This medication is used to treat certain types of tumors
(gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors - GEP-NETs). Lutetium Lu 177
dotatate is a radioactive drug. It works by attaching to certain tumor
cells and causing them to die.
This medication is given by injection into a vein by a
health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually
once every 8 weeks for 4 doses. The dosage is based on your medical
condition, lab tests, and response to treatment.
Follow your doctor's instructions about the other
medications (such as octreotide) you may need to use with this
product.
Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after
treatment with this medication and urinate as often as possible to lessen
the risk of kidney damage. Ask your doctor for more
details.
During and after receiving this medication, follow your
doctor's instructions on how to reduce radiation exposure to
others.
Dizziness, headache, nausea/vomiting,
diarrhea/constipation, change in how food tastes, hair loss, or decreased
appetite may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in amount of
urine)
- signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
- flushing
- shortness of breath
- swelling hands/ankles/feet
- muscle pain
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (such as anxiety)
This medication decreases bone marrow function, an
effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells,
white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your
body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell
your doctor right away if you develop any of the following unlikely
symptoms:
- unusual tiredness
- pale skin
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever, painful/burning urination)
- easy bruising/bleeding
Some people treated with this medication may rarely get
other cancers (such as leukemia). Consult your doctor for more
details.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using lutetium Lu 177 dotatate, tell your doctor
or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause
allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney problems
- liver problems (such as cancer)
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
This medication can make you more likely to get
infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who
has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19,
measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection
or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
lutetium Lu 177 dotatate before having any immunizations/vaccinations.
Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as
flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured,
use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid
activities such as contact sports.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This medication may affect the ability to have children.
Talk to your doctor for details.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using lutetium Lu 177
dotatate. Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor
should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Women using
this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during
treatment and for 7 months after the last dose. Men using this medication
should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 4
months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk
to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this
medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication and for 2.5 months after the last
dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
kidney/liver function, blood mineral levels, blood sugar) should be done
before you start receiving this medication and while you are using it. Keep
all medical and lab appointments.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic or doctor's office and will not be stored at
home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).