Radium Ra 223 Dichloride (By injection)
RAY-dee-um Ra 223 dye-KLOR-ide
Treats cancer, including prostate cancer that has spread. This is a radiopharmaceutical agent.
Drug classes
Radiopharmaceutical, Antineoplastic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Radium Ra 223 dichloride injection is used to treat men with metastatic prostate cancer that has spread to the bones but to no other organs. It is a radiopharmaceutical agent. Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive agents that are used to find and treat certain diseases.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Family members must not be exposed to radiation from this medicine. The fluids from your body can transfer radiation to another person who touches them. Practice good hygiene while you receive this medicine and for at least 1 week after your last dose. Flush the toilet several times after each use. Wash clothes that are soiled with stool or urine promptly and separately from other clothes.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to radium Ra 223 dichloride or if you are a woman who is pregnant or able to become pregnant.
Warnings
This medicine may cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs. If you are sexually active with a woman who could become pregnant, use a condom during therapy and for 6 months after the last dose. The woman must also use an effective form of birth control during therapy and for 6 months after your last dose.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney problems or bone marrow problems.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
You might become dehydrated while you are using this medicine. Drink plenty of fluids. Tell your doctor if start to feeling unusually thirsty, have a dry mouth, urinate less or less often than normal, or have dry skin.
You will be exposed to radiation with this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful or difficult urination, blood in your urine
Chest pain or trouble breathing
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Tiny red dots on the skin, especially on the lower legs
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Redness, pain, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Xofigo
There may be other brand names for this medicine.