METASTRON

Drug Name: METASTRON

METASTRON DESCRIPTION:
STRONTIUM-89 CHLORIDE - INTRAVENOUS (STRON-she-um)

COMMON METASTRON BRAND NAME(S):
Metastron

METASTRON SIDE EFFECTS:
You may experience a flushing sensation while the medication is being injected. Chills and fever have been reported. If any of these effects continue or worsen, inform your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these very unlikely but serious side effects: bloody urine or stools, difficult urination, unusual bleeding or bruising, red spots on the skin, black or tarry stools. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE METASTRON:
METASTRON: METASTRON is given by injection into a vein. The effects of METASTRON should last for several months. If needed, repeat doses are usually given after 3 months. METASTRON should reduce your need for pain medication. Follow your doctor's instructions closely regarding the use of pain medication. For the first few days after the injection, you may experience a slight increase in pain. After 1 to 2 weeks, the pain should decrease for several months. If the pain continues or becomes worse, contact your doctor.

METASTRON USES:
METASTRON is used to relieve bone pain in persons with bone cancer.

METASTRON PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, bone marrow disease, blood disorders, allergies. Because METASTRON can lower your body's ability to fight an infection, avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Because METASTRON releases some radiation and the medication may be present in the blood and urine for about 1 week after an injection, use a normal toilet instead of a urinal (if possible) and flush the toilet twice. Wash hands after using the toilet. Wipe any spilled urine or blood with a tissue and flush it away. Immediately wash any clothes or bed linens stained with urine or blood separately from other laundry. METASTRON is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using METASTRON. It is likely METASTRON passes into breast milk. Breast- feeding should be stopped while using METASTRON.

METASTRON DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: all medicines for cancer. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

METASTRON OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

METASTRON NOTES:
Laboratory tests will be done periodically to monitor your progress. Keep all doctor's appointments and laboratory visits so you can be monitored closely. Tell all your health care professionals that you use this medication.

MISSED METASTRON DOSE:
Not applicable.

METASTRON STORAGE:
METASTRON must be handled carefully. It is stored in special containers in the health care facility. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854- 1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.