Gemcitabine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in
the body.
Gemcitabine is used to treat cancers of the pancreas, lung and breast.
Gemcitabine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gemcitabine?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to gemcitabine.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to
safely use this medication:
kidney disease;
liver disease; or
if you are receiving radiation treatment.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an
unborn baby.
Do not
receive gemcitabine without telling your doctor if you are
pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during
treatment.
It is not known whether gemcitabine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take gemcitabine?
Gemcitabine is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this
injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and
can take up to 30 minutes to complete.
Gemcitabine is usually given once a week for up to 7 weeks.
Gemcitabine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it
easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your
blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney and
liver function may also need to be checked. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If any of this medicine accidentally gets on your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and
warm water.
What happens if I miss a dose of gemcitabine?
Contact your doctor if you miss a miss an appointment to receive your gemcitabine infusion.
Where can I get more information about gemcitabine?
Your pharmacist has information about gemcitabine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of gemcitabine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark
urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or
shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the
body;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech,
or balance;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
pain, swelling, or skin changes where the needle was
placed;
hearing problems;
blood in your urine; or
breathing problems.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
diarrhea or constipation;
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
skin rash;
numbness or tingly feeling;
drowsiness; or
hair loss.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about gemcitabine?
Do not
receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are
pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your
doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Gemcitabine is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this
injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Gemcitabine is usually given once a week for several weeks. The
medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 30 minutes to complete.
Gemcitabine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it
easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your
blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney and
liver function may also need to be checked. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with gemcitabine, and avoid coming
into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus
could be passed on to you.
If any of this medicine accidentally gets on your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and
warm water.
What should I avoid while taking gemcitabine?
Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your
doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with gemcitabine, and avoid coming
into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus
could be passed on to you.
What other drugs will affect gemcitabine?
There may be other drugs that can interact with gemcitabine. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling
your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of gemcitabine?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009