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Gemcitabine

Generic Name: 

Gemcitabine

Brand Names: 

Gemzar

Gemcitabine Description: 

Gemcitabine is an antimetabolite and antitumor medication that is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat cancer. Gemcitabine works to slow the growth and spread of cancer cells, and is given as an IV infusion in a medical setting. Gemcitabine is approved to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

Gemcitabine Side Effects: 

Gemcitabine treatment may decrease your body’s ability to fight off infection. Notify a doctor immediately if any of the following signs of infection or illness are noticed:

  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Hoarseness
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain in the side
  • Painful or difficult urination

For more information, see our gemcitabine side effects page.

Gemcitabine Uses: 

Gemcitabine is administered in a medical setting through an IV infusion. Each infusion can take up to 30 minutes, and treatment is given once a week for several weeks. The medication works to slow the growth and spread of cancer cells by preventing cells from making DNA and RNA.

  • Gemcitabine may be used in combination with carboplatin to treat ovarian cancer that has relapsed at least 6 months after the patient finished platinum-based therapy.
  • Gemcitabine may be used in combination with cisplatin as a first-line treatment for locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
  • Gemcitabine may be used in combination with paclitaxel as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic breast cancer after they have received anthracycline.
  • Gemcitabine may be given alone to patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Gemcitabine Interactions: 

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you may be taking along with gemcitabine, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. The following drugs should not be taken in combination with gemcitabine, as interactions may occur:

  • Certain live vaccines such as rotavirus, Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin, influenza, measles, mumps, poliovirus, and rubella
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and others
  • Other vaccines such as smallpox, typhoid, varicella, and yellow fever
  • Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
  • Vitamin E
  • Warfarin (Coumadin)

Patients with a history or current diagnosis of any of following conditions should consult their doctor before treatment with gemcitabine:

  • Active infection
  • Current radiation treatment
  • Diabetes
  • Gout
  • Heart disease or congestive heart failure
  • Herpes zoster (shingles)
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Pregnancy, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
  • Recent exposure or experience with chickenpox
Gemcitabine Dosage Information: 

Typical Dosage Recommendations

The dosage of gemcitabine depends on the type of cancer being treated, blood tests, prior response to cancer treatment, and the patient’s size.

For the treatment of pancreatic cancer, gemcitabine is given intravenously as 1000 mg/m2 over a 30-minute period. The treatment is given once weekly for up to 7 weeks, and then one week of rest from treatment is taken. Following the week of rest, gemcitabine is infused once a week for 3 weeks, followed by a week off.

For the treatment of breast or ovarian cancer, gemcitabine is infused once a week for 2 weeks, followed by a week off of treatment.

For the treatment of lung cancer or other cancers, gemcitabine is given once a week for 3 weeks, followed by a week off.

Missing a Dose of Gemcitabine

If you miss an appointment to receive a gemcitabine infusion, notify your doctor immediately to reschedule the visit.

Gemcitabine Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. The following symptoms may be a sign of gemcitabine overdose:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Rash
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Infection
Gemcitabine FDA Approval: 

May 15, 1996

Gemcitabine Recall/Black Box Warning Information: 

A recall was issued in October 2005 for the brand name of gemcitabine, Gemzar, for “a lack or assurance in sterility”. (Recall # D-489-5)

Sources: 
  1. http://www.gemzar.com
  2. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601499
  3. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CDG/content/CDG_gemcitabine.asp
  4. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a696019.html
  5. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=GEMCITABINE
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