gallium nitrate

This medication is used to treat high calcium blood levels (hypercalcemia) that may occur with cancer. It is used along with fluids (hydration). This medication helps to reverse the symptoms of too much calcium in the blood (e.g., tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, dehydration). Gallium nitrate works by reducing the amount of calcium released from your bones into your blood.

If you miss a dose, check with your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional, usually once a day. It is given slowly over a 24-hour period. It is usually given for 5 days or as directed by your doctor. You will also be given fluids (hydration) as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur. Tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting gallium nitrate if you are using other drugs that may be harmful to your kidneys such as: aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin), amphotericin B, cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDS (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), tacrolimus, vancomycin. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., calcium and phosphorus blood levels, kidney function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. The amount of fluids you receive and the amount of urine you make will also be monitored. Consult your doctor for more details.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, conditions that limit the amount of fluids you may take (e.g., heart failure, edema). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Due to the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

Minor side effects are uncommon with this medication. If you have any side effects that persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle twitching/cramps/spasms, weakness, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion), seizures, fast breathing. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: vision changes, hearing changes. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Gallium nitrate should not be used with other drugs that may harm the kidneys (e.g., gentamicin, amphotericin B) because of the increased risk for severe kidney problems. If one of these other medications must be used, gallium nitrate treatment should be stopped. To help reduce the effects on your kidneys, you should continue to receive fluids (hydration) as directed by your doctor for several days after the other drug treatment has been completed. Your doctor will closely monitor how well your kidneys are working during this period.