How is a samarium treatment given?
A samarium treatment is given during a 2-3 hour clinic appointment. At the start of the appointment, an IV is put into a vein in your hand or arm. IV fluids are then given. This is done to ensure that you are not too “dry”. The samarium is then given. It is injected into the IV, over a few minutes at a time, by the doctor. Medical physicists are present to monitor the injection of the drug. More IV fluids are then given. After the IV fluids are in, the IV catheter is taken out. Samarium patients must pass urine into a clinic toilet before leaving. After this they are allowed to go home. At home, after urinating, you will need to double flush the toilet for the next 24 hours. This is because some of the radioactive drug is passed out of the body through urine. You should use good hand washing during this time. Are there any side effects from a samarium injection? Samarium can decrease your blood platelet counts for a few weeks. Your doctor will check your blood platelet test before the
