Type of medicine: antihypercalcemic (calcium regulator)
Generic and brand names: gallium nitrate, injection; Ganite
This medicine is used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood of people who are being treated for cancer. This medicine is given when symptoms have not responded to other treatment.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your provider about all the medicines you take. Some medicines can cause severe kidney problems while you are receiving this medicine.
Tell your healthcare provider if you eat a lot of foods high in calcium or vitamin D, such as milk or other dairy products.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine is given by a healthcare provider. It is given by continuous IV (slow drip through a needle into your vein).
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
Ask your healthcare provider how much extra fluid you should drink while receiving this medicine.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Your healthcare provider will watch you closely to make sure the medicine is working and is not causing unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Decreased urination; swelling in the legs; shortness of breath; rapid heartbeat; weakness; hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there); severe confusion; rash; unexplained weight gain; trouble breathing; muscle weakness or twitching; fainting; severe tiredness.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, tiredness, dizziness, numbness or tingling, fever, metallic taste, unusual dreams.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
