What is Xofigo? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Xofigo overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Xofigo

Generic Names:

  • Xofigo

Uses:

  • Treats prostate cancer that has spread to the bones.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Radiopharmaceutical, Antineoplastic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Xofigo used for?

What form(s) does Xofigo come in?

  • Injectable

What are common Xofigo dosages?

  • Solution 30MCCI/ML

How to take Xofigo

  • Your family members must not be exposed to radiation from this medicine. The fluids from your body can transfer radiation to another person who touches them. Practice good hygiene while you receive this medicine and for at least 1 week after your last dose. Flush the toilet several times after each use. Wash clothes that are soiled with stool or urine promptly and separately from other clothes.

  • Drink plenty of fluids. You may become dehydrated while you are receiving this medicine.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Drink plenty of fluids. You may become dehydrated while you are receiving this medicine.

  • Your family members must not be exposed to radiation from this medicine. The fluids from your body can transfer radiation to another person who touches them. Practice good hygiene while you receive this medicine and for at least 1 week after your last dose. Flush the toilet several times after each use. Wash clothes that are soiled with stool or urine promptly and separately from other clothes.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

What to do if you miss a dose of Xofigo

Xofigo contraindications - Who shouldn't take Xofigo?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to radium Ra 223 dichloride.

Xofigo warnings

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or bone marrow problems.

  • This medicine may increase your risk for fractures when used with other medicines.

  • You will be exposed to radiation with this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine is not generally used in women, but you should know that it can harm an unborn baby if either partner is receiving it during pregnancy or conception. Men should use an effective form of birth control (including condom) during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Women should also use an effective form of birth control during their treatment or their partner's and for 6 months after the last dose.

Xofigo interactions & what to avoid when taking Xofigo

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or bone marrow problems.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Family members must not be exposed to radiation from this medicine. The fluids from your body can transfer radiation to another person who touches them. Practice good hygiene while you receive this medicine and for at least 1 week after your last dose. Flush the toilet several times after each use. Wash clothes that are soiled with stool or urine promptly and separately from other clothes.

  • You will be exposed to radiation with this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.

  • Some medicines may affect how radium 223 works. Tell your doctor if you are using abiraterone plus prednisone or prednisolone.

  • You may become dehydrated while you are using this medicine. Drink plenty of fluids.

Xofigo side effects - How does Xofigo make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Pain or swelling in the arms or legs, bone pain

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Tiny red dots on the skin, especially on the lower legs

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful or difficult urination, bloody urine

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Bloody or black, tarry stools

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Redness, pain, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

  • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

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