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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
+ Not commercially available in Canada.
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:
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:
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. 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. 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:
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:
Proper Use of This Medicine
Precautions After Using 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:
More common
Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; cough or hoarseness; fever or chills; lower back or side pain; painful or difficult urination; pinpoint red spots on skin; unusual bleeding or bruising
Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice the following side effect:
Less common
Irregular heartbeat
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:
Less common
Increase in bone pain (transient); nausea and vomiting
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 12/03/98
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