Gallium Citrate Ga 67

Gallium citrate Ga 67 belongs to a group of drugs called radiopharmaceuticals. Radiopharmaceuticals are a group of radioactive agents, which can be injected inside the body to diagnose and treat certain diseases. It can also be used to study the functions of different body organs. 

Gallium citrate Ga 67 injection is used to find and confirm the diagnosis of certain types of cancer such as Hodgkin’s disease, lung cancer and lymphomas. 

This medication should only be given under the supervision of a trained medical professional specialized in nuclear medicine.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Solution

Before using Gallium Citrate Ga 67, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Your doctor will consider these risks before giving the drug and will inform you about them. Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

• Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

• Age specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Its safety and efficacy has not been established in children The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not demonstrated any problem, that would limit the use of this drug in old age group.

• Pregnancy: Regarding the safety of usage of this drug during pregnancy, it comes under “C” category, which means that clinical trials on animals have revealed harmful effects to the developing fetus or relevant studies have not been performed.

• Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect.  On the other hand certain drugs are allowed to be used together. So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug. 

Gallium Citrate should not be used with the drugs that are used in other diagnostic tests especially Gallium nitrate.

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco. 

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from especially liver disease, which may make this condition worse.

Gallium Citrate Ga 67 is only used in certain diagnostic tests. It will be administered by a trained healthcare professional. It is given through intravenous route.

Your doctor may give you certain medications like enemas and laxatives for one week after you’ve received the injection of gallium citrate.

If you take Gallium Citrate Ga 67, your doctor should perform routine checkups and advise you in taking precautions.

You will be exposed to radiation while using this medication. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about this. 

This drug contains benzyl alcohol as an ingredient, which may lead to adverse reactions in the newborn infants, premature infants and in the patients with liver disease.

The vial stopper contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy before you start using this medicine.

Regular follow-up is necessary during and after the treatment. It is important to make sure that there aren’t any side effects from the medication. 

Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine. 

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Gallium Citrate Ga 67. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with following side effects:

• Bleeding, inflammation, blistering, burning, coldness numbness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, infection, hives itching, lumps,  rash, redness, pain, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tingling, tenderness, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• difficulty with breathing or swallowing
• Cough
• dizziness
• fever
• fast heartbeat
• hives
• nausea
• itching
• reddening of the skin, especially around the ears
• shortness of breath
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• skin rash
• tightness in the chest
• swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• flushing or redness of the skin
• wheezing
• unusually warm skin
• itching (severe)

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on this medication. Also contact your healthcare professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug. 

If any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.