Uses
Gemcitabine is used in combination with carboplatin to treat ovarian cancer (cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs where eggs are formed) that returned at least 6 months after finishing a previous treatment. It also used in combination with paclitaxel (Abraxane, Taxol) to treat breast cancer that has not improved or that has worsened after treatment with other medications. Gemcitabine is used in combination with cisplatin to treat a type of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer; NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body and cannot be treated with surgery. Gemcitabine is also used to treat pancreatic cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and has not improved or worsened after treatment with another medication. Gemcitabine is in a class of medications called antimetabolites. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Side Effects Of Gemcitabine Injection
Gemcitabine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- loss of appetite
- sores in the mouth and throat
- hair loss
- headache
- sore or painful muscles
- pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet
- swelling, pain, redness, or burning at the injection site
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately :
- rash, itching, hives, throat or tongue swelling, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, vomiting, lightheadedness, or fainting
- unusual bleeding or bruising, red or black tarry stools, or coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- changes in the volume of urine
- fever, sore throat, ongoing cough, and congestion, or other signs of infection
- unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath, or wheezing
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, loss of appetite, fatigue, or pain or discomfort in the right upper stomach area
- swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs; stomach pain; watery stools; or tiredness
- fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- headache, seizures, tiredness, confusion, or vision changes
Gemcitabine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before receiving gemcitabine:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to gemcitabine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in gemcitabine. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol or if you have or ever had liver disease, including hepatitis, or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you have previously received or are currently receiving radiation therapy.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan to father a child. If you are female, you will need to take a pregnancy test before starting treatment and use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment and for at least 6 months after your final dose. If you are male, you and your female partner should use effective birth control while you are receiving gemcitabine and for 3 months after the final dose. Talk to your doctor about using birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with gemcitabine. If you or your partner become pregnant while receiving gemcitabine, call your doctor. Gemcitabine may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are receiving gemcitabine injection and for 1 week after your final dose.
- you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving gemcitabine.
Dosage Of Gemcitabine Injection
Gemcitabine comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid to be injected over 30 minutes intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. When gemcitabine is used to treat ovarian or breast cancer, it is usually given on certain days every 3 weeks. When gemcitabine is used to treat lung cancer, it is usually given on certain days every 3 or 4 weeks. When gemcitabine is used to treat pancreatic cancer, it may be injected once every week. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer or condition you have. Your doctor may need to stop or delay your treatment if you experience certain side effects.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during your treatment to check your body’s response to gemcitabine.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
