Key facts about Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate
What dosages is Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate available in?
Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate is available as a 370 MBq/mL (10 mCi/mL) of Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate in single-dose vial.
What is Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate used for?
Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate is a radiopharmaceutical and is used to treat neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the digestive tract that are positive for the somatostatin hormone receptor.
How does Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate work?
Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate is a radiopharmaceutical. It’s a special type of somatostatin, a hormone naturally found in the body. In this version, somatostatin is combined with a radioactive chemical. Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate works by attaching to the somatostatin receptor on the surface of tumor cells. Then, it enters the cell. Once inside, the radioactive part of the medication damages the cell, stopping the tumor from growing and spreading.
How do I take Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate?
The typical dose of Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate is 7.4 GBq given as an injection through the vein about every 8 weeks for a total of 4 doses. Between 4 to 24 hours after each Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate dose, you’ll need to use long-acting octreotide (Sandostatin LAR).
Is it safe for me to take Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate?
Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Lowered appetite
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Swelling in the arms and legs
Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: breathing problems, hives, rash, itchiness; swelling of the face, mouth, or lips
- Hormone gland problems: feeling hot or flushed, severe diarrhea, feeling weak or dizzy, breathing problems
- Low blood cell counts: fever, chills, feeling very tired, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising
- Bone marrow problems and blood cancers: feeling very weak or tired, bruising or bleeding easily, blood in the urine or stool, fevers, unexplained weight loss
- Kidney problems: making little or no urine, dark urine
Liver problems: pain in the right side of the stomach, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark or brown urine
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate
The following medications may interact with Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate:
- Somatostatin Analogs: Discontinue long-acting analogs at least 4 weeks and short-acting octreotide at least 24 hours prior to each Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate dose
Who makes Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate safe in pregnancy?
Based on its mechanism of action, Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. You should have a pregnancy test before starting this medication. Females that can become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment with Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate and for 7 months after the last dose. Males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate and for 4 months after the last dose
