This means that healthy bone and other normal tissues receive very little exposure to radioactivity. Many patients are able to reduce or even eliminate opiate medication. You should have regular blood tests to make sure that this recovery is taking place. You may be asked to stay in the facility for a few hours for observation. Then you can go about your regular activities.
Most patients start to notice pain relief in as soon as one week.
Other patients may take longer to respond, and a few patients may not notice any relief. If bone pain recurs, discuss your options for additional therapy with your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe stronger pain relievers if you need them. Before you receive this therapy, your doctor should assess the potential benefits you may receive in relation to any risks you may face if you are undergoing other therapies that may also affect your blood counts, or if your bone marrow reserves have been reduced due to your cancer treatment. You should also tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to a bone scan drug or any other phosphonate drug.