Gemcitabine

Gemcitabine is an intravenous (IV) medication that is usually given in a dose based on body surface area. The type and extent of a cancer determines the exact dose and schedule of administering this drug.

Gemcitabine interferes with how cells divide, which stops the growth of the cancer cells. It is used to treat pancreatic and lung cancer. It may also be used to treat bladder, breast, ovarian, or cervical cancer or lymphoma.

Gemcitabine is effective against many forms of cancer. However, the type and extent of a cancer determines how effectively this medication slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Possible serious side effects of gemcitabine include:

• Allergic reactions. Signs of allergic reaction can include trouble breathing; swelling or closing of the throat; swollen face, tongue, or lips; or hives.
• Feeling extremely tired, bruising or bleeding easily, or signs of infection such as a fever or chills. These symptoms may mean that the medicine caused the numbers of your white or red blood cells or platelets to drop.
• Severe nausea and vomiting.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Blood in the urine or rarely needing to urinate.

Less serious side effects are more common and may include:

• Fever and flu-like symptoms.
• Mouth sores (stomatitis).
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
• Rash.
• Hair loss. This is reversible, and hair will grow back when treatment ends.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

Gemcitabine should be administered only under the supervision of a medical oncologist.

You may not be able to become pregnant or father a child after taking this medication. Discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.

Gemcitabine can cause birth defects. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or wish to become pregnant or to father a child while you are taking it.

Do not breast-feed while you are using gemcitabine.

Do not use this medication if you have:

• Kidney or liver disease.
• Chickenpox or shingles.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Other Works Consulted

• Abramowicz M (2003). Treatment guidelines: Drugs of choice for cancer. Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics, 1(7): 41–52.