Galzin
Galzin (zinc acetate) is an oral medication used in people with Wilson disease to prevent blood copper levels from getting too high. This medication doesn't cause much side effects, but it might be inconvenient because you need to take it three times a day. Galzin (zinc acetate) is brand name only, so it might be expensive.
What is Galzin (zinc acetate)?
What is Galzin (zinc acetate) used for?
- Maintenance treatment of Wilson disease
How Galzin (zinc acetate) works
Galzin (zinc acetate) is used in people with Wilson disease, a condition that causes high amounts of copper to be stored in different parts of your body, such as the liver and brain. Galzin (zinc acetate) triggers the production of a protein that binds to copper in your gut from food and to copper that's in your saliva or in certain digestive juices. Once bound, this protein prevents copper from being absorbed into your body and helps keep your blood copper level low.
Drug facts
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Pros and cons of Galzin (zinc acetate)
Pros
- No notable side effects
- Most likely safe to use during pregnancy
- Safe for children as young as 10 years old
Cons
- Can only be used to prevent symptoms of Wilson disease from coming back and doesn't treat active symptoms
- Needs to be taken on an empty stomach
- Not recommended in breastfeeding because it can get into breastmilk
- Available as a brand name only, which can be expensive
Pharmacist tips for Galzin (zinc acetate)
- Swallow Galzin (zinc acetate) capsules whole. Don't crush, chew, or open the capsules.
- Take Galzin (zinc acetate) on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2-3 hours after meals. If it hurts your stomach, taking it between breakfast and lunch may help.
- It's important to take all your doses of Galzin (zinc acetate) to keep your copper levels low. If you miss doses often or you feel taking Galzin (zinc acetate) three times per day is difficult, talk to your provider about other options.
Common questions about Galzin (zinc acetate)
No, Galzin (zinc acetate) is only for maintenance treatment (preventing symptoms from coming back) in people with Wilson disease because it takes a while for this medication to trigger the production of enough proteins that can bind to copper. Since signs and symptoms of Wilson disease can progress quickly and become severe, treatment that can remove copper right away are used first. Then, once symptoms are improved, Galzin (zinc acetate) is used to maintain low levels of copper and prevent symptoms from coming back.
The main ingredient in Galzin (zinc acetate) is zinc acetate, which can raise your zinc levels. Let your provider know you're taking Galzin (zinc acetate) before starting a zinc supplement to make sure your zinc levels don't get too high.
Children age 10 years and older with Wilson disease can use Galzin (zinc acetate). It's not known if Galzin (zinc acetate) is safe or works well in children younger than 10 years old.
No, Galzin (zinc acetate) should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2-3 hours after meals. This is because food can lower the amount of Galzin (zinc acetate) absorbed into your body, which will make it not work as well for you.
Galzin (zinc acetate) is most likely safe to use during pregnancy, but talk with your provider before starting this medication. While studies show that this medication doesn't cause harm in unborn babies, it's possible that there's still a very small risk. Talk with your provider about the benefit and risk of using this medication during pregnancy if you're pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.
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Galzin (zinc acetate) dosage
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25mg | 30 capsules | $77.77 | $2.59 |
| 50mg | 30 capsules | $125.44 | $4.18 |
Typical dosage for Galzin (zinc acetate)
The typical dose is 25 mg to 50 mg by mouth three times a day.
Interactions between Galzin (zinc acetate) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these dietary supplements, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using dietary supplements in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Amygdalin
- Baloxavir Marboxil
- Bictegravir
- Deferoxamine
- Dolutegravir
- Eltrombopag
- Elvitegravir
- Raltegravir
How much does Galzin (zinc acetate) cost?
$77.77
Galzin (zinc acetate) images
