before presenting with a completed femoral fracture. Fractures are often bilateral; therefore the contralateral femur should be examined in bisphosphonate-treated patients who have sustained a femoral shaft fracture. Poor healing of these fractures has also been reported. Discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy in patients suspected to have an atypical femur fracture should be considered pending evaluation of the patient, based on an individual benefit risk assessment.

During bisphosphonate treatment patients should be advised to report any thigh, hip or groin pain and any patient presenting with such symptoms should be evaluated for an incomplete femur fracture.

Osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal

Osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal has been reported with bisphosphonates, mainly in association with long-term therapy. Possible risk factors for osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal include steroid use and chemotherapy and/or local risk factors such as infection or trauma. The possibility of osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal should be considered in patients receiving bisphosphonates who present with ear symptoms including chronic ear infections.

Precautions

Serum electrolytes, calcium and phosphate should be monitored following initiation of therapy with disodium pamidronate concentrate. Patients who have undergone thyroid surgery may be particularly susceptible to developing hypocalcaemia due to relative hypoparathyroidism.

Renal Insufficiency

Bisphosphonates, including disodium pamidronate, have been associated with renal toxicity manifested as deterioration of renal function and potential renal failure. Renal deterioration, progression to renal failure and dialysis have been reported in patients after the initial dose or a single dose of disodium pamidronate. Deterioration of renal function (including renal failure) has also been reported following long-term treatment with disodium pamidronate in patients with multiple myeloma.

Disodium pamidronate is excreted intact primarily via the kidney (see section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties), thus the risk of renal adverse reactions may be greater in patients with impaired renal function.

Due to the risk of clinically significant deterioration in renal function which may progress to renal failure, single doses of disodium pamidronate should not exceed 90 mg, and the recommended infusion time should be observed (see section 4.2 Posology and method of administration).

As with other i.v. bisphosphonates renal monitoring is recommended, for instance, measurement of serum creatinine prior to each dose of disodium pamidronate.

Patients receiving frequent infusions of disodium pamidronate over a prolonged period of time, especially those with pre-existing renal disease or a predisposition to renal impairment (e.g. patients with multiple myeloma and/or tumour-induced hypercalcaemia), should have evaluations of standard laboratory and clinical parameters of renal function prior to each dose of disodium pamidronate.

Patients treated with disodium pamidronate for bone metastases or multiple myeloma should have the dose withheld if renal function has deteriorated (see section 4.2 Posology and method of administration).

Disodium pamidronate should not be given with other bisphosphonates because their combined effects have not been investigated.

Hepatic Insufficiency

Although there is no clinical data available in patients with severe hepatic impairment, disodium pamidronate should be used with caution in this patient population.

There is very little experience of the use of disodium pamidronate concentrate in patients receiving haemodialysis.

Patients should be adequately hydrated throughout treatment, this is especially important for patients receiving diuretic therapy, but overhydration should be avoided. In patients with cardiac disease, especially in the elderly, additional saline overload may precipitate cardiac failure (left ventricular failure or congestive heart failure). Fever (influenza-like symptoms) may also contribute to this deterioration.

Patients with anaemia, leukopenia or thrombocytopenia should have regular haematology.

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation

In the absence of hypercalcaemia, patients with predominantly lytic bone metastases or multiple myeloma, who are at risk of calcium or vitamin D deficiency, and patients with Paget’s disease of the bone, should be given oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation, in order to minimise the risk of hypocalcaemia

Musculoskeletal Pain

In post-marketing experience, severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain has been reported in patients taking bisphosphonates. However, such reports have been infrequent. This category of drugs includes pamidronate disodium for infusion. The time to onset of symptoms varied from one day to several months after starting the drug. Most patients had relief of symptoms after stopping treatment. A subset had recurrence of symptoms when rechallenged with the same drug or another bisphosphonate.

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per ampoule, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Disodium pamidronate concentrate has been administered concomitantly with commonly used anticancer agents without interactions occurring. Caution is advised when pamidronate is administered with anti-angiogenic medicinal products, as an increase in the incidence of ONJ has been observed in patients treated concomitantly with these medicinal products.

