What is Lutathera?
Lutathera, a radioactive drug, attaches to a certain part of tumour cells. This allows the radiation to penetrate and kill those cells.Lutathera can be used to treat cancers in the digestive system, such as those of the pancreas and intestines.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Lutathera.
Side effects of Lutathera
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Lutathera can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Little or no urination
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling feeling);
- Diarrhoea;
- Feeling lightheadedness as though they could collapse.
- Chest tightness, difficulty breathing,
- Low blood cell counts: fever; chills; tiredness; easy bruising and bleeding; pale or cold skin, hands or feet; or feeling lightheaded or short of breath.
- Low sodium level: leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, increased thirst, urination or numbness, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be suspended or discontinued permanently
Lutathera side effects may include:
- Nausea, vomiting;
- High blood sugar
- Low potassium
- Abnormal liver function tests
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA with potential side effects should not be difficult: simply call them on 1800FDA-1088!
Similar/related drugs
Everolimus, Lanreotide, Afinitor, Somatuline Depot, Lutetium LU 177 dotatate, Zortress
Warnings
Lutathera can cause pregnancy and breastfeeding.Lutathera is harmful to an unborn child or can cause birth defects when the mother or father are using it.
Before you take this drug
Lutathera should not be used if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.Lutathera may harm a baby in utero or cause birth defects if either the mother or father are taking this medicine.
- Women should use an effective contraceptive during treatment with this medication and for 7 months following the last dose.
- Use effective birth control if you're a man and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control for at least four months after your last dose.
- If you or your partner become pregnant while taking Lutathera, tell your doctor immediately.
Lutathera should not be breastfed during treatment or for 4 months following your last dose.
Communicate any of the following to your doctor:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes;
- High blood pressure
- Radiation treatment of any kind.
Lutathera can cause other cancers, including leukemia. Discuss this matter with your physician.Both men and women may be affected by this medicine. Lutathera can harm a baby if it causes a pregnancy.
How to take Lutathera?
Lutathera can be given by infusion. This injection will be given by your healthcare provider once every eight weeks, for a total of four doses.The infusion of Lutathera can take up to 30 minutes.You will receive another injection of octreotide after each infusion. Octreotide is usually injected once every four weeks up to 18 months.Other medications may be prescribed to prevent severe side effects or an allergic reaction. Continue to use these medications as prescribed by your doctor.While taking this medication, drink plenty of water. Urinate frequently to keep your kidneys functioning properly.To ensure that this medication isn't causing any harmful side effects, you will need to undergo regular medical tests. The results may delay your cancer treatment.Your urine may contain radiation for up to 30 days after treatment with Lutathera. To avoid spreading this radiation, sit on the toilet when urinating.Wash your hands immediately after using the toilet. Wear latex rubber gloves when cleaning up your stools and urine.Use only disposable cloths to clean bodily fluid spills. These can be flushed into the toilet. Ask your doctor or the health department for advice on how to dispose of bodily fluids that can't be flushed.Separately wash any dirty clothing from other laundry in your house.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your Lutathera appointment, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because Lutathera will be administered by a health professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Lutathera may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
