Radium or radium Ra 223 dichloride is a drug to treat prostate cancer that has metastasized or spread to the bones and cannot be treated with surgery or other treatment methods.
Radium is a radioactive substance in the form of a metal. Radium has been developed into a radioactive drug with the name radium Ra 223 dichloride . This medicine is only available in injectable form.
Injectable radium has an antitumor effect that works by destroying cancer cells in the bones. That way, cracks, fractures, or other bone disorders can be prevented.
Trademarks of Radium: -
What Is Radium
| Group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Radioactive substances |
| Benefits | Treating prostate cancer that has spread to the bones |
| Used by | Adults |
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Radium for pregnant and lactating women |
Category X: Studies on experimental animals and humans have shown abnormalities to the fetus or risk to the fetus. Medicines in this category should not be used by women who are or have the possibility of becoming pregnant.
It is not yet known whether radium can be absorbed into breast milk or not. Breastfeeding mothers should not use this medicine. |
| Form | Injection |
Warning Before Using Radium
Injectable radium will be given in the hospital by a doctor or medical staff under the supervision of a doctor. Some things to consider before using this medicine are:
- Do not use radium injection if you are allergic to this medicine. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Do not use injectable radium together with prostate cancer drugs abiraterone and prednisolone, because it can increase the risk of bone fractures .
- Radium can be dangerous for the fetus, if you or your partner are undergoing treatment with this drug for up to 6 months after therapy, always use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy.
- Radium should not be used by women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
- Do not use radium injection if you are undergoing chemotherapy , because it can cause a decrease in the number of blood cells ( myelosuppression ).
- Tell your doctor if you are suffering from a bone marrow disorder, low white blood cell count (leukopenia), thrombocytopenia , kidney function disorders, or liver disease .
- Follow the control schedule given by the doctor while you undergo treatment with radium injection.
- Avoid using the toilet together during treatment with radium injection to prevent other people from being exposed to radium as a result of touching urine, feces, or other body fluids.
- Avoid being close to people with infectious diseases that are easily contagious during treatment with radium injection, because this medicine can make it easier for you to contract infectious diseases.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell the doctor that you are being treated with injectable radium if you plan to undergo dental treatment or surgery.
- See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction, more serious side effects, or overdose after using radium injection.
Radium Dosage and Administration
The doctor will determine the dose of radium injection based on the patient's body weight. The dose can change if there is an increase or decrease in the patient's weight.
The dose of radium for the treatment of prostate cancer that has spread to the bone is 55 kilobecquerel per kilogram of body weight (kBq/kgBB). This medicine is given by injection into the vein (intravenous/IV) once every 4 weeks, as many as 6 injections.
How to Use Radium Correctly
Injectable radium will be given in the hospital. This medicine will be injected directly by a doctor or medical staff under the supervision of a doctor.
The doctor will inject radium medicine into the patient's vein. Do not stop treatment without first consulting a doctor.
After radium is injected, body fluids, such as urine, feces, or vomit will contain this radioactive material. As much as possible, use a separate toilet from other patients or other family members.
If you need to clean up dirt from a patient or family member who has just undergone radium therapy, use adequate personal protective equipment, including a mask, protective gown, and gloves.
Consume plenty of fluids during treatment with radium injection to prevent dehydration.
Interactions of Radium with Other Drugs
Injectable radium should not be used together with the prostate cancer drugs abiraterone and prednisolone, because it can increase the risk of bone fractures. In addition, if used together with chemotherapy drugs, injectable radium risks causing a decrease in the number of blood cells.
Always tell your doctor about the treatment you are taking, including if you are using other drugs, herbal products, or certain supplements.
Side Effects and Dangers of Radium
Some side effects that may appear after using radium Ra 223 are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth , pain and irritation in the injection area. Tell your doctor if the above side effects do not subside or worsen.
See a doctor immediately in the event of a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Dizziness and feeling like fainting
- Easy bruising , nosebleeds, or unnatural bleeding
- Black or bloody stools
- Dehydration
- Undue tiredness
- Anemia
- Fever, chills, or other symptoms of an infectious disease
- Pain when urinating and blood in the urine
- Swelling in the arms, legs, and feet
- Shortness of breath