5 mins read

Pluvicto is used to treat certain types of prostate cancer. It is a type of medicine called radioligand therapy. Common side effects include tiredness, dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, constipation, and blood disorders. You should stay well hydrated before and after receiving Pluvicto, and you should pee as often as possible to decrease the amount of radiation to your bladder. Tell your health care provider right away if you are peeing less than usual. 

Uses

What is Pluvicto used for?

Pluvicto (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is commonly used to treat certain people with prostate cancer that is PSMA-positive and has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). PSMA stands for prostate-specific membrane antigen and it is a protein that some prostate cancer cells have on their surface. Being PSMA-positive means the PSMA protein is present on the cancer cells. 

How Pluvicto Fights Prostate Cancer and What to Expect

Pluvicto may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Pluvicto work (mechanism of action)?

Pluvicto is a type of medicine called radioligand therapy. Radioligand therapy targets specific cells and delivers radiation to these specific cells, which causes the cells to die. Pluvicto targets the PSMA protein on the prostate cancer cells. After Pluvicto attaches to the PSMA protein, the medicine kills the cancer cells with radiation. 

How is Pluvicto supplied (dosage forms)?

Pluvicto is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Pluvicto?

Pluvicto is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Pluvicto?

The most common side effects of Pluvicto are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Feeling tired
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Constipation
  • Blood disorders (see below)

There may be other side effects of Pluvicto that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Pluvicto?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Pluvicto are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Pluvicto may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Pluvicto and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Radiation Exposure. Pluvicto radiates cancer cells and adds to your overall radiation exposure. You may need to limit other sources of radiation, such as getting an X-ray, for a certain amount of time after using Pluvicto. After each dose of Pluvicto, it is important to drink a lot of water and urinate (pee) often to decrease the amount of radiation to your bladder. Your health care provider will also instruct you to stay at least 3 feet away of children and pregnant people, sleep in a separate bedroom, and avoid having sex for a certain amount of time after your Pluvicto dose.

Blood Disorders. Pluvicto can cause blood disorders, such as anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), low white blood cell levels (leukopenia), and low neutrophils (neutropenia). Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Pluvicto. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Trouble catching your breath or chest pain
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Pluvicto?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following may not be able to use Pluvicto.

  • Previous radiation therapy

What should I know about Pluvicto before using it?

Do not use Pluvicto unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Pluvicto will be given to you by a health care provider in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center. They will store and prepare the medicine for your dose.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Pluvicto?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Pluvicto is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Pluvicto may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you have a partner that can become pregnant. You will need to use effective birth control during treatment with Pluvicto and for at least 14 weeks after your last dose. You should also tell your health care provider if you live or spend time with any children or pregnant people, as it may be necessary for you to not have close contact with them for a certain period of time after your Pluvicto dose. 

Infertility. Pluvicto can cause infertility in people who were assigned male at birth. The infertility can be temporary or permanent and is caused by the radiation from the medicine being absorbed in the testicles. Talk with your health care provider if this is a concern for you. 

How can I get more information about Pluvicto?

For more information about Pluvicto, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.pluvicto.com or call them at 844-638-7222.

Interactions

Does Pluvicto interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Pluvicto and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Pluvicto; however, it is important to stay hydrated after each Pluvicto treatment. Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of dehydration. It is best to avoid alcohol while receiving Pluvicto.

Does Pluvicto interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Pluvicto and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Pluvicto?

If you or someone else has used too much Pluvicto, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Pluvicto?

Pluvicto is given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Pluvicto as scheduled. If you miss an appointment, call your health care provider right away to reschedule.