Xofigo® Treatment: What You Can Expect
Xofigo® Treatment: What You Can Expect
Xofigo® (pronounced zoo-fee-go) is a targeted drug therapy known as a radiopharmaceutical. It contains a radioactive material (known as radium Ra 223) that mimics calcium. When injected into a vein, it is absorbed in areas where cancer is present in the bone and kills fast-growing cancer cells, while protecting healthy tissue.
Why am I getting this treatment?
Xofigo is used to treat prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormonal or surgical treatment that lowers testosterone. It is for men whose prostate cancer has spread to the bone with symptoms but not to other parts of the body.
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How will the treatment be delivered?
Xofigo is injected into a vein. Although you may have a port access, we are unable to utilize the port for radiopharmaceutical infusions due to its radioactivity and exposure to the clinic team. There are strict procedures on the use, handling and disposal of radiopharmaceutical products. Xofigo is only administered in controlled settings by trained healthcare professionals.
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How many treatments will I get?
Treatment with Xofigo usually consists of one injection every four weeks for a total of six injections. Your medical team will decide which dosing schedule is right for you. They will closely monitor your treatment and adjust the amount of dose and the time between each dose, if needed.
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How long is each treatment appointment?
Each injection takes one minute.
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What happens during each therapy appointment?
One to two weeks before each treatment you will get a blood test. This will confirm that your blood counts are within normal limits and that it is safe for you to receive your injection. On your day of treatment, you will receive a one-minute injection in the vein. Once the injection is finished, you can leave the clinic and go about your daily activities. There are no restrictions on contact with other people.
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What happens after the infusion is completed?
After each Xofigo treatment, you should:
- Drink a lot of fluids. Report any signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth and increased thirst, or urinary or kidney problems, such as burning when urinating, to your healthcare team.
- There are no restrictions on personal contact with other people after receiving Xofigo.
It is important to follow good hygiene practices to minimize radiation exposure from spills of bodily fluids to household members and caregivers for one week after each injection. - Flush the toilet several times after each use.
- Wash your hands well every time you go to the bathroom and keep your bathroom area clean.
- You and anyone who helps you in the bathroom and handles fluids such as urine, feces or vomit should wear disposable gloves.
- If bodily waste gets into clothing, make sure the clothing is quickly washed separately from other clothing.
*You may have sexual relations while being treated with Xofigo. You should always use a condom because of the possible effect that radiation can have on sperm. Your female partners should use effective contraception during your treatment and for six months after treatment is over.
Your health care team will give you specific discharge instructions after each infusion to help guide your post-infusion care. While you are receiving Xofigo treatment, you will continue to see the doctor who manages your cancer care for ongoing monitoring of your progress.
What are the potential side effects?
The most common side effects of Xofigo include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Low blood cell counts
- Swelling of the arms or legs (peripheral edema)
Be sure to keep all blood cell count lab appointments. Tell your healthcare team about any symptoms or signs of low blood cell counts. Report symptoms or signs of shortness of breath, tiredness, bleeding or bruising or infection (such as fever).
Who do I contact if I am having side effects?
Contact your doctor’s office to report any side effects after treatment.
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Who do I contact for scheduling questions or changes?
Our patient navigator will assist you with treatment scheduling and answer any questions or concerns you may have throughout your patient journey. It is important to come to all scheduled appointments! If you wish to cancel an appointment, please contact the patient navigator as soon as possible to reschedule.
To contact the RPT Patient Navigation team:
Phone: (239) 826-4155
Email: RITNavigation@FLCancer.com
Who do I contact for billing or financial information and prior authorization questions?
Our dedicated financial patient navigator can assist with insurance coverage, prior authorizations and answer any billing questions. In some cases, they may link you to options for copay savings or other financial support programs.
To contact your FCS patient financial navigator:
Phone: RITFinancial@FLCancer.com
Our Patient Financial team will have you sign Novartis enrollment forms, which allows the teams to fully assess your insurance coverage and identify any needed resources. For further information from Bayer, call (855) 696-3446. Counselors are available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
Your RPT Navigation Team
Our dedicated RPT team will oversee your treatment journey from referral to final infusion. We understand you may have more questions about starting a new treatment or as you progress through treatment. We stand ready to assist you at any time.
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