Lutetium Lu-177 dotatate: Patient drug information

What is this drug used for?

It is used to treat a certain type of cancer called neuroendocrine tumor from the gastrointestinal tract or the pancreas (GEP-NETs).

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you are taking or will be taking another drug like this one.
If you have taken long-acting octreotide or a drug like it within the past 4 weeks.
If you have taken short-acting octreotide or a drug like it within the past 24 hours.
If you must take a steroid drug like prednisone for other health problems.
If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed for at least 10 weeks after your last dose.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
This drug is radioactive. You will need to follow what the doctor has told you to lessen being exposed to this drug.
If you have ever had radiation, talk with your doctor.
Pass urine often before you get this drug, the day of treatment, and the day after you get this drug. You need to empty your bladder often. Drinking lots of liquids will help.
Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
Rarely, a bone marrow problem called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has happened in patients treated with this drug. A type of leukemia has also rarely happened. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
Tell your doctor if you have signs of high or low blood sugar like breath that smells like fruit, dizziness, fast breathing, fast heartbeat, feeling confused, feeling sleepy, feeling weak, flushing, headache, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, shaking, or sweating.
Allergic reactions have happened with this drug. You will be watched for at least 2 hours after your treatment. Tell your doctor if you have any unusual effects during treatment or after you get this drug.
Rarely, a severe reaction has happened in patients who take this drug. This usually happened during or within 24 hours after the first dose of this drug. Tell your doctor right away if you have severe flushing, diarrhea, trouble breathing, or signs of low blood pressure like dizziness or passing out.
This drug may affect fertility. Fertility problems may lead to not being able to get pregnant or father a child. If you plan to get pregnant or father a child, talk with your doctor before taking this drug.
This drug may cause harm to an unborn baby. A pregnancy test will be done before you start this drug to show that you are NOT pregnant.
If you or your sex partner may become pregnant, you must use birth control while taking this drug and for some time after the last dose. Ask your doctor how long to use birth control. If you or your sex partner gets pregnant, call your doctor right away.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
Signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
Signs of electrolyte problems like mood changes; confusion; muscle pain, cramps, or spasms; weakness; shakiness; change in balance; an abnormal heartbeat; seizures; loss of appetite; or severe upset stomach or throwing up.
Flushing.
Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
Swelling in the arms or legs.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, throwing up, or decreased appetite.
Hair loss.
Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
Back pain.
Pain in arms or legs.
Muscle pain.
Neck pain.
Headache.
Change in taste.
Anxiety.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
Other drugs will be given with this drug to help avoid side effects.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

General drug facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

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Lutetium Lu-177 dotatate: Patient drug information