Lexidronam is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, clear, colorless to light amber isotonic solution with a pH of seven to eight and a half; that should be stored frozen in a lead lined container. The radiopharmaceutical should be used within eight hours of thawing. Prior to injection, the patient should ingest a minimum of one liter of fluids to minimize radiation exposure to the bladder. Following injection via intravenous catheter, a saline flush is performed to ensure the entire dose has been administered. A typical appointment for samarium-153 therapy lasts around two to three hours to ensure the patient experiences no adverse affects and to allow the level of activity to decrease to permissible levels. Due to its forty-six hour half-life, patients generally experience pain relief for up to four months. In addition, some patients have a transient reduction in tumor marker levels. This indicates a decrease in the likelihood of recurrence and increase in the chance for recovery.