• Assess pain (intensity, location) periodically throughout therapy. Patient may experience a transient increase in bone pain for 2–3 days, beginning 2–3 days after administration. This is normal, and increasing analgesic doses may be required. Pain should begin to diminish after 1–2 wk or longer and may allow for reduction or discontinuation of analgesics. Effects may continue for several months.

• Monitor hematologic parameters (WBC, platelets) at least once every other week during therapy. Platelets are usually ↓ 30% from preadministration levels. The nadir of thrombocytopenia is 12–16 wk. Leukopenia may also occur. Recovery to preadministration levels usually occurs within 6 mo.