Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about BEXLUTRY, support services, and more
Use the sections below to quickly find the information you need.
About GEP-NETs
What are GEP-NETs?
GEP-NETs are a type of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) that can start in the stomach, intestines, or pancreas. Neuroendocrine cells are found in almost every organ of the body, and when these cells don’t grow normally, it can lead to NETs. NETs are more common in certain areas of the body, but can occur almost anywhere.
How do GEP-NETs grow?
GEP-NETs are not all the same. Some GEP-NET cells can look and act like normal cells and grow slowly, and some do not look like normal cells and grow quickly.
How does a care team evaluate GEP-NETs?
Your care team evaluates your GEP-NET by looking at where the NET is in your body and how big it is, what type of tumor it is (for example, somatostatin receptor–positive [SSTR+]), and how fast the tumor is growing. Once your care team understands these, they can talk with you about treatment options.
Who may be a part of my care team?
GEP-NETs are complex, so a team approach is important. There are several healthcare professionals who may be a part of your care team throughout your GEP-NET journey, including your primary care doctor, oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, nurses, and pharmacists. Learn more about the types of doctors that may be part of your care team.
About BEXLUTRY
What is BEXLUTRY?
BEXLUTRY is a type of treatment known as radioligand therapy, also called peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. It works by targeting SSTR+ GEP-NET cells (the abnormal cells) and destroying them with radiation. BEXLUTRY is also known as lutetium Lu 177 dotatate.
Is BEXLUTRY right for me?
BEXLUTRY may be an option if your tumors are SSTR+, your disease is advanced or your GEP-NET continues to grow, and if a targeted treatment approach is appropriate. Your care team will guide you through each step and help determine whether BEXLUTRY is right for you.
How does BEXLUTRY work?
BEXLUTRY delivers radiation to SSTR+ GEP-NET cells. BEXLUTRY works like a delivery truck that finds a specific mailbox. Some GEP-NET cells have special mailboxes on them called SSTRs. BEXLUTRY recognizes these mailboxes and delivers radiation to those cells. Most healthy cells don't have these mailboxes, but will be exposed to radiation if they are close to SSTR+ cells.
Is BEXLUTRY the same as another approved treatment?
BEXLUTRY is a radioligand equivalent, designed to work in the same way as an already approved radioligand therapy, with similar benefits and side effects.
How can BEXLUTRY help?
BEXLUTRY may give you more time without your GEP-NETs getting worse. In clinical studies, radioligand therapy (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate) helped slow the growth of GEP-NETs.
What are the potential risks of BEXLUTRY?
Before starting BEXLUTRY, it’s important to know the potential risks of therapy, including radiation exposure, bone marrow problems, secondary bone marrow and blood cancers, kidney or liver problems, allergic reactions, hormonal problems (carcinoid crisis), health risks to an unborn child, and a decreased chance of getting pregnant.
What are the potential side effects of BEXLUTRY?
The most common and serious side effects reported with BEXLUTRY include decreased white blood cell count, increased liver enzymes, vomiting, nausea, high blood sugar, and low potassium levels.
Is BEXLUTRY safe to take if I am pregnant?
BEXLUTRY has a potential risk to the health of an unborn child and may impact your ability to get pregnant. Talk to your care team if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant before starting BEXLUTRY.
What to expect
How is BEXLUTRY given?
BEXLUTRY is an intravenous (IV) infusion, given once every 8 weeks for a total of 4 doses, usually over about 6 months. BEXLUTRY will be given at your nearest treatment center. Your care team will guide you through every step and help schedule each dose.
Should I stop taking any medications before starting BEXLUTRY?
Before starting BEXLUTRY, your care team will review your medications and make sure you have stopped taking the following.
- Long-acting somatostatin analog (SSA): at least 4 weeks before receiving your BEXLUTRY infusion
- Short-acting SSA: at least 24 hours before each BEXLUTRY infusion
Be sure to talk with your care team before stopping any of your medications.
Why do I need amino acids during treatment?
An amino acid solution is given to you to help protect your kidneys by decreasing how much radiation they are exposed to. You will be given the amino acid solution 30 minutes before, during, and for at least 3 hours after your BEXLUTRY infusion.
Is it okay to be around family or loved ones after my treatment?
After receiving BEXLUTRY, it’s important to distance yourself from others, including pets, for a short period of time. Your care team will review any radiation safety instructions with you to help protect you and the people around you. Get more information on radiation safety.
Patient support services
What is Curium Connects™?
Curium Connects offers educational, logistical, and financial support designed to help you throughout your treatment journey. Our patient hotline connects you to a fully dedicated team member who can answer any questions you have. Learn more about support services available to you.
What resources are available to help me?
There are several resources to help support you with your BEXLUTRY treatment, including educational materials, travel resources, and online tools to help connect you with the care you need. Learn more about these resources.
Is there a copay savings program for BEXLUTRY?
Yes. Curium Connects offers financial support, including a copay savings program. Eligible patients can pay as little as $0 for BEXLUTRY.*†‡ Make sure you are enrolled in the Curium Connects support program to see if you are eligible.
