Uses
What is Lutathera used for?
Lutathera (lutetium lu 177 dotatate) is commonly used to treat certain types of tumors in your digestive system. Specifically, Lutathera treats gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).
Lutathera may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Lutathera work (mechanism of action)?
Lutathera works by targeting cells with special proteins on them called somatostatin receptors. Lutathera attaches to these proteins and delivers a dose of radiation into the cell. This damages the tumor and nearby cells, which can slow or stop the growth of tumors.
How is Lutathera supplied (dosage forms)?
Lutathera is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.
How should I store Lutathera?
Lutathera is given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Lutathera?
The most common side effects of Lutathera are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Blood disorders (see below)
- High liver enzymes
- Nausea and vomiting
- High blood sugar
- Low potassium levels
There may be other side effects of Lutathera that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Lutathera?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Lutathera are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Lutathera may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Blood Disorders. Lutathera can cause blood disorders, such as low white blood cells (leukopenia or neutropenia), low platelets (thrombocytopenia), and low red blood cells (anemia). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.
- Fever, chills, or sweats
- Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
- Frequent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Blood Disorder or Cancer. Lutathera may increase the risk of myelodysplastic syndromes, which are blood disorders where your body does not make enough healthy blood cells. Lutathera may also raise the risk of leukemia, which is a type of blood cancer. These conditions have been reported by a small number of people who used Lutathera, and most cases occurred months to years later. Keep all appointments to check your blood work after Lutathera treatment.
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Lutathera. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Lutathera. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored pee
- Yellowish skin or eyes (jaundice)
Increased Hormones in the Body. Lutathera may cause your tumors to release large amounts of hormones into your body, known as neuroendocrine hormonal crisis. While uncommon, this may lead to symptoms during or within 24 hours after your first dose of Lutathera. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have the following symptoms of hormonal crisis.
- Flushing
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure or dizziness
- Trouble breathing
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Lutathera?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Lutathera.
- Lutathera
- Lutetium lu 177 dotatate
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your healthcare provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Lutathera.
What should I know about Lutathera before using it?
Do not use Lutathera unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Lutathera will be given to you by a healthcare provider in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center.
Lutathera treatment exposes you to radiation, which adds to your overall radiation exposure. Higher exposure to radiation may increase your long-term risk of developing cancer.
Radiation from Lutathera can be found in your urine (pee) for up to 30 days after receiving the medicine. To help limit radiation exposure to those around you, follow the safety instructions from your healthcare provider, such as flushing the toilet twice after each use and using a separate bathroom if possible. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom.
If you can become pregnant, it is recommended to use birth control during Lutathera treatment and for seven months after your last dose. If your partner can become pregnant, use birth control (such as condoms) during Lutathera treatment and for four months after your last dose. Lutathera may also affect your ability to become pregnant or get a partner pregnant in the future. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about this.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Lutathera?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Lutathera is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems or risk factors for kidney problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Tumors that have spread to your liver
- Past radiation treatment or exposure
Other Medicines and Supplements. Lutathera may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Lutathera, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. Lutathera may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you or your partner is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider may give you a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant before you start Lutathera.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Lutathera passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. They may advise you not to breastfeed during Lutathera treatment and for 2.5 months after your last dose.
How can I get more information about Lutathera?
For more information about Lutathera, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.lutathera.com or call them at 844-638-7222.
Interactions
Does Lutathera interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Lutathera and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Lutathera.
Does Lutathera interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before starting Lutathera.
- A long-acting somatostatin analog within the past four weeks, such as octreotide (Sandostatin LAR Depot) or lanreotide (Somatuline Depot), which is a medicine for certain hormone disorders and tumors
- A short-acting somatostatin analog within the past 24 hours, such as octreotide (Sandostatin, Bynfezia, and others), which is a medicine used to treat certain hormone disorders and tumors
- A corticosteroid, such as prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Lutathera. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Lutathera?
If you or someone else has used too much Lutathera, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Lutathera?
Lutathera is given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. If you miss an appointment to get your Lutathera dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.