Samarium-153 Lexidronam Injection

What is this medication?

SAMARIUM-153 LEXIDRONAM (suh MAR ee uhm-153 lex ID roe nam) treats bone pain caused by cancer. It works by releasing energy (radiation) in the bones where the cancer is. This helps reduce pain.

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 cell levels (white cells, red cells, and platelets)
• Low levels of calcium in the blood
• An unusual or allergic reaction to samarium-153 lexidronam, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. 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 as young as 16 years 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 not able to keep your appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

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 care team for regular checks on your progress.

Your pain may worsen after your injection. This pain is usually mild. Talk to your care team about how to treat the pain. Tell them if this pain is severe or does not start to get better within 72 hours. You may begin to notice pain relief one week after treatment. Maximum pain relief usually occurs 3 to 4 weeks after injection.

This medication releases radiation. Follow bathroom precautions for 12 hours after your treatment. Sit on the toilet while you urinate. This limits urine splash. Flush the toilet several times after you use it. Wash your hands after urinating. If urine spills, clean the spill completely. If urine gets on your clothing, wash the clothes separately from other clothing. You may also store the clothes for 1 to 2 weeks to let the radiation from the medication break down. Talk to your care team if you have questions.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

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

Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious fetal side effects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication. Tell your care team right away if you think your partner might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious fetal side effects.

Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.

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
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
• Severe back pain, numbness or weakness of the hands, arms, legs, or feet, loss of coordination, loss of bowel or bladder control
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

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

• Chills
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• 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 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.