Pamidronate

Pamidronate is a type of medication that is used to treat bone lesions, bone metastases, and high blood calcium levels that occur with certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and multiple myeloma. It can also be used to treat Paget’s disease and osteoporosis, both conditions that cause abnormally formed and/or weak bones. Pamidronate is a bisphosphonate, which works by reducing the release of calcium from bones into the blood. This reduces the amount of blood calcium, fractures and broken bones, and associated bone pain. Bisphosphonate therapy can cause a complication known as osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). ONJ can develop after any dental surgery, however, the risk is much higher in patients who receive IV bisphosphonate drugs. The most common presentation of osteonecrosis of the jaw caused by bisphosphonate therapy includes the formation of a socket without extraction, swelling of the gums, discharge, and exposed bone.