Xofigo ratings & reviews

The brand name of the drug is Xofigo, which contains the active ingredient radium-223 dichloride, an alpha particle-emitting pharmaceutical. Xofigo is a radiotherapeutic drug supplied as a sterile solution for intravenous administration, with each vial containing 6 mL of the solution. Key inactive ingredients include sodium chloride, sodium citrate, and hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment. It is designed to emit radiation primarily in the form of alpha particles to potentially slow or stop the spread of prostate cancer cells.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

This medication is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Blood disorders
• Low blood cell levels (white cells, red cells, and platelets)
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions have not been studied.

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?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

This medication releases radiation. There will be radiation in your body fluids for a period of time after your treatment. Follow the directions from your care team about how to use the bathroom, wash your clothes, and do other daily activities during treatment and for 7 days after your last dose. This will help protect the people you live and spend time with from radiation. Wash your hands often. Take showers often. This helps remove radiation from your skin so you don't spread it to things or people around you. Talk to your care team if you have any questions.

It is important to drink plenty of water before and after you receive this medication. Urinate often afterward. This helps reduce the amount of radiation your body is exposed to.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Avoid taking medications that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your care team. These medications may hide a fever.

Be careful brushing or 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.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.

If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Tell your care team right away if you think your partner might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious fetal side effects.

This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.