Radium 223 Dichloride Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 11, 2024.

Applies to radium 223 dichloride: intravenous solution.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, radium 223 dichloride may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking radium 223 dichloride:

More common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• blood in the urine or stools
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• fever
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• rapid weight gain
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swollen glands
• tingling of the hands or feet
• troubled breathing with exertion
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• confusion
• decreased frequency or amount of urine
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fainting
• high fever
• hoarseness
• increase in heart rate
• increased blood pressure
• increased thirst
• lightheadedness
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• rapid breathing
• sunken eyes
• thirst
• vomiting
• weight gain
• wrinkled skin

Other side effects

Some side effects of radium 223 dichloride may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• diarrhea

Less common side effects

• redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site

For healthcare professionals

Applies to radium 223 dichloride: intravenous solution.

General adverse events

The most common side effects (incidence of 10% or greater) were nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and peripheral edema.

The most common hematologic laboratory abnormalities (incidence of 10% or greater) were anemia, lymphocytopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia.^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (93%), lymphocytopenia (72%), leukopenia (35%), thrombocytopenia (31%), neutropenia (18%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pancytopenia (2%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (36%), diarrhea (25%), vomiting (19%)^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Erythema, pain, and edema at the injection site^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Peripheral edema (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dehydration (3%)

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Renal failure and impairment (3%)

Further information

Radium 223 dichloride side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer