By definition, clodronate liposome is a drug delivered using liposome (a synthetic lipid that encapsulates other substances for ease of administration into the body). Liposome is manly a medium which carries the highly hydrophilic Clodronate thus facilitating its transport into the target organ. Essentially, the aim of this type of drug administration is to achieve higher macrophage depletion after an intravenous injection of the drug.

The idea behind this drug is mainly to use it as the carrier or Trojan horse to help administer drugs that would not easily reach the target organ in normal cases. Provided the liposome has been ingested and digested by the macrophages (in the spleen for instance), the Clodronate is released into the organ though intracellular activities. The resultant product is the effective bisphosphonates that can then stop the macrophage functions.

Though still in the trial stages, the drug has shown a lot of success and will help in the treatment of cancer, osteoporosis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Metastatic carcinoma of the breast and multiple myeloma are among other conditions that the drug will be able to handle. On the other hand, this drug has shown success with the suppression of macrophage activities in neurological disorders, gene therapy and transplantation.

While it is still in its testing stages, the drug will not be strange since some clodronate products are already in the market to help with the treatment of excessive blood calcium. This condition is mostly seen in cancer patients. It is however encouraging that there are few mild side effects and rarely serious complications are reported. Patients using bisphosphonate products have in the past presented with nausea, vomiting and mild stomach pains.

Apart from loss of appetite, the other complications include heavy breathing, hives and skin rashes. Though some of these may not need one to see a doctor, the cases of difficulty in breathing certainly does require the attention of one. You should therefore not hesitate to report to your physician for help if the side effects take longer than normal.

Other adverse drug reactions that might be associated with this drug include mouth pain, swelling and unexplainable tiredness or weakness. Moreover, patients who develop skin rashes and hives or severe muscle cramps after taking Clodronate should seek medical attention as a matter of urgency. Since these are just pre-release precautions, one should not be discouraged, as the final product may be a very stable product with lesser side effects.

Some general contraindications are common with most prescription drugs. For instance, you should not take the drug if you are allergic to Clodronates or bisphosphonates. Similarly, expecting or breastfeeding mothers should not use the drug. Patients with kidney problems or using other bisphosphonate drugs should not use the drug too. It is also advisable that you stay from these types of drugs if you have inflammation of the gastro intestines.

There are basic rules that apply to prescription medicine, which also apply to clodronate liposome. For instance, you cannot share it with any one whether they are as sick as you are. In addition, you do not use it without express instructions from a qualified physician.