What is Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate?
Lutetium Lu 177 is a radioactive drug that binds to a certain part of tumour cells. This allows the radiation to penetrate and destroy these cells.Lutetium Lu 177 is used in the treatment of certain cancers that affect the digestive system, such as those that affect the stomach, the pancreas, and the intestines.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate.
Side effects of Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate
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.
Lutetium 177 dotatate can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Little or no urination
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly sensation);
- Diarrhoea;
- Feeling dizzy as though they might pass out.
- Chest tightness;
- Low blood cell counts: fever; chills; fatigue; sores on the lips; sores on the skin; easy bruising and bleeding; pale or cold skin; hands or feet; or feeling lightheaded or short-of-breath.
- Constipation. Leg cramps.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be delayed or discontinued permanently.
Some of the common side effects associated with lutetium Lu-177 dotatate 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 directly is also available, at 1-800-FDA-1088 for reporting any adverse side effects or problems with products.
Warnings
Avoid becoming pregnant or breastfeeding a child while taking lutetium Lu 177 dotatate.Lutetium 177 dotatate is harmful to an unborn child or can cause birth defects if either the mother or father uses this medicine.
Before you take this drug
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use lutetium-177 dotatate.
If either the mother or father are taking this medicine, it can cause birth defects or harm to an unborn child.
- Women should use an effective contraceptive during treatment with this medicine 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.
- Do not hesitate to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while receiving lutetium Lu-177 dotatate.
You should not breastfeed for 4 months following your last dose of lutetium Lu-177 dotatate.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes;
- High blood pressure
- Radiation treatment of any kind.
Leukemia, for example, can be caused by Lutetium Lu 177. Discuss this matter with your physician.Both men and women may be affected by this medicine. It is still important to use birth control to avoid pregnancy, as lutetium Lu 171 dotatate can harm the child if it does happen.
How to take Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate?
An infusion of Lutetium Lu 177 Dotated is administered into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider once every eight weeks, for a total of four doses.The infusion of lutetium Lu 177 dotatate can take up to 40 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 lutetium Lu-177 dotatate. 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 a disposable cloth that can be flushed in the toilet to clean up bodily fluid spills. 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.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for neuroendocrine cancer:
Intravenous Infusion: 7.4 GBq 200 mCi every 8 weeks, for a total of 4 doses.
Premedication:
Somatostatin Analogues:
Discontinue all long-acting analogues of somatostatin (e.g., long-acting Octreotide) at least four weeks before starting this drug. As needed, administer short-acting Octreotide; discontinue 24 hours before initiating this medication.
During the treatment, administer 30 mg of long-acting Octreotide intramuscularly for 4 to 24 hours following each dose. Do not give long-acting Octreotide for at least 4 weeks after each dose. If you need to manage symptoms during the treatment of this drug, short-acting octreotide can be used. However, it must be held back for at least 24 hours before each dose.
After treatment, continue to administer long-acting Octreotide (30 mg) intramuscularly once every four weeks until the disease progresses or up to 18 months after treatment initiation.
Antiemetic
Antiemetics should be administered 30 minutes prior to the amino acid solution.
Amino acid solution:
Start an intravenous solution of L-lysine and L-argina at least 30 minutes prior to administering the drug.
Use a three-way valve to administer amino acids through the same vein as this drug, or administer amino acids through a different vein in the other arm of the patient.
Continue the infusion for 3 hours following the infusion.
Do not reduce the dosage of this drug if you are using the amino acid solution.
Comments:
The section on dose adjustments provides information about modifications to the dosage due to adverse effects.
Radiation Dosimetry: Maximum penetration in tissue is 2.20 mm, and mean penetration is 0.67mm.
Application: Intended use includes treatment of GEP-NETs that express receptors for somatostatin, including foregut, midgut and hingut neuroendocrine tumors in adults.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your appointment for lutetium Lu 177 dotatate, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because lutetium Lu 177 is 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
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also affect lutetium Lu-177 dotatate. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
