Gallium nitrate (Injection)

Introduction

Gallium Nitrate (GAL-ee-um NYE-trate)

Treats hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in your blood) caused by cancer. This medicine lowers the amount of calcium in your blood.

Brand Name(s)

Ganite

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to gallium nitrate, or if you have severe kidney problems.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a steroid medicine, such as prednisone, or if you are also using cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®, Neosar®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using an aminoglycoside medicine such as gentamicin or tobramycin, or if you are also using an antifungal medicine, such as amphotericin B (Fungizone®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using any chemotherapy medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have a history of heart disease or kidney disease. Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart problems.
Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.
Confusion, weakness, uneven or very fast heartbeat, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
Fever, chills, or cough.
Hearing loss, or ringing in your ears.
Loss of sight, eye pain, or vision changes.
Muscle cramping.
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Bone, muscle, or joint pain.
Feeling unusually tired.
Lightheadedness, or dizziness.
Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
Seeing or hearing things that are not there.
Skin redness, or rash.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Review Date: May 4, 2009

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