Combination drug
Arginine/lysine, sold under the brand name Lysakare, is a fixed-dose combination medication used to protect the kidneys from radiation damage during cancer treatment with a radioactive medicine called lutetium (177Lu) oxodotreotide.[2] It contains L-arginine hydrochloride and L-lysine hydrochloride.[2]
The most common side effects include nausea and vomiting.[2] Arginine/lysine is also associated with hyperkalaemia (high blood potassium levels), but the frequency of this side effect is not known.[2] Side effects with arginine/lysine are usually mild or moderate.[2]
Radiation from lutetium (177Lu) oxodotreotide can cause damage when the medicine passes through tubules in the kidney.[2] Arginine and lysine interfere with the passage of lutetium (177Lu) oxodotreotide through these kidney tubules.[2] As a result, the radioactive medicine leaves the body in the urine and the kidneys are exposed to less radiation.[2]
Arginine/lysine was approved for medical use in the European Union in July 2019.[2]
Medical uses
Arginine/lysine is indicated for reduction of renal radiation exposure during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with lutetium (177Lu) oxodotreotide in adults.[2]
References