Pentetate Calcium Trisodium, Ca-DTPA injecton

What is this medicine?

PENTETATE CALCIUM TRISODIUM (PEN-te-tate KAL-see-um trye-SOE-dee-um) injection (Ca-DTPA) is used to remove certain harmful substances from the body after a radiation exposure. It will speed up the removal of plutonium, americium, and curium from the body, but it may not prevent all the problems associated with radiation exposure.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is usually for injection or infusion into a vein. It may also be for inhalation. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• chest pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• cough

• diarrhea

• headache

• lightheadedness

• metallic taste in mouth

• nausea

• wheezing

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions have not been studied.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to pentetate calcium trisodium (Ca-DTPA), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This medicine should be given only under the supervision of a physician after assessing your medical condition. It is only effective to treat contamination with radioactive plutonium, americium, or curium. This drug does not help eliminate other forms of radiation from the body.

You will have regular check-ups to determine the level of radiation in your body. The amount of radiation in your body will determine how long you have to take this medicine.

To protect your kidneys, drink plenty of water or other fluids as directed and void frequently while you are taking this medicine.

You will be given instructions to reduce the chance of exposing others to radiation. For example, some radiation gets into the urine and stool. A toilet should be used instead of a urinal, and it should be flushed several times after each use. Spilled urine or stool should be cleaned up completely. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. If body fluids soil clothing, wash the clothes separately.

Parents and caregivers should take extra care in handling the urine, stool, and sputum of children to avoid any exposure.

Nursing mothers should take extra care in disposing of breast milk.