*Enrollment in Curium Connects is required to determine eligibility and participation. Offers subject to a maximum benefit per course of treatment.
†Please see terms and conditions for in-home lab testing, travel and lodging assistance, and copay program.
‡Limitations apply. Valid only for those with commercial insurance. Not valid under Medicare or any other federal or state program.
New to some of these terms?
The glossary can help with simple, easy-to-understand definitions.
Learn about an imaging tool that can help diagnose GEP-NETs
Important Facts
What are some important things to know about the safety of Bexlutry?
Bexlutry may cause some serious side effects, and in some cases your healthcare provider may need to adjust or stop your treatment. You should always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. These safety considerations include:
- Radiation Exposure: Bexlutry is a radioactive medicine that contributes to your long-term radiation exposure. This may increase your risk of developing cancer later in life. Radiation from Bexlutry can be detected in your urine for up to 30 days after each treatment. It is important to reduce radiation exposure to yourself, your caregivers, and others in your home during and after treatment. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on steps you can take at home to reduce radiation exposure to people around you. Follow these instructions carefully.
- Bone Marrow problems: Treatment with Bexlutry may increase the risk of myelosuppression, a condition in which bone marrow activity is decreased and the number of blood cells in your body becomes low. This may lead to blood-related side effects such as low red blood cells (anemia), low platelets that help your blood clot (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cells that help fight infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop signs or symptoms of infection, fever, chills, dizziness, shortness of breath, or unusual bleeding or bruising. Your healthcare provider will check your blood counts before and during treatment. Your treatment may be delayed, the dose may be reduced, or treatment may be stopped if your blood cell counts become too low.
- Secondary blood and bone marrow cancers: Treatment with Bexlutry may also increase the risk of developing certain blood and bone marrow cancers, including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute leukemia. These conditions are uncommon but may occur months to years after treatment. Your healthcare provider will check your blood counts during treatment and may continue to monitor them after treatment.
- Kidney Problems: Treatment with Bexlutry exposes your kidneys to radiation and may impair their ability to work normally. You may be at increased risk for kidney problems if you already have kidney problems or conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure before treatment. In some cases, patients have experienced kidney failure after treatment with Bexlutry. Your healthcare provider will give you an amino acid solution before, during, and after treatment to help protect your kidneys. You should stay well hydrated before, on the day of, and on the day after your treatment. You should also urinate frequently before, on the day of, and on the day after receiving Bexlutry. Your healthcare provider will monitor your kidney function and may delay, reduce, or stop your treatment if kidney problems occur.
- Liver Problems: Treatment with Bexlutry may cause liver problems. In rare cases, bleeding, swelling, or tissue damage in liver tumors have been reported. If you have tumors in your liver, you may be at increased risk for these side effects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop signs or symptoms of liver problems, including yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, unusual darkening of your urine, unusual tiredness, pain in the upper right side of your stomach area, confusion, and/or swelling of your stomach area. Your healthcare provider will monitor your liver function using blood tests and may delay, reduce, or stop your treatment if liver problems occur.
- Allergic Reactions: Treatment with Bexlutry may cause allergic reactions. In some cases, these reactions may be serious. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction. Seek emergency medical help right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Symptoms may include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, rash, itching, or hives. Your healthcare provider will monitor you during and after treatment and may stop your treatment if a serious allergic reaction occurs.
- Hormonal Gland Problems: During treatment with Bexlutry, you may experience symptoms related to hormones released from your cancer. These symptoms may include flushing, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure, and may occur during or within 24 hours after your first treatment. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely. Tell your healthcare provider if you experience any of these signs or symptoms.
- Pregnancy Warning: Bexlutry can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for 7 months after the last dose of Bexlutry. Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.
- Breastfeeding Warning: You should not breastfeed during treatment with Bexlutry and for 2.5 months after your last dose.
- Fertility Problems: Treatment with Bexlutry may cause fertility problems in males and females. This is because radiation absorbed by the testes or ovaries during treatment may affect your ability to have children. These effects may be temporary or permanent. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility.
What are the most common side effects of Bexlutry?
The most common and most serious side effects of Bexlutry include decreased blood cell counts, increased liver enzymes, vomiting, nausea, increased blood sugar levels, and low potassium levels.
Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any side effects that bother you or do not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Bexlutry; For more information or to learn more, talk to your healthcare provider.
What other medicines may interact with Bexlutry?
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking steroid medicines (such as glucocorticoids), as high doses may affect how this medicine works.
You should stop taking long-acting somatostatin analogs at least 4 weeks before treatment with Bexlutry. Short-acting somatostatin analogs may be used up to 24 hours before treatment.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see full Prescribing Information for Bexlutry.
Approved Use
What is Bexlutry?
BexlutryTM (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate injection) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a type of cancer called gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), including neuroendocrine tumors of the foregut, midgut, and hindgut. It is used when these tumors have a protein on their surface called a somatostatin receptor, which allows the medicine to find and target them.