strontium-89 chloride
strontium-89 chloride
(stron-tee-um) strontium-89-chloride,Metastron
(trade name)Classification
Therapeutic: nonopioid analgesicsPharmacologic: radiopharmaceuticals
Indications
Action
Therapeutic effects
Pharmacokinetics
Time/action profile (pain relief)
| ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
| IV | 7–20 days | variable | 6 mo (range 4–12 mo) |
Contraindications/Precautions
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
Hematologic
- anemia
- neutropenia
- thrombocytopenia
Musculoskeletal
- transient increase in bone pain
Interactions
Drug-Drug interaction
Additive bone marrow toxicity with antineoplastics or previous radiation therapy.Calcium-containing medications may ↓ bone uptake and effectiveness of strontium (discontinue 2 wk prior to strontium; may resume 2 wk after strontium).Route/Dosage
Availability
Nursing implications
Nursing assessment
- Assess pain (intensity, location) periodically throughout therapy. Patient may experience a transient increase in bone pain for 2–3 days, beginning 2–3 days after administration. This is normal, and increasing analgesic doses may be required. Pain should begin to diminish after 1–2 wk or longer and may allow for reduction or discontinuation of analgesics. Effects may continue for several months.
- Lab Test Considerations: Monitor hematologic parameters (WBC, platelets) at least once every other week during therapy. Platelets are usually ↓ 30% from preadministration levels. The nadir of thrombocytopenia is 12–16 wk. Leukopenia may also occur. Recovery to preadministration levels usually occurs within 6 mo.
Potential Nursing Diagnoses
Acute pain (Indications)Deficient knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)
Implementation
- Should be administered only in facilities with personnel experienced in the safe use and handling of radiopharmaceuticals.
- Incontinent patients should have urinary catheters placed prior to administration to minimize the risk of radioactive contamination of clothing, linens, and the environment.
Intravenous Administration
- Administered by slow injection over 1–2 min. A flushing sensation may be experienced following a rapid (<30 sec) injection.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Instruct patient to continue taking pain medication until strontium-89 becomes effective. Analgesic doses may be decreased once the effects of strontium are known.
- Advise patient that no change in eating or drinking is necessary. Alcohol and caffeine need not be avoided unless advised by health care professional.
- Strontium-89 is present in the blood and urine for 1 wk following injection. During the 1st wk, the patient should be instructed to use a normal toilet rather than a urinal if possible and to flush twice after use. Spilled urine or blood from a cut should be wiped up with a tissue and flushed. Good handwashing should be observed, and any linen contaminated with blood or urine should be immediately washed separately from other items and rinsed thoroughly. If any urine collection device is used, the instructions on its use should be followed.
- Instruct patient not to receive any vaccinations during therapy without consulting health care professional.
- Instruct patient to notify any health care professional or caregiver of strontium-89 therapy prior to treatment.
- Advise patient to contact health care professional if the effects of strontium-89 decrease and pain returns.
- May cause infertility. Counsel patient prior to therapy. Advise female patients to notify health care professional immediately if pregnancy is planned or suspected, or if breastfeeding.
- Emphasize the importance of periodic blood tests.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
- Decrease in pain due to bony metastases. Repeat administration is based on patient’s response to therapy, current symptoms, and hematologic status. Repeat doses are not recommended at intervals of <90 days.