Lutathera (Lutetium (177Lu) Oxodotreotide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Lutathera Used For?
Lutathera is a specialized radioactive medicine used to treat certain types of tumors in adults.
Primary Uses
Lutathera is used for treating adults with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. These are specific types of tumors that must have somatostatin proteins (receptors) on their surface for the medicine to work effectively.
How It Works
Lutathera binds with somatostatin receptors on tumor cells and delivers radioactivity directly into the tumor cells, causing them to die. The medicine targets the tumor specifically while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Good to know: Your doctor has determined that the clinical benefits of this treatment outweigh the radiation risks for your specific condition.
How to Take Lutathera
Lutathera is given only in hospitals or licensed facilities by specially trained medical staff. You cannot take this medicine at home.
Dosage Instructions
The standard dose is 7400 MBq given as a single infusion into your vein. You will receive this treatment approximately every 8 weeks for a total of 4 treatments. Each infusion takes 30 ±10 minutes, but the complete procedure requires approximately 5 hours. You will also receive an amino acid infusion to protect your kidneys and anti-nausea medication.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Contact your specialist or healthcare professional as soon as possible if you miss an appointment. It’s important to maintain the schedule of receiving Lutathera once every 8 weeks for all 4 treatments.
Important: This medicine involves exposure to radioactivity and requires special safety precautions after each treatment.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Hair loss
- Muscle spasms and pain
- Joint pain
- Dry skin
- Rash
- Indigestion
- Swelling or fullness in stomach area
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
- Difficulty stopping bleeding
- Infections with fever, sore throat, or mouth ulcers
- Extreme tiredness and weakness
- Pale skin and shortness of breath
- Passing less urine or smaller amounts than usual
- Swollen legs or feet
- Bone marrow cancer with poorly formed blood cells
- Flushing, difficulty breathing with wheezing
- Facial or throat swelling
- Changes in heartbeat
- Trouble thinking clearly
Important Warnings
Lutathera has specific safety requirements due to its radioactive nature and potential effects on fertility and pregnancy.
Who Should Not Take Lutathera
Do not use Lutathera if you are allergic to lutetium (177Lu) oxodotreotide or amino acid solutions, if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, if your kidneys are seriously impaired, or if you have problems breaking down amino acids in your body.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, any other type of cancer or previous cancer treatments, low blood cell counts, high potassium levels in blood, heart failure, or if you take any other medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Lutathera if you are pregnant as radiation is dangerous for unborn babies. Stop breastfeeding during treatment. Women must use effective birth control during treatment and for 7 months after completion. Men must use effective birth control during treatment and for 4 months after completion. The radiation may potentially decrease fertility.
Fertility Warning: This medicine may decrease your fertility. Consult with a genetic counselor if you wish to have children after treatment. Sperm or egg preservation may be offered before treatment.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with how Lutathera works in your body.
- Somatostatin analog medicines (anti-growth hormones) such as Sandostatin
- Glucocorticoids (corticosteroids)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities that require alertness and discuss alcohol use with your doctor.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. The interaction between alcohol and Lutathera should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines or tools until you know how Lutathera affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness and tiredness in some people.
Storage
You will not need to store, handle, or dispose of this medicine. The specialist will store Lutathera below 25°C (do not freeze) in the original package with lead shielding to protect from radiation. Disposal is handled by qualified staff according to Australian regulations for radioactive materials.
Overdose Information
Since Lutathera is given in a hospital by specialists, overdose is unlikely. If you suspect you received too much, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must limit close contact (less than 1 meter) with household members for 7 days and with children/pregnant women to less than 15 minutes daily for 7 days. Sleep in a separate bedroom for 7 days (15 days from children/pregnant women). Drink plenty of water and take daily showers for at least 7 days.
For 7 days after treatment: always sit when using the toilet, use toilet paper every time, wash hands well after use, flush all wipes and toilet paper immediately, and place items that can’t be flushed (like sanitary pads) in separate plastic waste bags.
The radiation may decrease fertility. Women must use effective birth control during treatment and for 7 months after, men for 4 months after. Consult a genetic counselor if you want children after treatment. Sperm or egg preservation may be offered before treatment.
If you need emergency care or hospital admission within 3 months after treatment, inform healthcare professionals about your radioactive treatment including the name, date, and dose. Carry your discharge letter at all times for 3 months.
Each infusion takes 30 ±10 minutes, but the complete procedure requires approximately 5 hours. You’ll receive 4 treatments total, spaced about 8 weeks apart.
Call your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department if you experience severe bleeding/bruising, infections with fever, extreme tiredness, breathing difficulties, facial swelling, or significant changes in urination.
Yes, your doctor will do blood tests before and during treatment to check your condition and watch for side effects. Your heart’s electrical activity may also be checked with an ECG before you leave the hospital.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.