The basics
Gemcitabine (brand name- Gemzar) is an FDA-approved treatment used with carboplatin for ovarian cancer (cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs where eggs are formed) that returned at least six months after finishing a previous treatment. It is combined with paclitaxel (Abraxane, Taxol) to treat breast cancer. Gemcitabine is combined with cisplatin to treat lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer; NSCLC). It is also used to treat pancreatic cancer.
Gemcitabine is in a class of medications called antimetabolites. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about Gemcitabine
How should I take gemcitabine (Gemzar)?
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. 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.
Do not stop taking Gemcitabine without talking to your doctor. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of gemcitabine (Gemzar)?
Common side effects
- 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
- rash
- itching
- hives
- vomiting
- fever
- sore throat
- ongoing cough and congestion
- other signs of infection
- swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs
- watery stools
- tiredness
- fatigue
Serious side effects
- throat or tongue swelling
- shortness of breath
- difficulty breathing
- lightheadedness, or fainting
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- red or black tarry stools
- coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- changes in the volume of urine
- unusual tiredness or weakness, or wheezing
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- dark urine
- pain or discomfort in the right upper stomach area
- fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- seizures
- confusion
- vision changes
Gemcitabine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving gemcitabine (Gemzar)
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have or ever had any other disease, symptom, treatment
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan to father a child. Talk to your doctor about using birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with gemcitabine.
While you are on gemcitabine (Gemzar)
- 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.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
- severe rash
- pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- red or black, tarry stools
- pink, red, or dark brown urine
- coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- fever, sore throat, ongoing cough and congestion, or other signs of infection
- extreme tiredness
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Brand names
- Gemzar®
Last Revised – 06/15/2023, FDA updated- 08/15/2019, SG
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