Samarium-153 Lexidronam

What is this medication?

SAMARIUM-153 LEXIDRONAM (suh MAR ee uhm-153 lex ID roe nam) is a radioactive medicine used to treat pain from bone cancer.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): QUADRAMET

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

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

• heart disease
• kidney disease
• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• low levels of calcium in the blood
• an unusual or allergic reaction to samarium-153 lexidronam, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 16 years old 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 healthcare professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

• certain medicines for cancer
• medicines that lower your chance of fighting infection

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?

Visit your healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your healthcare professional 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 medicine.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your healthcare professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your healthcare professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

This medicine is radioactive. Your urine will be radioactive for several hours after the dose. You will need to take special precautions for 12 hours after the dose. These steps will help to keep you and others protected. A toilet should be used instead of a urinal when possible. Flush the toilet several times after each use. If any urine spills, clean the spill completely. Wash your hands thoroughly. If any blood or urine gets on your clothing, wash the clothes separately or store them for 1 to 2 weeks to allow for the breakdown of the radioactive medicine.

Your bone pain might get worse after your dose. Talk to your healthcare professional about how to treat the pain.

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 or chest tightness
• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose
• signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine

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

• anxious
• dizziness
• nausea
• pain
• stomach pain
• vomiting

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 medicine is only 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.