Disodium pamidronate concentrate has been used in combination with calcitonin in patients with severe hypercalcaemia, resulting in a synergistic effect producing a more rapid fall in serum calcium.

Caution is warranted when disodium pamidronate is used with other potentially nephrotoxic drugs.

In multiple myeloma patients, the risk of renal dysfunction may be increased when disodium pamidronate is used in combination with thalidomide.

Since pamidronate binds to bone, it could in theory interfere with bone scintigraphy examinations.

Antibacterials: There may be an increased risk of hypocalcaemia when biphosphonates and aminoglycosides are used concurrently or sequentially.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no adequate data for the use of pamidronate in pregnant women. There is no unequivocal evidence for teratogenicity in animal studies. Pamidronate may pose a risk to the foetus/newborn child through its pharmacological action on calcium homeostasis. When administered during the entire period of gestation in animals, pamidronate can cause bone mineralisation defects, especially in long bones, resulting in angular distortion.

There is insufficient clinical experience to support the use of disodium pamidronate concentrate in pregnant women. Therefore, disodium pamidronate concentrate should not be administered during pregnancy except in cases of life-threatening hypercalcaemia. Evidence is limited to a few cases but if used in the treatment of women with life threatening hypercalcaemia, infants should be monitored for hypocalcaemia during the first few days after birth.

Breast-feeding

Very limited experience indicates maternal milk levels of pamidronate under the limit of detection. Moreover the oral bioavailability is poor so the total absorption of pamidronate by a breastfed infant is not likely. However due to extremely limited experience and the potential of pamidronate to have an important impact on bone mineralisation breastfeeding during the therapy is not recommended.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Patients should be warned that in rare cases somnolence and/or dizziness may occur following disodium pamidronate infusion, in which case they should not drive, operate potentially dangerous machinery, or engage in other activities that may be hazardous because of decreased alertness.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Adverse reactions to disodium pamidronate concentrate are usually mild and transient. The most common adverse reactions are asymptomatic hypocalcaemia and fever (an increase in body temperature of 1-2°C), typically occurring within the first 48 hours of infusion. Fever usually resolves spontaneously and does not require treatment. Symptomatic hypocalcaemia is rare.

Adverse reactions (Table 1) are ranked under headings of frequency, the most frequent first,using the following convention:

Frequency estimate:

Very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100, <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000, <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000, <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data.

The following adverse drug reactions were reported from clinical studies and from postmarketing experience with pamidronate.

Table 2

Atrial fibrillation: When the effects of zoledronic acid (4 mg) and pamidronate (90 mg) were compared in one clinical trial, the number of atrial fibrillation adverse events was higher in the pamidronate group (12/556, 2.2%) than in the zoledronic acid group (3/563, 0.5%). Isolated instances of higher incidence of atrial fibrillation have also been reported in a few studies with other bisphosphonates. The mechanism of this increased incidence of atrial fibrillation in isolated studies with some bisphosphonates, including disodium pamidronate, is unknown.

Post-marketing experience:

The following adverse reactions have been reported during post-approval use of disodium pamidronate.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw

Cases of osteonecrosis (of the jaw) have been reported predominantly in cancer patients treated with medicinal products that inhibit bone resorption, such as pamidronate (see section 4.4). Many of these patients were also receiving chemotherapy and corticosteroids and had signs of local infection including osteomyelitis. The majority of the reports refers to cancer patients following tooth extractions or other dental surgeries. Osteonecrosis of the jaws has multiple well documented risk factors including a diagnosis of cancer, concomitant therapies (e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, corticosteroids) and co-morbid conditions (e.g. anaemia, coagulopathies, infection, pre-existing oral disease). Although causality has not been determined, it is prudent to avoid dental surgery as recovery may be prolonged. Data suggest a greater frequency of reports of ONJ based on tumour type (advanced breast cancer, multiple myeloma).

During post-marketing experience the following reactions have been reported (frequency rare):

Atypical subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures (bisphosphonate class adverse reaction)

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important.

