What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Low blood cell levels (white cells, platelets, or red cell counts)
- An unusual or allergic reaction to lutetium Lu 177 dotatate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
What may interact with this medication?
- Lanreotide
- Octreotide
- Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop.
This medication may cause serious side effects or allergic reactions. To reduce the risk, your care team may give you other medications to take before receiving this one. Be sure to follow the directions from your care team.
There will be radiation from this medication in your urine for up to 30 days. Follow the directions from your care team to decrease the risk of radiation exposure to other people you live with or may come in contact with.
Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects. A negative pregnancy test is required before starting this medication. A reliable form of contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 7 months after stopping treatment for people who can get pregnant or 4 months after stopping treatment for people with partners who can get pregnant. Talk to your care team about reliable forms of contraception.
Do not breast-feed while taking this medication or for 2.5 months after the last dose.
This medication may cause infertility. Talk with your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.
Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This medication decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Avoid taking medications that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medications may hide a fever.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medication.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.