This medication is used to treat prostate cancer and
cancer that has spread to bones. Radium Ra 223 dichloride is a radioactive
drug. It works by building up in certain cancer cells and causing them to
die.
This medication is given by slow injection into a vein
by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor,
usually every 4 weeks for a total of 6 injections.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight,
lab tests, and response to treatment.
To prevent dehydration, it is important to drink plenty
of fluids while you are being treated with this drug. Consult your doctor
or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Because this medication releases some radiation and may
be present in the blood, urine, or stool for about 1 week after an
injection, avoid contact with your blood, urine, or stool for at least 1
week after your treatment. To avoid splashing, sit down on the toilet seat
each time you use the bathroom during the 1-week period after your
injection. When you are done, flush the toilet twice. Afterward, wash your
hands well with soap and water. Use medical gowns and gloves if you need to
clean up any blood, urine, or stool. If any blood, urine, or stool gets on
your clothing, wash the clothing right away and separately from your other
clothing.
Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Dehydration can occur. The risk is increased if you have
vomiting or diarrhea that doesn't stop, and you cannot drink normally.
Contact your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of dehydration,
such as unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat or
dizziness/lightheadedness.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- easy bruising/bleeding
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in amount of
urine)
This medication may increase the risk of bone fractures.
Tell your health care provider right away if you have bone pain or changes
in movement.
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills, cough).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using radium Ra 223 dichloride tell your doctor
or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause
allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history.
This medication can make you more likely to get
infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who
has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19,
measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection
or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
radium Ra 223 dichloride before having any immunizations/vaccinations.
Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as
flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured,
use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid
activities such as contact sports.
This medication may increase your risk for other cancers
(such as bone cancers). Talk to your doctor for details.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Radium Ra 223 dichloride is not recommended for use by
women.
Males with female partners of childbearing age should
ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and
for 6 months after stopping treatment. Their female partners should also
use reliable forms of birth control for the same amount of
time.
It is unknown if this medication affects sperm. If you
plan to father a child, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication
with your doctor.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts,
kidney function) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep
all medical and lab appointments.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).