Uses
What is Pluvicto used for?
Pluvicto (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is commonly used for prostate cancer that is PSMA-positive and has spread to other parts of your body (metastatic) and is no longer responding to chemotherapy and hormone treatments. PSMA stands for prostate-specific membrane antigen and it is a protein that some prostate cancer cells have on their surface. Being PSMA-positive means the PSMA protein is present on the cancer cells.
How Pluvicto Fights Prostate Cancer and What to Expect
Pluvicto may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Pluvicto work (mechanism of action)?
Pluvicto is a type of medicine called radioligand therapy. Radioligand therapy targets specific cells and delivers radiation to these specific cells, which causes the cells to die. Pluvicto targets the PSMA protein on the prostate cancer cells. After Pluvicto attaches to the PSMA protein, the medicine kills the cancer cells with radiation.
How is Pluvicto supplied (dosage forms)?
Pluvicto is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.
How should I store Pluvicto?
Pluvicto 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 Pluvicto?
The most common side effects of Pluvicto are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Feeling tired
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Blood disorders (see below)
There may be other side effects of Pluvicto 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 Pluvicto?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Pluvicto are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Pluvicto may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Pluvicto 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
Radiation Exposure. Pluvicto radiates cancer cells and adds to your overall radiation exposure. You may need to limit other sources of radiation, such as getting an X-ray, for a certain amount of time after using Pluvicto. After every dose of Pluvicto, it is important to drink a lot of water and to urinate (pee) often to decrease the amount of radiation to your bladder. Your healthcare provider will also instruct you to avoid being within three feet of children and pregnant people, to sleep in a separate bedroom from other people, and to avoid having sex for a certain amount of time after your Pluvicto dose.
Blood Disorders. Pluvicto can cause blood disorders, such as anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), low white blood cell levels (leukopenia), and low neutrophils (neutropenia). Stop using Pluvicto and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.
- 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
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Pluvicto. Call 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
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Pluvicto?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following may not be able to use Pluvicto.
- Previous radiation therapy
What should I know about Pluvicto before using it?
Do not use Pluvicto unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Pluvicto will be given to you by a healthcare provider in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center. They will store and prepare the medicine for your dose.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Pluvicto?
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 Pluvicto is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. Pluvicto may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a partner that can become pregnant. You will need to use effective birth control during treatment with Pluvicto and for at least 14 weeks after your last dose. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you live or spend time with any children or pregnant people, as it may be necessary for you to not have close contact with them for a certain period of time after your Pluvicto dose.
Infertility. Pluvicto can cause infertility in people who were assigned male at birth. The infertility can be temporary or permanent and is caused by the radiation from the medicine being absorbed in the testicles. Talk with your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.
How can I get more information about Pluvicto?
For more information about Pluvicto, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.pluvicto.com or call them at 844-638-7222.
Interactions
Does Pluvicto interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Pluvicto and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Pluvicto; however, it is important to stay hydrated after each Pluvicto treatment. Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of dehydration. It is best to avoid alcohol while on Pluvicto.
Does Pluvicto interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Pluvicto 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 Pluvicto. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Pluvicto?
If you or someone else has used too much Pluvicto, 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 Pluvicto?
Pluvicto is given by a healthcare provider in a hospital. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Pluvicto as scheduled. If you miss an appointment, call your healthcare provider right away to reschedule.