Gemzar
Gemcitabine Hydrochloride Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
GEMCITABINE (jem SIT a been) is a chemotherapy drug. This medicine is used to treat many types of cancer like breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer.
How should I use this medicine?
This drug is given as an infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional. Read More ›
Gemzar can be used to treat the following conditions:
- biliary tract cancer
- bladder cancer
- breast cancer
- lung cancer
- mesothelioma
- ovarian cancer
- pancreatic cancer
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.
signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine
signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness
breathing problems
mouth sores
pain, swelling, redness at site where injected
pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
stomach pain
swelling of ankles, feet, hands
unusual bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
hair loss
loss of appetite
stomach upset
What may interact with this medicine?
medicines to increase blood counts like filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, sargramostim
some other chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin
vaccines
Talk to your doctor or health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
acetaminophen
aspirin
ketoprofen
naproxen
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
blood disorders
infection
recent or ongoing radiation therapy
an unusual or allergic reaction to gemcitabine, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.
Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.
Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
Who should not take Gemzar?
Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
accidental exposure, alcoholism, bone marrow suppression, breast-feeding, children, dental disease, dental work, females, geriatric, hepatic disease, hepatitis, herpes infection, infection, intramuscular injections, neutropenia, ocular exposure, pregnancy, radiation therapy, renal failure, renal impairment, thrombocytopenia, vaccination, varicella, viral infection
Copyright: © 2000-2010 The StayWell Company, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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