Ideas for Radiation proection for caregivers during Pluvicto treatment

Maybe one of you could use the guest bed for a couple of nights?

We have a separate sleeping arrangement and that is not a problem thanks.

So you should be covered; no grandchildren on Grandpa’s lap for a while, but that’s about it. The warnings they give are important and you should follow your doctor’s recommendations. But this is not a nuclear fallout situation….Best
Phil

I am looking for more information on how to protect myself and others and more questions I now little or nothing about. Thanks so much for the response.

@ljbeeson, with proper attention to instructions from your husband's radiation oncologist you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Read more about what to expect and precautions on Pluvicto's website here https://us.pluvicto.com/about-pluvicto/what-to-expect-when-taking-pluvicto

For more complete details, you can also download the pluvicto_patient_e.pdf Patient Information Insert.

Here's a relevant excerpt

After administration of PLUVICTO
For 2 days after the administration of PLUVICTO, drink plenty of water in order to remain hydrated and to urinate as often as possible to eliminate the radiopharmaceutical product from your body.

Because this medicine is radioactive, you will have to follow the instructions described below to minimize radiation exposure to others unless otherwise instructed by your nuclear medicine doctor.

Contact with others in your household, children, and/or pregnant women
 limit close contact (less than 1 meter) with:
o others in your household for 2 days
o children and pregnant women for 7 days;
 sleep in a separate bedroom from:
o others in your household for 3 days
o children for 7 days
o pregnant women for 15 days;
 avoid sexual activity for 7 days;
 use effective birth control throughout treatment with PLUVICTO and for 14 weeks after your last dose.

Use of toilets
Take special precautions to avoid contamination during the 2 days after treatment.
 You must always sit when using the toilet.
 It is essential that you use toilet paper every time you use the toilet.
 Always wash your hands well after using the toilet.
 Flush all wipes and/or toilet paper down the toilet immediately after use.
 Flush any tissues or any other items that contain bodily waste, such as blood, urine and feces
down the toilet. Items that cannot be flushed down the toilet, such as bandages, must be placed in separate plastic waste disposal bags (according to “Waste disposal recommendations” below).

Showering and laundry
Take a shower every day for at least the first 7 days after treatment. Wash your underwear, pajamas, sheets and any clothes that contain sweat, blood or urine separately from the laundry of others in your household, using a standard washing cycle. You do not need to use bleach and do not need extra rinses.

Waste disposal recommendations
All items to be thrown away should be discarded in a separate plastic waste disposal bag to be used only for this purpose. Keep the plastic waste disposal bags separate from the other household waste and away from children and animals. A member of the hospital staff will tell you how and when to get rid of these waste disposal bags.

Has your husband started treatment yet?

@ljbeeson, you may also be interested in these related discussions:
- Anyone on Pluvicto? Looking for a support team
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-on-pluvicto/
- Anyone on Pluvicto (Lu 177), a new drug for prostate cancer?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/any-one-on-pluvecto-a-relatively-new-drug/
See all Pluvicto discussions here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/prostate-cancer/

I'm still not clear about pets. I have a small 10 yr. old cat (7 lbs) and it seems like I should be isolating for 3 days from her as well, which I can do.

You will be “radioactive” and it could affect your pet. Definitely try to keep the cat away for three days. What a pain, aargh.

Hi,

They are doing a PSMA Pet scan for my husband in 2 weeks. I guess this is done before Pluvicto treatment... They sent a notice about Pluvicto in having a separate bathroom, staying 6 feet away for 2 days.....How do I drive him home from the hospital...Do I have to move out of the house for 2 days...? It seems to me they should keep him in the hospital for 2 days until he is safe to be around...Anyone else been through this?

Having them sit in the backseat opposite, you is enough protection. He should sleep in different beds for a few days, Isn’t the recommendation three days?

If you only have one bathroom, that is an issue. Here are recommendations from top medical sites.

Having only one bathroom while your husband undergoes Pluvicto (Lu-177) treatment is manageable, but requires strict hygiene and safety protocols for 3 to 7 days after each treatment to prevent radiation exposure from urine and bodily fluids. The primary goal is to minimize your contact with his urine, saliva, and sweat.

Here is what you can do, based on standard radiation safety guidelines:
Immediate Bathroom Safety (Days 1–3)
Sit to Urinate: Your husband must sit down to urinate to prevent splashing.
Double Flush: After using the toilet, close the lid and flush twice.
Clean Surfaces: Immediately wipe the toilet seat and any surfaces he may have touched with disinfecting wipes (e.g., Clorox wipes).
Hand Hygiene: Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after every bathroom use.
Wear Gloves: Use disposable gloves when cleaning the bathroom or if you need to handle any bodily fluids.
Manage Disposable Items: If he uses incontinence pads or wipes, place them in a separate plastic bag, seal it, and dispose of them in the main trash, or store them separately for a few days if instructed by your team.

Above OHSU recommendations

Personal Precautions
Daily Showers: He should shower daily for at least the first 7 days.
Separate Laundry: Wash his clothes, towels, and bed linens separately from yours, especially during the first 3 days.
Stay Hydrated: Encourage him to drink plenty of fluids to flush the radioactive material out of his system more quickly.
Distance: Maintain at least 3 feet of distance when possible for the first 3 days.
Sleep: Sleep in separate beds for at least 3 to 4 days.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center recommendations

After the 3-Day Period
Deep Clean: After the initial 3-day high-risk period, thoroughly clean the bathroom, including the toilet, sink, and floor.
Disposal: The trash containing cleaning materials, wipes, and disposable items can generally be disposed of normally after this period, but some centers recommend holding it for a week or more.
Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine recommendations