4.9 Overdose

Patients who have received doses higher than those recommended should be carefully monitored. In the event of clinically significant hypocalcaemia with paraesthesia, tetany and hypotension, reversal may be achieved with an infusion of calcium gluconate.

5. Pharmacological properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Inhibitor of bone resorption.

Pamidronate disodium, the active substance of disodium pamidronate concentrate, is a potent inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption. It binds strongly to hydroxyapatite crystals and inhibits the formation and dissolution of these crystals in vitro. Inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption in vivo may be at least partly due to binding of the drug to the bone mineral.

Pamidronate suppresses the accession of osteoclast precursors onto the bone. However, the local and direct antiresorptive effect of bone-bound bisphosphonate appears to be the predominant mode of action in vitro and in vivo.

Experimental studies have demonstrated that pamidronate inhibits tumour-induced osteolysis when given prior to or at the time of inoculation or transplantation with tumour cells. Biochemical changes reflecting the inhibitory effect of disodium pamidronate concentrate on tumour-induced hypercalcaemia are characterised by a decrease in serum calcium and phosphate, and secondarily by decreases in urinary excretion of calcium, phosphate, and hydroxyproline.

Hypercalcaemia can lead to a depletion in the volume of extracellular fluid and a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). By controlling hypercalcaemia, disodium pamidronate concentrate improves GFR and lowers elevated serum creatinine levels in most patients.

Clinical trials in patients with breast cancer and predominantly lytic bone metastases or with multiple myeloma showed that disodium pamidronate concentrate prevented or delayed skeletal-related events (hypercalcaemia, fractures, radiation therapy, surgery to bone, spinal cord compression) and decreased bone pain.

Paget’s disease of bone, which is characterised by local areas of increased bone resorption and formation with qualitative changes in bone remodelling, responds well to treatment with disodium pamidronate concentrate. Clinical and biochemical remission of the disease has been demonstrated by bone scintigraphy, decreases in urinary hydroxyproline and serum alkaline phosphatase, and by symptomatic improvement.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

General characteristics

Pamidronate has a strong affinity for calcified tissues, and total elimination of pamidronate from the body is not observed within the time-frame of experimental studies. Calcified tissues are therefore regarded as sites of “apparent elimination”.

Absorption

Pamidronate disodium is given by intravenous infusion. By definition, absorption is complete at the end of the infusion.

Distribution

Plasma concentrations of pamidronate rise rapidly after the start of an infusion and fall rapidly when the infusion is stopped. The apparent half-life in plasma is about 0.8 hours. Apparent steady-state concentrations are therefore achieved with infusions of more than about 2-3 hours’ duration. Peak plasma pamidronate concentrations of about 10 nmol/ml are achieved after an intravenous infusion of 60 mg given over 1 hour, and the apparent plasma clearance is about 180 ml/min.

In animals and in man, a similar percentage of the dose is retained in the body after each dose of pamidronate disodium. Thus the accumulation of pamidronate in bone is not capacity-limited, and is dependent solely on the total cumulative dose administered.

The percentage of circulating pamidronate bound to plasma proteins is relatively low (about 54 %), and increases when calcium concentrations are pathologically elevated.

Elimination

Pamidronate does not appear to be eliminated by biotransformation and it is almost exclusively eliminated by renal excretion. After an intravenous infusion, about 20-55 % of the dose is recovered in the urine within 72 hours as unchanged pamidronate. Within the time-frame of experimental studies the remaining fraction of the dose is retained in the body. The percentage of the dose retained in the body is independent of both the dose (range 15-180 mg) and the infusion rate (range 1.25-60 mg/h). From the urinary elimination of pamidronate, two decay phases, with apparent half-lives of about 1.6 and 27 hours, can be observed. The apparent renal clearance is about 54 ml/min, and there is a tendency for the renal clearance to correlate with creatinine clearance.

Characteristics in patients

Hepatic and metabolic clearance of pamidronate are insignificant. Disodium pamidronate concentrate thus displays little potential for drug-drug interactions both at the metabolic level and at the level of protein binding (see above).

