Precautions

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests are needed to check for unwanted effects

You will be exposed to radiation when you are given this medicine. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.

This medicine is passed mainly in the urine where radioactivity is present. Follow these guidelines for 12 hours after receiving samarium Sm 153 lexidronam injection, to help reduce the chance of contaminating other persons or the environment with radiation:

  • Use a normal toilet, if available, instead of a urinal.
  • To prevent contamination of your home environment, flush the toilet several times after using.
  • Wipe any spilled urine with a tissue and flush it away.
  • Wash your hands after using or cleaning the toilet.
  • Wash your clothes and bed linens right away if they become soiled with your urine or blood. Wash them separately from other clothes or store them for 1 to 2 weeks.
  • If you cut yourself, wash away any spilled blood.

Samarium Sm 153 lexidronam can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:

  • If you can, avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor right away if you think you are getting an infection or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.
  • Check with your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, black, tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, or pinpoint red spots on your skin.
  • Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work done.
  • Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have just washed your hands and have not touched anything else in the meantime.
  • Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.
  • Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury could occur.

This medicine may increase your risk of developing blood clots (eg, disseminated intravascular coagulation). This is more likely if you have cancer that has spread to other parts of your body. Check with your doctor right away if you have swelling and pain in your arms, legs, or stomach, chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of sensation, confusion, or problems with muscle control or speech.

The vial stopper contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy before receiving this medicine.