Gallium Injection

What is Gallium injection?

GALLIUM NITRATE (Ganite™) is a drug used to the lower the amount of calcium in your blood if you have a high calcium level. Gallium may also be used to help treat Paget's disease or certain cancers. A generic gallium injection is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Gallium?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• an unusual reaction to Gallium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Gallium nitrate is given to you by a health-care professional by an infusion into a vein or by injection under your skin. You will probably receive this drug in a clinic or hospital.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important to get the correct amount of gallium nitrate. If you miss a scheduled appointment, promptly call your health care professional.

What drug(s) may interact with Gallium?

• aminoglycosides (a type of antibiotic, such as gentamicin or tobramycin)

• amphotericin B

• cisplatin

• foscarnet

• ganciclovir

• pentamidine

• vancomycin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Gallium?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Gallium nitrate can make your blood calcium level dangerously low. You will need regular blood tests while getting gallium. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about calcium in your diet.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Gallium?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• decreased amount of urine or kidney problems

• eye problems or difficulty seeing

• fever

• hearing loss or ringing in the ears

• rash

• shortness of breath

• weakness or pain in a leg or arm

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• nausea or vomiting

• pain at the injection site

Where can I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. Each dose of gallium nitrate will be given in a clinic or hospital. You will not be given gallium nitrate to store at home.