uses
What is gemcitabine used for?Gemcitabine is commonly used to treat the following types of cancers. Ovarian cancerBreast cancerNon-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)Pancreatic cancerGemcitabine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does gemcitabine work (mechanism of action)?Gemcitabine is a type of chemotherapy. It works by preventing RNA and DNA in cancer cells from working correctly. This allows it to stop the cancer cells from growing and multiplying, which can help slow or stop the spread of cancer.How is gemcitabine supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesGemzarInfugemDosage forms and strengthsGemcitabine is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.How should I store gemcitabine?Gemcitabine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
how to use
liquid that is injected into a blood vessel
drug interactions
Does gemcitabine interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between gemcitabine and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect gemcitabine, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.Does gemcitabine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Gemcitabine may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of gemcitabine?The most common side effects of gemcitabine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Nausea and vomitingBlood disorders (see below)Changes in liver enzymesHigh levels of protein in your pee or blood in your pee, which can be a sign of kidney problems (see below)FeverRashShortness of breathFluid retentionThere may be other side effects of gemcitabine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada.html or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of gemcitabine?While less common, the most serious side effects of gemcitabine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Gemcitabine may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. It is also called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatShortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightnessSwelling in your feet, ankles, or legsNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painDark-colored peeYour skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)Blood Disorders. Gemcitabine can cause blood disorders, such as low red blood cell levels (anemia), low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low neutrophil levels (neutropenia). It is important to go to all appointments for blood work to make sure gemcitabine is safe for you. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.Fever or any other signs of an infectionShortness of breathPale or yellowish skinEasy bruising or bleedingUnusual weakness or tirednessDizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass outHeadacheFast or abnormal heartbeatLung Inflammation. Gemcitabine can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. It can also cause a breathing problem called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). These problems can be serious or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have new or worsening trouble breathing or shortness of breath. You may also have a cough, fever, or chest pain. Kidney Problems. Gemcitabine can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that affects the small blood vessels in the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.Increased or decreased amount of urine (pee)Blood in your urineUnexplained bruising or bleedingNausea or vomitingFeverRashMood swingsConfusion or drowsinessSwelling throughout your body or sudden weight gainLiver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using gemcitabine. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.Nausea or vomitingStomach or belly painFeverWeakness or unusual tirednessItchingLoss of appetiteLight-colored poopDark-colored urine (pee)Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)Capillary Leak Syndrome (CLS). Gemcitabine may cause capillary leak syndrome (CLS), where proteins and fluid leak out of your blood vessels and into your body tissues. CLS can be serious or life-threatening. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of CLS.Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standingFluid retentionSudden weight gainShortness of breathPosterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES). Gemcitabine may cause a rare but serious brain condition called PRES. PRES involves swelling and narrowing of blood vessels in your brain. If PRES is not treated, it can lead to a stroke. Call your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms of PRES.Changes in thinking or behaviorConfusion or hallucinationsSudden decrease or change in visionSudden severe headacheSeizuresSevere Skin Reactions. Gemcitabine can cause severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels offFlat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitalsRed, painful, watery eyesFlu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much gemcitabine?If you or someone else has used too much gemcitabine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of gemcitabine?Gemcitabine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving gemcitabine as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your gemcitabine dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use gemcitabine?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use gemcitabine.GemcitabineGemzarInfugemAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific gemcitabine products they stock.What should I know about gemcitabine before using it?Gemcitabine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It is given as an infusion into your vein (IV).It is important to attend all appointments for blood work with your health care provider. They will use these tests to monitor your body’s response to gemcitabine and make sure it is safe for you to continue using the medicine. If you are a woman or were assigned female at birth, you might be at a higher risk of some side effects with gemcitabine, especially if you are older. Talk with your health care provider about your specific risks with the medicine.Gemcitabine may make it hard for you to get your partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.What should I tell my health care provider before using gemcitabine?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if gemcitabine is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Lung or breathing problemsLiver problems, including cirrhosis or hepatitisKidney problemsExcessive alcohol useRadiation Therapy. If you are receiving radiation therapy for cancer, your health care provider will need to make sure it is safe for you to use gemcitabine with your radiation schedule. Using gemcitabine with radiation may increase your risk of side effects.Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You may not be able to receive certain vaccines right before or while using gemcitabine. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.Other Medicines and Supplements. Gemcitabine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using gemcitabine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. Gemcitabine may cause harm to an unborn baby. You should not be pregnant before starting gemcitabine. If you can get pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using gemcitabine and for at least six months after your last dose. If you are able to get a partner pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using gemcitabine and for at least three months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if gemcitabine passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while using gemcitabine and for at least one week after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.Â
about
Gemcitabine is used to treat several kinds of cancer. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, fever, or a rash, which can sometimes be a sign of a serious side effect. Other serious side effects may include blood disorders and breathing problems. Gemcitabine is given as an infusion into your vein (IV) by a health care provider.Â