Has the doctor told you or someone you know has prostate cancer ? Well, today I'm going to talk about a specific treatment for it. The name is a bit long and complicated: Lutetium Lu 177 Vipivotide Tetraxetan. But don't worry, let's talk about this medicine, what it does, and the things to be careful about when taking it.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is a drug that is used to treat prostate cancer. What's special about it is that it releases radiation into the body. It's like a little missile that goes straight to the target. This energy finds cancer cells and either kills them or stops them from growing. The brand name for this is PLUVICTO.
Doctors may also prescribe this medicine for other conditions, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor about it.
What should I tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
It is very important that your medical team is fully aware of your health condition. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor before starting this treatment.
- If you have any kidney disease .
- If you have been diagnosed with low levels of certain cells in your blood , such as low levels of white blood cells , red blood cells, or platelets.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicine, food, coloring, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. This is an injection into a vein.It is given as is. Also, this treatment is given in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of a trained medical team.
Since this medicine is administered by a medical team, there is little risk of overdose. However, in the event of an emergency, it is important to immediately notify the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
This medicine is for you only. Therefore, never share this medicine with anyone else.
What do you do if you miss a dose of medication?
You will be given specific dates for this treatment. It is very important to keep those dates and receive your treatment. If for some reason you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please contact your medical team immediately.
Special things to be aware of when taking medication
Your doctor will be monitoring your condition closely while you are taking this medication, but you should also be especially careful about some things.
About general wellness
It is normal to feel a little uncomfortable and lethargic during chemotherapy. This is because these drugs kill cancer cells and can also affect healthy cells. If you experience any side effects, tell your doctor. But don't stop treatment because you feel uncomfortable until your doctor tells you to stop .
Radiation Precautions
This is the most important thing you need to be careful about with this medicine. After taking the medicine, a small amount of radioactivity will be released from your body. We need to make sure that it does not harm others, especially pregnant women and young children. The steps to take for this are clearly outlined in the table below.
| What to do | Description | how long? |
|---|---|---|
| Isolation from others | Keep at least 3 feet away from other people (adults). | It's been 2 days since I took the medicine. |
| Pregnant women and children | Keep at least 3 feet away from pregnant women and children. | 7 days from the day you took the medicine. |
| Sleeping separately | Sleep in a separate room, away from others. | - Usually: 3 days - If with a child: 7 days - If with a pregnant woman: 15 days |
| Sexual activity | Avoid having sex. | 7 days from the day you took the medicine. |
Protection from infections
This medicine may lower your immunity a bit. This means you are more likely to get sick, especially infections. If you develop symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, or cough , do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately. Stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.
Other points
- Dry mouth: Your mouth may feel dry. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on unsweetened candy, and drinking plenty of water can help.
- Brushing your teeth: Be careful when brushing and flossing your teeth, as your gums may bleed more easily. If you are going to have any dental treatment, tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine.
- Fertility and birth control: If your partner is able to get pregnant, be sure to use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 14 weeks after the last dose. This medication may affect fertility. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about this.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, pain when urinating. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urination, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Decreased red blood cell count | Unusual fatigue, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing. |
| Unusual bruising or bleeding | Even a small bump can cause a large bruise, bleeding from the nose and gums. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome. | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation, nausea, loss of appetite. |
| General inconveniences | Dry mouth, fatigue. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Lutetium Lu 177 is a specific treatment for prostate cancer that uses radioactive energy.
- This is given in a hospital, through a vein.
- After taking the medicine, it is imperative to stay away from others, especially pregnant women and young children, and to sleep separately.
- If you develop signs of infection, such as fever, bleeding, or other serious side effects, notify your doctor immediately.
- Give your doctor a complete description of all your health conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Never miss scheduled treatment appointments. If you miss any, inform the medical team in advance.
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