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Gallium

Gallium is used for:

Treating high calcium levels in the blood caused by cancer in patients who do not respond to proper fluid intake or fluid injected into the vein.

Gallium is a calcium resorption inhibitor. It works by inhibiting the usual release of calcium from the bone into the blood.

Do NOT use Gallium if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Gallium
• you have severe kidney problems

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Gallium :

Some medical conditions may interact with Gallium . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney problems or low blood calcium levels

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Gallium . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Aminoglycosides (eg, gentamicin), amphotericin B, cyclosporine, or other medicines that can harm the kidneys because the side effects may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the kidney.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Gallium may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Gallium :

Use Gallium as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Gallium is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• Gallium is usually administered as an injection at your doctor"s office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Gallium at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Gallium contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Gallium , contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Gallium .

Important safety information:

• Gallium may cause changes in vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Gallium .
• LAB TESTS, including kidney function tests and calcium and phosphorus levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Gallium is not recommended for use in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Gallium during pregnancy. It is unknown if Gallium is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Gallium , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Gallium :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; mouth sores; weakness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal dreams; changes in vision; chills; confusion; decreased urination or dark urine; difficulty breathing; dry mouth; fast heartbeat; hallucinations; increased urination at night; muscle cramps; nausea; ringing in the ear; swelling of ankles or feet; unpleasant taste; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dark urine; difficulty urinating; nausea; vomiting.

Store Gallium at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Throw away the unused portion. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Gallium out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Gallium , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Gallium is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Gallium . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.