Drugs & Vitamins

Quadramet Active Ingredients: Samarium 153 Lexidronam Representative Names: Quadramet What is samarium-153 injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with samarium-153? What side effects may I notice from using samarium-153? What should I watch for while taking samarium-153? Where can I keep my medicine? What is samarium-153 injection? (Back to top) SAMARIUM-153 LEXIDRONAM (Quadramet®) treats pain caused by cancer that has spread to the bone. It goes to the source of cancer bone pain and may alleviate the pain associated with these cancers. Generic samarium-153 injections are not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •blood disorders •heart, kidney, or bladder problems •infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal) •recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy •an unusual or allergic reaction to samarium-153, nuclear medicine bone scan drugs, other phosphonate drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Samarium-153 lexidronam is for injection into a vein. It is usually administered by a healthcare professional in an outpatient setting. At the time you receive your medicine, you will need to drink about 2 cups of fluid. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with samarium-153? (Back to top) •chemotherapy •radiation therapy Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from using samarium-153? (Back to top) The side effects you may experience with samarium-153 therapy depend upon the dose, other types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy given, and the disease being treated. Not all of these effects occur in all patients. Discuss any concerns or questions with your prescriber or health care professional. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •chest pain •difficulty breathing, wheezing •numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the hands or feet •skin rash, hives, or itching •swelling of the lips, tongue or face •low blood counts - samarium-153 may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding. •signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine •signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine •signs of decreased red blood cells - unusual weakness or tiredness, fainting spells, lightheadedness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •cough •diarrhea •dizziness •flushing •nausea •stomach pain What should I watch for while taking samarium-153? (Back to top) You must visit you prescriber or health care professional regularly for periodic blood tests to monitor your condition and the effects of samarium-153 treatment. The effects of Quadramet® are limited to within your own body. Other people will not be harmed by coming into contact with you. You may eat and drink normally after receiving Quadramet®. In the first few hours after getting your injection, urinate as frequently as possible. For several hours after the injection, Quadramet® will be in your urine. To help protect yourself and others, certain steps need to be taken for 12 hours after receiving the injection. Whenever possible, use a toilet rather than a urinal, and flush several times after each use. Any spilled urine should be cleaned up completely, and you should wash your hands thoroughly. If any blood or urine gets onto your clothing, wash those clothes separately or store them for one to two weeks. You should use an effective method of birth control while receiving this drug. You should tell any other health care professional providing you with medical care that you have received treatment with Quadramet®. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) You will not be given injections of Quadramet® to keep at home. Last Updated:07/20/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.