Radiogardase

Radiogardase is a prescription-only antidote for cesium or thallium poisoning. It is available as a capsule.

Before using Radiogardase, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Together with your doctor, you can decide whether the medication will provide you more goods than the harms.

Here are some factors to be considered before deciding to use this medicine:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor about the allergies you have, such as to this medication, other medications, or to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Pediatric: It’s not clear if using this medicine in children younger than 2 years is safe or effective.
• Geriatric: It may be used cautiously in elderly patients.
• Pregnancy: It falls under category C for all trimesters, meaning that due to lack of sufficient studies, it’s not clear if this medication is safe for use in pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: Using this medicine in a nursing mother is generally safe for the infant.
• 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. In case you are currently on treatment with any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter: OTC) medicine, inform your doctor.
• 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. DO NOT forget to inform your doctor about the following conditions:

        o Abnormal heart rhythms
        o Electrolyte imbalance (Use cautiously)
        o Intestinal obstruction or constipation
        o Liver disease (Effectiveness of medicine may be reduced)

In using Radiogardase, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Here are some points to consider:

• Strictly follow your doctor and don’t:

        o Take more, for longer or more frequently than recommended.

• Taking this medicine with food may help reduce some side effects.
• You may mix the contents of the capsule with food or liquids before consuming.
• During treatment with this medicine, wash your hands properly and apply other hygiene guidelines as suggested by your doctor.
• Use of a laxative, such as sorbitol may prevent constipation.
• Do not skip any dose or discontinue without consulting your doctor.

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. If not stated otherwise, the doses here refer to an average dose. Remember your doses can differ. The doses are:

For cesium poisoning:

• Adults and teenagers: 3 grams (6 capsules) thrice daily.
• Children 2 to 12 years: 1 gram (2 capsules) thrice daily.
• Children younger than 2 years: Your doctor will decide use and the dose.

For thallium poisoning

• Adults and teenagers: 3 grams (6 capsules) thrice daily.
• Children 2 to 12 years: 1 gram (2 capsules) thrice daily.
• Children younger than 2: Your doctor will decide use and the dose.

Missed Dose:

Take your missed dose once you remember but avoid it if it’s time to take your next dose, and follow your normal dosing schedule. Avoid taking double doses to make up for the missed dose.

Storage:

• Store in a closed container at room temperature.
• Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep away from children.
• Discard any unused or expired medicines.

Your progress should be regularly monitored to determine effectiveness of the treatment and occurrence of undesirable side effects which can be checked by blood tests, if necessary.

Here are some points to consider:

• If you develop constipation, see your doctor immediately.
• Symptoms like dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, or irregular heartbeats can be due to increased blood level of potassium. Consult your doctor.
• Do not worry if you have bluish stool or teeth as it is normal.

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

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

More common:

• Convulsions
• Reduced urine volume
• Bowel evacuation problems
• Dryness of mouth
• Increased thirst
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Decreased appetite
• Mood alterations
• Muscular pain or cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Numb hands, feet, or lips
• Breathing difficulties
• Excessive tiredness

Mild and non-serious side effects usually go away on their own without requiring medical intervention. You may also ask your doctor to learn more about how you may prevent or reduce the side effects. Talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worry you.

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.