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Gemcitabine

Gemcitabine

(gemcitabine)

Gemcitabine belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics, and specifically to the group of antineoplastics known as antimetabolites. Gemcitabine fights cancer by preventing the growth of cancer cells, which eventually results in their destruction.

Available form

Dosage

Injectable Powder

200MG

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Gemcitabine information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

Gemcitabine is available as an intravenous (into the vein) injection. It is usually injected through a specially prepared site on the skin. The recommended dose varies according to body size. Gemcitabine is usually given once a week by an intravenous infusion that usually takes about 30 minutes. Initially, it may be given weekly for up to 7 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period. After the first cycle of treatment, intravenous infusions are given weekly for 3 weeks followed by a rest period of 1 week.

Many things can affect the schedule and dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Very careful handling of Gemcitabine is required. It is always administered in a hospital or similar setting, where there is access to sterile equipment for preparation.

As well as interfering with the genetic material DNA of cancer cells, gemcitabine can interfere with some of your normal cells. This may cause a number of side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the section, "What side effects are possible with Gemcitabine?"

It is important Gemcitabine be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive gemcitabine, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Gemcitabine. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Gemcitabine with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Gemcitabine. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

Constipation (mild)
Diarrhea
fatigue
flu-like symptoms (most commonly after the first dose of gemcitabine) including:

chills
cough
difficulty sleeping
feeling of illness
Fever (not associated with infection)
headache
muscle pain
runny nose
sweating
weakness

nausea and vomiting (for less than 24 hours)
numbness or tingling of hands or feet
temporary hair loss (minimal)

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

fast or irregular heartbeat
high blood pressure
pain at site of injection
severe constipation for 3 days that has not been relieved by laxatives
severe diarrhea (3 or more watery bowel movements per day lasting more than 24 hours)
signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine, change of urine colour)
signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
skin rash
sores on mouth or lips
swelling of fingers, feet, or lower legs
symptoms of Anemia (i.e., shortness of breath, paleness, tiredness, fast heart rate, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine)
symptoms of infection (i.e., fever, cough, chills, difficult or painful urination, pain in the side or lower back)
vision changes
vomiting lasting more than 24 hours after treatment

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

signs of bleeding in the stomach (e.g., bloody, black, or tarry stools, spitting up of blood, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds)
signs of breathing problems (e.g., shortness of breath, troubled breathing, wheezing, or tightness in chest, fast or irregular breathing)
signs of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (e.g., headache, seizures, weakness, confusion, high blood pressure, vision changes, difficulty thinking clearly)
signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Gemcitabine.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Gemcitabine.

Blood clotting: Gemcitabine can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Your doctor will monitor the number of platelets in your blood with regular blood tests while you are using Gemcitabine. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.

Fever and flu-like symptoms: Gemcitabine can cause a fever and flu-like symptoms (chills, feeling unwell) that are not associated with an infection. Your doctor may prescribe Acetaminophen to help treat this reaction.

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Gemcitabine can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Avoid contact with people who have contagious infections and tell your doctor if you begin to notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills. Your doctor will monitor the number of white blood cells in your blood with regular blood tests while you are using Gemcitabine.

Kidney problems: Rarely, gemcitabine can cause a rapid breakdown of red blood cells that can be associated with kidney failure and may be fatal. Your doctor will monitor you for this while you are receiving Gemcitabine. People who have kidney problems should discuss with their doctor how Gemcitabine may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Gemcitabine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver problems: Gemcitabine may reduce liver function and can cause liver failure. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Gemcitabine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Gemcitabine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Lung inflammation: Lung inflammation, causing difficulty breathing has occurred rarely in some people taking Gemcitabine. This complication can be serious and sometimes fatal. If you experience new or worsening shortness of breath or cough (with or without fever) at any time while you are taking gemcitabine contact your doctor immediately.

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): This is a rare disease of the brain that may occur when using medications like gemcitabine. If you have had a previous episode of RPLS, gemcitabine may not be an appropriate medication for you. If you experience signs and symptoms of RPLS, such as headache, seizures, change in awareness or consciousness or vision changes, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Gemcitabine should not be used during pregnancy. Effective birth control should be used while receiving Gemcitabine. Gemcitabine may harm the baby if used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Gemcitabine, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if gemcitabine passes into breast milk. Women receiving gemcitabine should not breast-feed.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Gemcitabine have not been established for children.

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