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Gallium

Generic name: gallium [ GAL-ee-uhm ]
Brand name: Ganite

Using gallium with other medicines that may harm the kidneys (eg, aminoglycosides [eg, gentamicin], amphotericin B) may increase your risk of developing severe kidney problems. Make sure you notify your health care provider of any other medicines that you are taking before using this one.


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:

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:

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

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.

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

Important safety information:

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.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

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 about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

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

Proper storage of gallium:

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:

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take gallium or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about gallium. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to gallium. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using gallium.

Issue Date: June 3, 2015

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.