The Basics
What is Gallium Citrate Ga 67?
Used to help diagnose certain types of cancer, such as Hodgkin’s disease, lymphoma, or lung cancer.
Brand names for Gallium Citrate Ga 67
N/A
How Gallium Citrate Ga 67 is classified
Radiopharmaceuticals, Gallium Radioisotopes, Diagnostic Agents
Gallium Citrate Ga 67 During Pregnancy
Gallium Citrate Ga 67 pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Gallium Citrate Ga 67 while pregnant
N/A
Taking Gallium Citrate Ga 67 While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Gallium Citrate Ga 67?
Information in this record refers to the use of Ga 67 citrate as a diagnostic agent. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission states that breastfeeding should be interrupted temporarily after administration of Ga 67 citrate to a nursing mother. The duration of breastfeeding interruption depends on the dose administered (see table).[1] Several international radiation safety organizations recommend discontinuation of breastfeeding for more than 3 weeks or complete cessation of breastfeeding after Ga 67 citrate after a dose of 200 mBq or greater.[2][3][4] Those receiving the higher doses might have to permanently discontinue breastfeeding this infant.[5][6] During the period of interruption, the breasts should be emptied regularly and completely. If the mother has expressed and saved milk prior to the examination, she can feed it to the infant during the period of nursing interruption.[4][5] The milk that is pumped by the mother during the time of breastfeeding interruption can either be discarded or[5][7] stored frozen and given to the infant after 10 physical half-lives, or about 33 days, have elapsed. Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[6] Mothers who receive a dose less than 190 MBq for an inflammation scan need not refrain from close contact with their infants.[8]
| Dose | Duration of Interruption[1] |
|---|---|
| 150 MBq (4 mCi) | 1 month |
| 50 MBq (1.3 mCi) | 2 weeks |
| 7 MBq (0.2 mCi) | 1 week |
Maternal / infant drug levels
Information in this record refers to the use of Ga 67 citrate as a diagnostic agent. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission states that breastfeeding should be interrupted temporarily after administration of Ga 67 citrate to a nursing mother. The duration of breastfeeding interruption depends on the dose administered (see table).[1] Several international radiation safety organizations recommend discontinuation of breastfeeding for more than 3 weeks or complete cessation of breastfeeding after Ga 67 citrate after a dose of 200 mBq or greater.[2][3][4] Those receiving the higher doses might have to permanently discontinue breastfeeding this infant.[5][6] During the period of interruption, the breasts should be emptied regularly and completely. If the mother has expressed and saved milk prior to the examination, she can feed it to the infant during the period of nursing interruption.[4][5] The milk that is pumped by the mother during the time of breastfeeding interruption can either be discarded or[5][7] stored frozen and given to the infant after 10 physical half-lives, or about 33 days, have elapsed. Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[6] Mothers who receive a dose less than 190 MBq for an inflammation scan need not refrain from close contact with their infants.[8]
| Dose | Duration of Interruption[1] |
|---|---|
| 150 MBq (4 mCi) | 1 month |
| 50 MBq (1.3 mCi) | 2 weeks |
| 7 MBq (0.2 mCi) | 1 week |
Possible effects of Gallium Citrate Ga 67 on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Gallium Citrate Ga 67
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Howe DB, Beardsley M, Bakhsh S. Appendix U. Model procedure for release of patients or human research subjects administered radioactive materials. In, NUREG-1556. Consolidated guidance about materials licenses. Program-specific guidance about medical use licenses. Final report. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. 2008;9, Rev. 2. http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1556/v9/r2/
2. Mattsson S, Johansson L, Leide Svegborn S et al. Radiation dose to patients from radiopharmaceuticals: A compendium of current information related to frequently used substances. Annex D. Recommendations on breast-feeding interruptions. Ann ICRP. 2015;44 (2 Suppl):319-21. PMID: 26069086
3. International Atomic Energy Agency. Radiation Protection and Safety in Medical Uses of Ionizing Radiation, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-46, IAEA, Vienna. 2018. https://www.iaea.org/publications/11102/radiation-protection-and-safety-in-medical-uses-of-ionizing-radiation
4. National Radiation Protection Board (UK). Administration of radioactive substances advisory committee. Notes for guidance on the clinical administration of radiopharmaceuticals and use of sealed radioactive sources. 2019. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/…/file/…/ARSAC_NfG_2019.pdf
5. Mountford PJ, Coakley AJ. A review of the secretion of radioactivity in human breast milk: data, quantitative analysis and recommendations. Nucl Med Commun. 1989;10:15-27. PMID: 2645546
6. Stabin MG, Breitz HB. Breast milk excretion of radiopharmaceuticals: mechanisms, findings, and radiation dosimetry. J Nucl Med. 2000;41:863-73. PMID: 10809203
7. Early PJ, Sodee DB. Principles and practice of nuclear medicine. 2nd ed. St. Louis. Mosby-Year Book, Inc. 1995:1380-1.
8. Mountford PJ, O’Doherty MJ. Exposure of critical groups to nuclear medicine patients. Appl Radiat Isot. 1999;50:89-111. PMID: 10028630
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
