Radium 223 Dichloride Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 31, 2024.

Applies to radium 223 dichloride: intravenous solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine can cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. If you are sexually active with a female who could become pregnant, use a condom during treatment with this medicine and for 6 months after the last dose. Your sexual partner must also use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. If a pregnancy occurs while you are receiving this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Xofigo® 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 this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:

• 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.
• Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine or stools, or pinpoint red spots on your skin.
• 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.
• 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.

This medicine may increase your risk for fractures when used with abiraterone (Zytiga®) plus prednisone or prednisolone.

Check with your doctor right away if you have confusion, decrease in the amount of urine, dizziness, dry mouth, fainting, increased heart rate, lightheadedness, rapid breathing, sunken eyes, thirst, or unusual tiredness or weakness. These may be symptoms of dehydration.

Check with your doctor right away if you have bloody urine, decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, trouble breathing, or weight gain. These could be symptoms of kidney problems.

You will be exposed to radiation with this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, radium 223 dichloride may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking radium 223 dichloride:

Other side effects

Some side effects of radium 223 dichloride 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to radium 223 dichloride: intravenous solution.

General adverse events

The most common side effects (incidence of 10% or greater) were nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and peripheral edema.

The most common hematologic laboratory abnormalities (incidence of 10% or greater) were anemia, lymphocytopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia.^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (93%), lymphocytopenia (72%), leukopenia (35%), thrombocytopenia (31%), neutropenia (18%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pancytopenia (2%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (36%), diarrhea (25%), vomiting (19%)^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Erythema, pain, and edema at the injection site^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Peripheral edema (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dehydration (3%)

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Renal failure and impairment (3%)

See also:

Further information

Radium 223 dichloride side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer