Quadramet SAMARIUM SM 153 LEXIDRONAM (Therapeutic)?
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
? Not commercially available in Canada.
Category
Description
Samarium Sm 153 lexidronam (sa-MARE-ee-um lex-ID-roe-nam) is a
radiopharmaceutical ((ray-dee-oh-far-ma-SOO-ti-kal)) . Radiopharmaceuticals are
radioactive agents that may be used to diagnose some diseases by studying
the function of the body's organs or to treat certain diseases.
Samarium Sm 153 lexidronam is used to help relieve the bone pain that may
occur with certain kinds of cancer. The radioactive samarium is taken up
in the bone cancer area and gives off radiation that helps provide relief
of pain.
Samarium Sm 153 lexidronam is to be given only by or under the direct
supervision of a doctor with specialized training in nuclear medicine or
radiation oncology. It is available in the following dosage form:
Parenteral
- Injection (U.S.)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of receiving the medicine must be
weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will
make. For samarium Sm 153 lexidronam, the following should be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic
reaction to bone tumor-seeking medicines, like samarium Sm 153 lexidronam,
or bone-imaging radiopharmaceuticals. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic
to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy?Studies have not been done in either humans or animals.
However, to avoid exposing the fetus to radiation, samarium Sm 153 lexidronam is
not recommended for use during pregnancy. Be sure you have discussed this with
your doctor.
Breast-feeding?Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or if you
intend to breast-feed during treatment with this medicine. Because samarium Sm
153 lexidronam may cause serious side effects, breast-feeding is generally not
recommended while you are receiving this medicine.
Children?Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult
patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of samarium Sm 153
lexidronam in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults?Samarium Sm 153 lexidronam has been used in older people
and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older
people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be used together
at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an
interaction might occur. In other cases, your doctor may want to change the dose,
or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving samarium Sm 153
lexidronam, it is especially important that your doctor know the following:
- If you have ever received radiation therapy or anticancer
medicines?Anticancer medicines or radiation therapy may increase the harmful
effects of samarium Sm 153 lexidronam on the bone marrow
- Etidronate (e.g., Didronel)?This medicine may prevent samarium Sm 153
lexidronam from working properly
Other medical problems?The presence of other medical problems may
affect the use of samarium Sm 153 lexidronam. Make sure you tell your doctor if
you have any other medical problems.
Proper Use of This Medicine
Your doctor may have special instructions for you to follow to get ready for
your treatment. If you do not understand them or if you have not received such
instructions, check with your doctor in advance.
This radiopharmaceutical may accumulate in your bladder. Therefore, to
increase the flow of urine and lessen the amount of radiation to your bladder
your doctor may instruct you to drink plenty of liquids before receiving
samarium Sm 153 lexidronam and urinate often afterwards.
If you have a problem controlling your bladder, tell your doctor before
receiving samarium Sm 153 lexidronam. Special precautions will need to be taken
to prevent radiation contamination of clothing, bed linens, and the environment.
Dosing?The doses of radiopharmaceuticals will be different for
different patients and for the different types of treatment. The amount of
radioactivity of a radiopharmaceutical is expressed in units called becquerels
or curies. The usual adult dose of samarium Sm 153 lexidronam is 37
megabecquerels (1 millicurie) per kg (16.8 megabecquerels [0.45 millicurie] per
pound) of body weight. The dose you receive depends on your body size. The
amount of radiation received from this medicine by specific areas of the body to
treat a disease is many times higher than that from any diagnostic test, such as
x-rays and nuclear medicine scans. Repeated doses may be necessary, depending on
the kind of disease you have and how your body is responding to treatment.
Precautions After Using This Medicine
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular
visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for
unwanted effects. You may need to have blood tests done regularly.
Follow these guidelines for 12 hours after receiving samarium Sm 153
lexidronam, to help reduce the chance of contaminating other persons or the
environment with radiation:
- Use a normal toilet, if available, instead of a urinal.
- Samarium Sm 153 lexidronam is passed mainly in the urine. To prevent
contamination of your home environment, flush the toilet twice after using.
- Wipe any spilled urine with a tissue and flush it away.
- Wash your hands after using or cleaning the toilet.
- Wash your clothes and bed linens immediately, if they become soiled
with your urine or blood. Wash them separately from other clothes.
- If you cut yourself, wash away any spilled blood.
Samarium Sm 153 lexidronam can temporarily lower the number of white blood
cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also
lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If
your blood count becomes abnormally low, there are certain precautions you
can take to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding, such as:
- With abnormally low white blood cell counts:
- If you can, avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor
immediately if you think you are getting an infection or if you get
a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or
painful or difficult urination.
- Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick.
Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean
your teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any
dental work done.
- Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have just
washed your hands and have not touched anything else in the meantime.
- With abnormally low platelet blood counts:
- Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual
bleeding or bruising; black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; or
pinpoint red spots on your skin.
- Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such
as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.
- Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury
could occur.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.
Blood problems, such as a decrease in the number of white blood cells or
platelets, may occur in some patients using samarium Sm 153 lexidronam.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side
effects occur:
Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice the
following side effect:
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.
These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the
medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects
continue or are bothersome:
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you
notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
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