Pentetate Calcium Trisodium, Ca-DTPA injection

What is this medication?

PENTETATE CALCIUM TRISODIUM (PEN-te-tate KAL-see-um trye-SOE-dee-um) injection (Ca-DTPA) is used to remove certain harmful substances from the body after a radiation exposure. It will speed up the removal of plutonium, americium, and curium from the body, but it may not prevent all the problems associated with radiation exposure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•kidney disease

•an unusual or allergic reaction to pentetate calcium trisodium (Ca-DTPA), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is usually for injection or infusion into a vein. It may also be for inhalation. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions have not been studied.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

This medicine should be given only under the supervision of a physician after assessing your medical condition. It is only effective to treat contamination with radioactive plutonium, americium, or curium. This drug does not help eliminate other forms of radiation from the body.

You will have regular check-ups to determine the level of radiation in your body. The amount of radiation in your body will determine how long you have to take this medicine.

To protect your kidneys, drink plenty of water or other fluids as directed and void frequently while you are taking this medicine.

You will be given instructions to reduce the chance of exposing others to radiation. For example, some radiation gets into the urine and stool. A toilet should be used instead of a urinal, and it should be flushed several times after each use. Spilled urine or stool should be cleaned up completely. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. If body fluids soil clothing, wash the clothes separately.

Parents and caregivers should take extra care in handling the urine, stool, and sputum of children to avoid any exposure.

Nursing mothers should take extra care in disposing of breast milk.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•chest pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•cough

•diarrhea

•headache

•lightheadedness

•metallic taste in mouth

•nausea

•wheezing

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.