Sodium phosphate p 32 (Intravenous)

Sodium phosphate P 32 is a radiopharmaceutical. Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive agents that can be used to treat certain diseases or to examine how the body's organs are working.

Sodium phosphate P 32 is used to treat certain types of cancer. In this case, the radioactive agent gathers in the cancerous area and destroys the affected tissue. This radiopharmaceutical may also be used for other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Sodium phosphate P 32 must be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor who has specialized training in nuclear medicine.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking the medicine compared to the benefits it may provide. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Let your doctor know if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also inform your healthcare professional about any other allergies you may have, including allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on this medicine have only been conducted with adult patients, and there is no specific information regarding its use in children. However, children are particularly sensitive to radiation effects, which may increase the risk of side effects during and after treatment.

Geriatric

Older adults are particularly sensitive to radiation effects, which may increase the risk of side effects during and after treatment.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies on the risk to infants when this medication is used during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while in other situations, two different medicines may be used together despite a possible interaction. In these cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose, or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken near the time of eating, or with certain foods, due to potential interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may impact the use of sodium phosphate p 32. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. When sodium phosphate P 32 is used at recommended doses, side effects usually are rare. However, blood problems, such as anemia or a decrease in the number of white blood cells, may occur in some patients.

Also, the following side effects may occur in patients with bone cancer receiving sodium phosphate P 32 for the relief of bone pain:

More common

• Diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your doctor may have special instructions for you in preparation for your treatment. If you do not understand them or if you have not received such instructions, check with your doctor in advance.

Dosing—The doses of radiopharmaceuticals will be different for different patients and for the different types of treatments. The amount of radioactivity of a radiopharmaceutical is expressed in units called becquerels or curies. Usual adult doses of sodium phosphate P 32 range from 37 megabecquerels (1 millicurie) to 185 megabecquerels (5 millicuries). The dose you receive depends on your size, age, and blood test measurements (blood counts). The amount of radiation received by the body to treat a disease is many times higher than from any diagnostic test, such as x-rays and nuclear medicine scans. Repeated doses may be necessary, depending on the kind of disease you have and how your body is responding to treatment.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.