Uses
What is Xofigo used for?
Xofigo (radium RA 223 dichloride) is commonly used for prostate cancer that is no longer responding to hormone treatments and has spread to a bone in your body but has not spread to any other areas.
Xofigo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Xofigo work (mechanism of action)?
Xofigo is a medicine that provides radiation to bones and helps to kill cancer cells that have spread to one or more of your bones.
How is Xofigo supplied (dosage forms)?
Xofigo is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.
How should I store Xofigo?
Xofigo 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 Xofigo?
The most common side effects of Xofigo are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fluid retention
- Bone marrow suppression (see below)
There may be other side effects of Xofigo 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 Xofigo?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Xofigo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Xofigo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Xofigo and 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
Bone Marrow Suppression. Xofigo can damage bone marrow. This can lead to low blood levels of important cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and neutrophils, and can lead to infections. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Keep all appointments for blood work so your healthcare provider can monitor your bone marrow while you use Xofigo. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bone marrow suppression.
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infection
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Headache
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Xofigo?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who had an allergic reaction to previous radiation therapy should not use Xofigo.
What should I know about Xofigo before using it?
Do not use Xofigo unless it has been prescribed by a healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will store and give you the medicine.
You will need to drink plenty of water while using Xofigo. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a change in the amount of urine (pee) you have, the color of your urine, or any signs of dehydration, such as muscle cramps, constipation, or feeling very thirsty.
You do not need to avoid physical contact with other people in your home after using Xofigo. It is important to make sure that no other people come into contact with your urine or stools (poop) while using Xofigo and for at least 1 week after your last dose. You should flush the toilet several times after each time you use it. Any clothing, bedding, or other materials that come into contact with your urine or stools should be separated from other items and washed right away. Any people who handle the soiled materials or help you use the bathroom should take precautions (such as wearing gloves) to avoid coming into contact with your urine or stools.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Xofigo?
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 Xofigo is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. Xofigo may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you have a female partner that can become pregnant, it is important that males use condoms and females use effective birth control during treatment with Xofigo and for 6 months after the last dose.
Infertility. Xofigo may cause fertility problems in people who were assigned male at birth. Talk with your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.
How can I get more information about Xofigo?
For more information about Xofigo, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.xofigo.com or call them at 855-696-3446.
Interactions
Does Xofigo interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Xofigo and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Xofigo.
Does Xofigo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Xofigo and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Xofigo. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Xofigo?
If you or someone else has used too much Xofigo, 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 Xofigo?
Xofigo is given by a healthcare provider in a hospital. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Xofigo as scheduled. If you miss an appointment, call your healthcare provider right away to reschedule.