Hepatic impairment

The pharmacokinetics of pamidronate were studied in male cancer patients at risk for bone metastases with normal hepatic function (n=6) and mild to moderate hepatic dysfunction (n=9). Each patient received a single 90mg dose of disodium pamidronate concentrate infused over 4 hours. There was a statistically significant difference in the pharmacokinetics between patients with normal and impaired hepatic function. Patients with hepatic impairment exhibited higher mean AUC (39.7%) and C_max (28.6%) values. The difference was not considered clinically relevant. The mean ratio based on log transformed parameters of impaired versus normal patients was 1.38 (90% C.I. 1.12 – 1.70, P=0.02) for AUC and 1.23 (90% C.I. 0.89 – 1.70, P=0.27) for C_max. Nevertheless, pamidronate was still rapidly cleared from the plasma. Drug levels were not detectable in patients by 12-36 hours after drug infusion. Because disodium pamidronate concentrate is administered on a monthly basis, drug accumulation is not expected. No changes in disodium pamidronate concentrate dosing regimen are recommended for patients with mild to moderate abnormal hepatic function (see Posology and method of administration).

Renal impairment

The mean plasma AUC was approximately doubled in cancer patients at risk for bone metastases with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30ml/min, n=4). Urinary excretion rate decreased with decreasing creatinine clearance, although the total amount excreted in the urine was not greatly influenced by renal function. Body retention of pamidronate was therefore similar in cancer patients with and without impaired renal function, and dose adjustment is not necessary in these patients when using the recommended dose schedule (see Posology and method of administration).

5.3 Preclinical safety data

The toxicity of pamidronate is characterised by direct (cytotoxic) effects on organs with a copious blood supply, particularly the kidneys following i.v. exposure. The compound is not mutagenic and does not appear to have carcinogenic potential.

6. Pharmaceutical particulars

6.1 List of excipients

Sodium chloride, Sodium hydroxide, Hydrochloric acid & Water for Injections

6.2 Incompatibilities

Pamidronate will form complexes with divalent cations and should not be added to calcium-containing intravenous solutions.

6.3 Shelf life

Three years.

Reconstituted solutions that have been further diluted with one of the recommended diluents for intravenous infusion should be used immediately. Discard the unused portion.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Do not store above 25C.

Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 48 hours at 25°C.

From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2 to 8 °C, unless dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.

Also refer to section 6.3.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

1ml polyethylene ampoules in packs of 1, 2 or 4 ampoules.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

The concentrate should be diluted with a calcium-free infusion solution (0.9% w/v Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion BP is recommended) before administration.

7.Manufactured in India by:
TAJ PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
Mumbai, India
Unit No. 214.Old Bake House,
Maharashtra chambers of Commerce Lane,
Fort, Mumbai – 400001
at:Gujarat, INDIA.
Customer Service and Product Inquiries:
1-800-TRY-FIRST (1-800-222-434 & 1-800-222-825)
Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST
E-mail: tajgroup@tajpharma.com

Pamidronate Disodium 3 mg/ml, Sterile Concentrate

PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER

Pamidronate Disodium 3 mg/ml, Sterile Concentrate

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.

• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or
• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section

What is in this leaflet?

1. What pamidronate disodium is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you use pamidronate disodium
3. How to use pamidronate disodium
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store pamidronate disodium
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. WHAT PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR

Pamidronate disodium is member of the group of medicines called bisphosphonates. It is useful in medicine because pamidronate disodium binds to bone and reduces bone loss.

This medicinal product may be used in the treatment of a number of disorders associated with bone disease. For example, it is used to help reduce the amount of calcium in the blood and/or reduce bone loss which may occur in certain types of cancer.

Pamidronate disodium is used to treat patients with specific tumours such as bone metastases (secondaries) associated with breast cancer or multiple myeloma which is a type of bone marrow cancer. It can also be used in the prevention of skeletal-related events with a history of bone metastases which can lead to bone pain, radiation or surgery to the bone, spinal cord compression, pathological fractures and hypercalcaemia (high level of calcium in the blood). In  addition, it can also be used  to treat a bone disorder called ‘Paget’s disease of bone’.

