Samarium Sm 153 Lexidronam, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: samarium Sm 153 lexidronam, injection; Quadramet

What is this medicine used for?

This is a radioactive medicine given by injection (shot) into a vein to relieve the pain of bone lesions (tumors). This medicine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How do I use it?

The shot is given by a health care provider trained to administer radioactive drugs.

For several hours following the shot, radioactivity will be present in your urine. To protect yourself and others around you, take special precautions for 12 hours after the injection. If possible, use a toilet rather than a urinal (males), and flush the toilet several times after each use. Clean up any spilled urine completely and wash your hands thoroughly. If blood or urine gets on your clothing, wash the clothing separately or store the clothes for 1 or 2 weeks to allow the radioactivity to break down.

What should I watch out for?

You will need to have blood tests often to find out how this medicine is affecting your blood and bone marrow. Keep all your appointments for blood tests.

This medicine may affect your bone marrow and increase your risk of infection. Contact your health care provider right away if you have any signs of infection.

Drink plenty of liquid before and after the injection so that you will urinate often. This helps to reduce the amount of radiation in your bladder.

You may have more bone pain than usual shortly after the injection. This increase in pain is usually mild and does not last long. Ask your health care provider which types of painkillers you may take.

Men: Use effective birth control methods after injections of this medicine. Talk to your health care provider about this.

Females of childbearing age should have negative pregnancy tests before receiving this medicine. This medicine may harm the baby if it is taken during pregnancy. Also, do not become pregnant right after receiving this drug. Do not breast-feed during this treatment.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious: Any serious side effects will be determined by the blood tests. Your health care provider will treat such side effects if they develop.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, weakness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

This medicine should not be used during or right after chemotherapy or radiation, because all these treatments have strong effects on the blood and bone marrow. It takes time for the bone marrow to return to normal after treatment with this medicine and before any chemotherapy or radiation. Talk with your health care provider about the timing of any additional treatments you may need.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.