Pentetate Calcium Trisodium Injection

What is this medication?

PENTETATE CALCIUM TRISODIUM (PEN te tate KAL see um trye SOE dee um) treats exposure to radioactive metals, such as plutonium. It works by binding to these metals so your body can remove them through the urine.

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:

• Asthma
• High levels of iron in the body
• Kidney disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to pentetate calcium trisodium, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected or infused into a vein. It may also be inhaled using a nebulizer. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team 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?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team may also collect stool or urine samples.

This medication can worsen the symptoms of asthma if it is inhaled using a nebulizer. Before taking this medication, tell your care team if you have asthma or other breathing problems.

This medication can lower the amount of some important minerals in your body, such as zinc. Your care team will check your blood for zinc levels while you are taking this medication. You may need to take a supplement if your levels are low.

Drink plenty of fluids and go to the bathroom often. This helps dilute the radioactive substance in your urine. Sit on the toilet while you urinate. This limits urine splash. Flush the toilet several times after each use. Clean up any spilled urine or feces right away. Wash your hands well with soap and water. If urine or blood gets on your clothing or bedding, wash it right away. Do not wash it with other clothes or linens. If you cough up any mucus, get rid of it carefully. Try not to swallow it. Caregivers should use extra care when handling body fluids.

Do not breastfeed while on this medication. The radioactive substance from the body is passed through the breast milk. Get rid of breast milk carefully.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Low zinc level—fatigue, hair loss, loss of appetite, diarrhea, change in taste or sense of smell, wounds that don’t heal

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

• Diarrhea
• Feeling faint or lightheaded
• Headache
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

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 medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It 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.