2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU USE PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM

Do not use pamidronate disodium:

• If you are allergic to pamidronate disodium, medicines of the same group (bisphosphonates) or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).

Tell your doctor if the above applies to you before this medicine is used.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using pamidronate disodium if

• you have kidney problems
• you have heart problems
• you have liver problems
• you have had thyroid surgery
• you have been told you have, or think you may have, calcium or vitamin D deficiency
• you have been told you have, or think you may have, low levels of red blood cells (anaemia), white blood cells or platelets. Your doctor may do tests to check for these problems
• you have ear pain, discharge from the ear, and/or an ear
• you have or have had pain, swelling or numbness of the jaw, a feeling of heaviness in the jaw or loosening of a tooth. Your doctor may recommend a dental examination before you start treatment with pamidronate
• you are having dental treatment or are due to undergo dental surgery, tell your dentist that you are being treated with pamidronate disodium and inform your doctor about your dental

While being treated with pamidronate disodium, you should maintain good oral hygiene (including regular teeth brushing) and receive routine dental check-ups.

Contact your doctor and dentist immediately if you experience any problems with your mouth or teeth such as loose teeth, pain or swelling, non-healing of sores or discharge, as these could be signs of a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, who are taking steroids, who are undergoing dental surgery, who do not receive routine dental care, who have gum disease, who are smokers, or who were previously treated with a bisphosphonate (used to treat or prevent bone disorders) may have a higher risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Contact your doctor if you experience any thigh, hip or groin pain (see section 4).

Contact your doctor if you experience any bone, joint and/or muscle pain (see section 4).

Before this medicine is given to you, tell your doctor if any of the above applies to you or if you are unsure.

The use of pamidronate disodium in children is not recommended.

Other special warnings

• You must make sure that you do not become dehydrated while you are being treated with pamidronate disodium. Talk to your doctor to make sure you are aware how much you must
• As pamidronate disodium may affect your blood (the number of particular cells and the chemistry of the blood), your doctor will monitor for these side effects with blood

Going for a scan?

If you are asked to have a bone scan, tell the doctor doing the scan that you are being treated with pamidronate disodium.

Other medicines and pamidronate disodium

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Special care is needed if you are taking/using other medicines as some could interact with pamidronate disodium, particularly the following:

• Other medicines that may affect the kidneys (Your doctor or nurse will know which drugs these are.)
• Thalidomide (used to treat some cancers).

This medicine should not be used with other bisphosphonate medicines, e.g. zoledronic acid (used to treat osteoporosis and Paget’s disease), tiludronic acid (used to treat Paget’s disease), or disodium etidronate (used to treat bone metastases associated with breast cancer or multiple myeloma).

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

If you are pregnant or breast feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. If you are pregnant, your doctor will only use this medicine if your life is in danger and no alternative treatment is available. Breast-feeding is not recommended if you are receiving treatment with pamidronate disodium.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Driving and using machines

Do not drive or use machines if you have blurred or poor vision, or if you experience any other side effect (e.g. drowsiness, dizziness, confusion) which may lessen your ability to do so. If you have pamidronate as an outpatient at a hospital/clinic you should not drive yourself home.

The active, pamidronate disodium, contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per maximum dose (90 mg), i.e. it is essentially “sodium-free”.

3. HOW TO USE PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

This medicine is diluted and then given by infusion (drip) into a vein. The infusion will last from one to several hours depending on the dose.

Dose

Your doctor will work out the correct dose of pamidronate disodium for you and how often it must be given.

The usual dose for each infusion is between 15 and 90 mg.

During treatment you will have blood tests and may be asked to provide urine samples.

If you are given too much or too little pamidronate disodium

This medicine will be given to you by a doctor or nurse. It is unlikely that you will be given too much or too little, however, tell your doctor or nurse if you have any concerns.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

If the following very rare but serious reaction happens, tell your doctor immediately:

• severe allergic reaction – you may experience a sudden itchy rash (hives), swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth or throat (which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing), and you may feel you are going to faint

You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice or are worried by any of the known side effects listed below. These unwanted side effects occur at the following frequencies:

Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people

The most common effects are flu-like symptoms and a mild fever (increase in body temperature which may last for 48 hours) which occur at the start of treatment.

