Quadramet

Quadramet is a radiopharmaceutical agent used to alleviate bone pain associated with certain cancers that have spread to the bones (bone metastases).

Radiopharmaceutical agents are drugs that contain radioactive elements and are used to diagnose or treat certain medical conditions.

Injection of this medicine is administered by a specialist in nuclear medicine or radiation oncology, or a trained health professional in his/her presence. It is available as:

• Injectable
• Solution

Before using Quadramet, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Take care of the following factors before using this medicine:

Allergies: Inform your doctor if are allergic to this medicine, any other medicines or foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Pediatric: Safety and efficacy of this medicine in children have not been well documented.

Geriatric: It may be used in elderly after assessing risks and benefits of the use.

Pregnancy: It falls under pregnancy category D for all trimesters meaning that taking this medicine during pregnancy is risky to the baby, but benefits of its use in a life-threatening situation may be significantly greater than the potential risks.

Breastfeeding: Assess risks and benefits of the use of using this medicine in a nursing mother 

Drug Interactions: Taking two medicines together can be harmful due to possible interactions. In other cases, even if there is a possible interaction between two medicines your doctor may advise you to take them together after adjusting the dose or issuing precautions.

Inform your doctor about your intake of other prescription or nonprescription medicines, if any.

Other Interactions: Taking your medicine together with certain foods or items such as alcohol or tobacco may cause undesirable interactions. Talk to your doctor to know if using this medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco is safe.

Medical Problems: Certain medical conditions might influence the effects (both positive and adverse) and action of this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have any other health problems.

Proper usage of Quadramet requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. This medicine is injected into your vein by a specialized doctor or other trained health professional.

Here are some points to consider:

Listen to your doctor carefully to clearly understand your doctor’s instructions on any specific preparations required for the treatment.

Before using this medicine:

• You may be advised to take enough fluids to promote urine flow and reduce radiation exposure to your bladder.
• DO NOT forget to inform your doctor if you have troubles with bladder control.

You will also have to follow special instructions to prevent your clothing, bed linens, and the surrounding from getting contaminated with radiation.

Dosing: For best results, follow your doctor to know what amount of medicine you should take in a single dose.

The doses of a medicine can differ according to the conditions for which it is being prescribed. Remember your doses can differ. Consult your doctor if you have anything to ask.

Before using Quadramet, there are some precautions you must take. Your progress should be regularly monitored to determine if you are responding to the treatment. You may also need blood tests to detect any undesirable effects.

For 12 hours following the administration of this medicine, you are recommended to:

• Avoid using a urinal as far as possible. Instead, you can use a normal toilet. This may help to reduce exposure as this medicine is eliminated mainly through your urine.
• Properly clean the toilet with excess water after each use.
• Follow proper hygiene measures such as washing hands after each use of the toilet.
• Keep aside and properly wash any contaminated clothes.
• Properly clean the blood from cuts, if any.

This medicine can affect your white blood cell as well as platelet count thereby increasing your chances of acquiring infections or bleeding.

So, call your doctor immediately if:

• You suspect you have acquired an infection or have symptoms of infection, such as fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, pain in lower back or side, or urinary problems. Avoid getting infected as far as possible. Practice proper hygiene and stay away from ill people.
• Have any abnormal bleeding or bruising, black, tar-like stools, bloody urine or stools, or red dots on your skin. Take care while using any sharp instruments such as a razor or a nail clipper, to avoid the risk of bleeding.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Quadramet.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects indicative of an infection or problems with blood clotting:

More common:

• Black, tar-like stools
• Bloody urine or stools
• A cough or changes in voice
• Fever or chills
• Pain in back or side
• Pain while urinating
• Red dots on the skin
• Abnormal bleeding or bruising

Less common:

• Abnormal heart rhythm

The side effects of the medicine are not limited to the ones listed above. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects that are uncommon or worry you. To report side effects to the FDA, contact at 1-800-FDA-1088.