Question 1

What is Xofigo?

Accepted Answer

Xofigo is a radiopharmaceutical that contains the radioactive isotope radium-223. It functions by mimicking calcium, which allows the medicine to be absorbed into areas where bone is undergoing rapid turnover.

Once concentrated in the bone, the drug emits alpha particles that deliver high-energy radiation over a very short distance. This localized radiation helps to damage the genetic material of cells in the immediate area.

Question 2

What is Xofigo used for?

Accepted Answer

Xofigo is used to treat prostate cancer with bone metastases.

Question 3

How does Xofigo work?

Accepted Answer

Targeting Bone Metastases

Xofigo contains radium-223, a radioactive substance that behaves similarly to calcium in the body. When prostate cancer spreads to the bones, it creates areas of rapid bone turnover. Because the body mistakes radium for calcium, it carries the medicine directly to these active areas in the skeleton where the cancer is located.

Alpha Particle Radiation

Once Xofigo is absorbed into the bone, it releases alpha particles. These are high-energy beams of radiation that work by:

Causing double-strand breaks in the DNA of cancer cells.

Preventing cancer cells from replicating and growing.

Leading to the death of the targeted cancer cells.

Protecting Healthy Tissue

The alpha particles emitted by Xofigo travel a very short distance, typically less than 100 micrometers (about the width of a few cells). This short range allows the radiation to focus its energy on the tumor while limiting damage to the surrounding healthy bone marrow and nearby organs.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Xofigo?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Xofigo is radium .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Xofigo?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Xofigo may include:

Nausea

Diarrhea

Vomiting

and others.

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Xofigo?

Accepted Answer

Xofigo belongs to the radiopharmaceutical drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Xofigo and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

Administration

Xofigo is given as a slow injection into a vein, usually lasting about one minute. Because it is a radioactive medicine, it must be handled and administered by specially trained healthcare professionals, such as nuclear medicine specialists or radiation oncologists, in a hospital or clinic setting.

Treatment Schedule

The standard treatment course involves one injection every four weeks. Most patients receive a total of six injections to complete the full course of therapy. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood counts before each dose to ensure it is safe to proceed with the next treatment.

Missed Dose

If you miss an appointment for your injection, contact your doctor or the treatment facility as soon as possible to reschedule. It is important to stay on the prescribed schedule to ensure the medication works effectively.

Question 8

Is Xofigo safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy and Contraception

Xofigo is not intended for use in women. While there are no human studies on its use during pregnancy, the radioactive nature of the drug means it can cause permanent harm to a fetus or lead to pregnancy loss. Men receiving treatment who have female partners of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during the treatment period and for 6 months after the last injection to prevent pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

This medication is not for use in women, and there is no information regarding its presence in human breast milk or its effects on a nursing child. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in an infant from radiation exposure, breastfeeding is not recommended.

Fertility

Treatment with Xofigo involves exposure to radiation, which may affect a man's ability to father a child in the future. The radiation dose to the testes can potentially cause a decrease in sperm count or impaired fertility. Individuals concerned about fertility should speak with their healthcare provider about options such as sperm banking before beginning treatment.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Xofigo come in?

Accepted Answer

Available Forms

Xofigo is supplied as a clear, colorless solution. It is administered as an injection into a vein by a healthcare professional.

Intravenous Injection: This medication is provided in vials for single-use administration.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Xofigo?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval Status

Xofigo was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2013. It is a therapeutic radiopharmaceutical that emits alpha particles to target cancer cells in the bone.

Approved Indications

The FDA has approved Xofigo for the treatment of patients with the following conditions:

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which is cancer that no longer responds to medical or surgical treatments that lower testosterone.

Symptomatic bone metastases, meaning the cancer has spread to the bones and is causing symptoms.

No known visceral metastatic disease, meaning the cancer has not spread to internal organs such as the liver or lungs.

Regulatory Oversight

As a radioactive drug, Xofigo is subject to strict regulatory requirements. It must be administered only by healthcare providers who are authorized by specific licenses to handle radiopharmaceuticals. There is currently no Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program or Boxed Warning required for this medication.

Question 11

What should I know about Xofigo and cost?

Accepted Answer

Insurance and Coverage

Xofigo is typically covered under Medicare Part B and most private insurance plans because it is administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. Patients are usually responsible for out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. Because it is a specialized radiopharmaceutical, prior authorization from an insurance provider is often required before treatment begins.

Total Treatment Costs

The overall expense of Xofigo therapy includes more than just the medication. Additional costs may include:

Administration Fees: Charges from the hospital or clinic for the specialized handling and injection of radioactive material.

Diagnostic Testing: Blood tests and imaging required before and during the treatment cycle to monitor safety and effectiveness.

Number of Doses: A full course of treatment typically consists of six injections spaced four weeks apart.

Financial Support Programs

Financial assistance may be available for patients who have difficulty affording the medication. The manufacturer often provides support programs, such as co-pay cards for those with commercial insurance or patient assistance programs for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Patients should consult their oncology team or a financial counselor at their treatment center to explore these options.

Xofigo

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

Found an Error?