GENERIC NAME: SAMARIUM SM-153/LEXIDRONAM - INJECTION (sa-MARE-ee-um SM 153/lexi-DROH-nam)
BRAND NAME(S): Quadramet
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Samarium is a radioactive medication used to treat pain caused by cancer that has spread to the bone.
HOW TO USE: This medication is injected into a vein (IV), as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your weight. Because this medication is radioactive, it is given only by specially trained health care professionals. Follow all instructions for proper use and handling of this product. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Radioactive drug will be present in your urine for several hours after receiving the dose. Drink at least 2 glasses (16 oz. or 500 ml) of water/fluid before receiving this medication and urinate as often as possible after receiving the dose. Your doctor may decide to give these fluids by vein (IV). Drinking or receiving these fluids will minimize the exposure of your bladder to radiation. Consult your doctor for details. Also, use the following precautions for at least 12 hours after the dose to minimize your exposure: use a toilet instead of a urinal and flush the toilet several times after each use; clean spilled urine or blood immediately; and wash your hands thoroughly after urinating. If blood or urine gets onto clothing, wash the clothing or store it for 1 to 2 weeks to eliminate contamination. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. You may experience a brief worsening of pain within the first 72 hours (3 days) after receiving the dose. The best pain relief generally occurs 3 to 4 weeks after receiving the dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of other pain medications for break-through pain. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea or a temporary increase in bone pain (pain flare) may occur. If either of these effects persists or worsens, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain, fever, chills, sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness or tiredness, tingling or numbness of the hands/feet, cough, headache, skin infection. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, dizziness/lightheadedness, bloody or pink-colored urine, bloody nose, unusual bruising. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusually slow or fast heartbeat, swelling, trouble breathing, weakness/paralysis. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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