Radium-223-dichloride Injectable Solution

Radium Ra 223 dichloride is used to treat prostate cancer that has not responded to other treatments. It’s used when the cancer has spread to the bones, but not to other areas of the body.

This drug comes as a solution that a healthcare provider injects into your vein. You’ll receive an injection once every 4 weeks, for a total of six treatments.

Radium Ra 223 dichloride is available as the brand-name drug Xofigo. It’s not available as a generic drug.

The more common side effects of this drug include swelling of your hands and feet, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Radium Ra 223 dichloride is a radioactive drug. To avoid exposure to radiation, other members of your household will need to avoid contact with your bodily fluids (such as urine or feces). They should avoid contact during your treatment with this drug and for at least one week after your treatment ends.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Low blood cell counts See Details

• Harm to a pregnancy See Details

• Other drug use See Details

What is radium Ra 223 dichloride?

This drug is a prescription drug. It comes as a solution that a healthcare provider injects into your vein.

This drug is available as the brand-name drug Xofigo. It’s not available as a generic drug.

Why it's used

This drug is used to treat prostate cancer that:

• has not responded to other treatment
• has spread to your bones but not to other areas of your body

How it works

This drug belongs to a class of drugs called radiotherapeutic drugs. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

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More common side effects

The more common side effects of this drug include:

• nausea

• diarrhea

• vomiting

• swelling of your hands and feet

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 9-1-1 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Infections. Symptoms can include:

  • fever
  • cold symptoms, such as a runny nose or sore throat that doesn’t go away
  • flu symptoms, such as cough, tiredness, or body aches
  • pain during urination
  • white patches in your mouth or throat

• Bleeding. Symptoms can include:

  • unexplained bruising
  • bleeding that lasts a long time or is unexpected, such as:
    • unusual bleeding from your gums
    • frequent nosebleeds
  • coughing up blood
  • vomit that contains blood or that looks like coffee grounds
  • bloody urine
  • dark or bloody stools
  • headaches
  • weakness
  • dizziness

• Anemia. Symptoms can include:

  • pale skin
  • extreme tiredness
  • lightheadedness
  • fast heart rate

• Dehydration. Symptoms can include:

  • a decrease in the amount you urinate
  • dizziness
  • lightheadedness
  • dry mouth

• Kidney damage or failure. Symptoms can include:

  • changes in the amount you urinate
  • changes in how often you urinate
  • fluid retention or swelling throughout your body
  • confusion

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Radium Ra 223 dichloride can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you might be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. Your healthcare provider will look out for interactions with your current medications. Always be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, herbs, or vitamins you’re taking.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking. Drug warnings

People with blood problems or disorders

Tell your doctor about your blood problems or disorders. This drug can cause dangerous decreases in the levels of your blood cells. This raises your risk of infections, bleeding, and anemia (very low levels of red blood cells).

People with kidney problems

If you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease, this drug may damage your kidneys more. Tell your doctor about your kidney problems. Your doctor will likely monitor you closely while you take this drug.

Pregnant women

This drug can cause serious harm to a pregnancy. If you have a female sexual partner, you should both use effective birth control during your treatment with this drug. You should keep using birth control for six months after your treatment is complete. Your doctor can tell you more.

For children

This medication has not been studied in children. It should not be used in people younger than 18 years of age.

When to call the doctor

Call your doctor right away if you have a female sexual partner who becomes pregnant.

Allergies

This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

• trouble breathing
• swelling of your throat or tongue

If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. If your symptoms are severe, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Taking this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it could be fatal (cause death). Be sure to tell your doctor if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to this drug.

Your doctor will determine a dosage that’s right for you based on your weight. Your general health may affect your dosage. Tell your doctor about all health conditions you have before your healthcare provider administers the drug to you.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Important considerations for taking this drug

Your doctor will give you this drug every 4 weeks

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How long does it take?

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Can I drive home after?

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Travel

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Clinical monitoring

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Insurance

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Show Sources

• Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2013, May). Xofigo (radium Ra 223 dichloride) injection, for intravenous use [package insert]. Wayne, NJ.

Content developed in collaboration with University of Illinois-Chicago, Drug Information Group

Medically reviewed by Creighton University, Center for Drug Information and Evidence-Based Practice on February 12, 2016

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.