Uses of undefined

Gemcitabine has been developed to treat ovarian cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer in patients who have failed to respond to previous therapies.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Gemcitabine is available for administration as an intravenous infusion that is injected through the veins of patients with ovarian, breast, and non-small cell lung cancer. Your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on your medical condition and type of cancer because it differs for each person.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

It is not recommended to take a Gemcitabine injection if you are allergic to Gemcitabine or any of its ingredients. During the Gemcitabine treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your complete blood counts, blood sugar, electrolytes, liver panel, and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with stomach ulcers, lung disease, or problems in your heart, liver, skin or kidneys. Inform your doctor if you received radiotherapy recently, as it may lead to severe life-threatening reactions.

Precautions

Precautions: Gemcitabine injection may impair fertility in male patients. Gemcitabine is not recommended during pregnancy as it causes harm to the unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment and for 1 week after the last dose of Gemcitabine.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Gemcitabine are nausea, vomiting, increased liver enzymes (AST, ALT), rashes, blood in urine, swelling of ankles, neutropenia, increased alkaline phosphatase, proteinuria, feet and fingers, insomnia, constipation, diarrhea headache runny nose, and chills.  If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report them to your doctor immediately.

Word Of Advice

It is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during and for 6 months after the last dose of Gemcitabine. Inform your doctor immediately, if you experience any infection-related symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, rash, or severe diarrhea. Notify your doctor, if you have hypersensitivity because people with this condition are contraindicated to this medicine. 

Frequently Asked Question

• Is Gemcitabine prescribed as a monotherapy?
• Gemcitabine is prescribed as a monotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer and also as in combination with other anticancer agents like Cisplatin and Carboplatin.

• What tests are essential before starting treatment with Gemcitabine?
• Before starting treatment with Gemcitabine, your healthcare provider will recommend tests to check blood cells, liver, lungs and kidney functions.

• When should you notify your physician?
• Watch out for symptoms like breathing difficulty, persistent nausea, diarrhea, chest pain, yellowing of skin and seek immediate medical attention from a nearby healthcare facility.

• What should you do if you missed a dose of Gemcitabine?
• If you missed taking a dose of Gemcitabine Injection, skip this dose. Do not take two Injections to make up for the missed dose. Report to your healthcare provider right away if you missed taking more than two doses of Gemcitabine.

• Who should not take Gemcitabine?
• It is not recommended for people who are allergic to Gemcitabine and its ingredients. Gemcitabine injection is not recommended for adolescents and children under the age of 18. Tell your physician if you have experienced allergies to any other medications or foods.

• Can you smoke while on treatment with Gemcitabine?
• It is not recommended to smoke cigarettes while on treatment with Gemcitabine as smoking can reduce the concentration of Gemcitabine in the body.

•  How should you store Gemcitabine?
• Store Gemcitabine injection below 30°C, away from the reach of children.