Decrease in the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood.

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people

• pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• tender or painful veins
• joint or muscle pain, or generalised pain
• temporary increase in bone pain
• conjunctivitis
• feeling or being sick
• headache
• decreased number of white blood cells (lymphocytopenia)
• anaemia
• reduced number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia)
• reduced level of potassium and magnesium in the blood
• tingling sensation in hands and feet
• numbness
• sleeplessness
• high blood pressure
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• skin rash
• increase in blood test values used to measure kidney function
• muscle spasms
• loss of appetite
• stomach pain
• drowsiness
• generalised pain

Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people

• allergic reactions
• oedema (excess retention of fluid in the body)
• seizures (fits)
• inflammation of the eye (uveitis, iritis)
• itching
• muscle cramps indigestion
• dizziness, agitation
• tiredness
• low blood pressure (symptoms may include light-headedness, fainting or general weakness)
• death of bone tissue (osteonecrosis)
• renal failure
• pain or inflammation of the jaw
• difficulty in breathing and cough
• changes in liver function which show up in blood tests

Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people

• kidney problems

Very rare: may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people

• flare up of cold sores or shingles (reactivation of Herpes virus)
• decreased number of white blood cells (leukopenia)
• increase in levels of potassium and sodium in the blood
• confusion
• hallucinations (seeing things or hearing things that are not there)
• problems with vision/eye pain (scleritis)
• heart failure
• respiratory problems
• lung disease
• kidney problems (usually in patients with previous kidney problems)
• talk to your doctor if you have ear pain, discharge from the ear, and/or an ear infection. These could be signs of bone damage in the ear
• unusual fracture of the thigh bone, particularly in patients on long-term treatment for osteoporosis, may occur rarely. Contact your doctor if you experience pain, weakness or discomfort in your thigh, hip or groin as this may be an early indication of a possible fracture of the thigh

Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data

• redness around the eye area
• irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation) has been seen in patients receiving pamidronate. It is currently unclear whether pamidronate causes this irregular heart rhythm. You should report to your doctor if you experience irregular heart rhythm during treatment with pamidronate
• pain in the mouth, teeth and/or jaw, swelling or non-healing sores inside the mouth or jaw, discharge, numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw, or loosening of a tooth. These could be signs of bone damage in the jaw (osteonecrosis). Tell your doctor and dentist immediately if you experience such symptoms while being treated with pamidronate disodium or after stopping

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

5. HOW TO STORE PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Expiry date

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the vial and carton after ‘EXP’. Where only a month and year is stated, the expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Storage conditions

Do not store above 25°C . The vials should be kept in the outer carton, in order to protect from light.

Shelf life after dilution

Unused portions of opened vials must not be stored for later use.

Prepared injections or infusions should be used immediately, however, if this is not possible they can be stored for up to 24 hours at 2-8°C before use.

Visible signs of deterioration

Do not use this medicine if you notice visible particles.

Disposal

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

6. What pamidronate disodium contains

The active substance is pamidronate disodium. Each millilitre (ml) of solution contains either 3, 6 or 9 milligrams (mg) of pamidronate disodium.

The other ingredients are mannitol, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide and Water for Injections.

What pamidronate disodium looks like and contents of the pack

Pamidronate disodium is a clear, colourless concentrate for solution for infusion which comes in glass containers called vials.

It may be supplied in packs containing:

• 1 x 30 mg/10 ml vial
• 1 x 60 mg/10 ml vial
• 1 x 90 mg/10 ml vial

Not all packs may be marketed.

7.Manufactured in India by:
TAJ PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
Mumbai, India
Unit No. 214.Old Bake House,
Maharashtra chambers of Commerce Lane,
Fort, Mumbai – 400001
at:Gujarat, INDIA.
Customer Service and Product Inquiries:
1-800-TRY-FIRST (1-800-222-434 & 1-800-222-825)
Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST
E-mail: tajgroup@tajpharma.com