Strontium chloride sr 89 (Intravenous, Injection)

Strontium chloride Sr 89 is a radiopharmaceutical. Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive substances that can be used to diagnose some diseases by examining how the body's organs work or to treat certain diseases.

Strontium chloride Sr 89 is used to help relieve bone pain that can happen with some types of cancer. The radioactive strontium is absorbed in the area of bone cancer and emits radiation that helps reduce pain.

Strontium chloride Sr 89 must be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor who has specialized training in nuclear medicine or radiation oncology.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to ensure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects. You may need to have blood tests done regularly.

Follow these guidelines for 1 week after receiving strontium chloride sr 89, to help reduce the chance of contaminating other persons or the environment:

• Use a normal toilet, if available, instead of a urinal.
• Strontium chloride sr 89 is passed in the urine and feces. To prevent contamination of your home environment, flush the toilet twice after using.
• Wipe any spilled urine with a tissue and flush it away.
• Wash your hands after using or cleaning the toilet.
• Wash your clothes and bed linens immediately if they become soiled with your urine or blood. Wash them separately from other clothes.
• If you cut yourself, wash away any spilled blood.

Strontium chloride sr 89 can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If your blood count becomes abnormally low, there are certain precautions you can take to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding, such as:

• With abnormally low white blood cell counts: If you can, avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination. Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work done. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have just washed your hands and have not touched anything else in the meantime.
• With abnormally low platelet blood counts: Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters. Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury could occur.

In deciding to use this medicine, you and your doctor will weigh the risks against the benefits. Consider the following for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your health care professional know about any other allergies you have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

This medicine has only been studied in adults, and there is no specific information available about its use in children.

Geriatric

Strontium chloride Sr 89 has been used in older adults and has not shown different side effects or problems in older adults compared to younger adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others may be used together even if there is a risk of interaction. In such 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]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at or around mealtime, as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines can also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may influence the use of strontium chloride Sr 89. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other medical issues you have.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. When strontium chloride sr 89 is used at recommended doses, side effects usually are rare. However, blood problems, such as a decrease in the number of white blood cells or platelets, may occur in some patients.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Black, tarry stools
• blood in urine or stools
• cough or hoarseness
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• pinpoint red spots on skin
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Flushing
• increase in bone pain

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.

In the U.S.

• Metastron

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Radiopharmaceutical, Antineoplastic

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

If you have a problem controlling your bladder, tell your doctor before receiving strontium chloride Sr 89. Special precautions will need to be taken to prevent contamination of clothing, bed linen, and the environment.

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.