Gemcitabine

 
Generic Name: gemcitabine

Brands: Gemzar

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What is the most important information I should know about Gemcitabine?

· Gemcitabine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Serious side effects have been reported with the use of Gemcitabine including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); kidney failure; severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with Gemcitabine.

 

What is Gemcitabine?

· Gemcitabine is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Gemcitabine interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

· Gemcitabine is used in the treatment of cancers of the pancreas, lung and breast.

· Gemcitabine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Gemcitabine?

· Do not use Gemcitabine without first talking to your doctor if you have     ·kidney disease;     ·liver disease; or     ·poor bone marrow function.

· The use of Gemcitabine may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Gemcitabine is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Gemcitabine is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Gemcitabine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with Gemcitabine.

· It is not known whether Gemcitabine passes into breast milk. Do not take Gemcitabine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

· The safety and effectiveness of Gemcitabine in children has not been established.

 

How should I use Gemcitabine?

· Gemcitabine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with Gemcitabine depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

· Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with Gemcitabine to monitor progress and side effects.

· Skin accidentally exposed to Gemcitabine should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

· Your healthcare provider will store Gemcitabine as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing Gemcitabine at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Gemcitabine.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· If for any reason an overdose of Gemcitabine is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

· Symptoms of a Gemcitabine overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

 

What should I avoid while using Gemcitabine?

· Gemcitabine can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with Gemcitabine. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

· Skin accidentally exposed to Gemcitabine should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

 

What are the possible side effects of Gemcitabine?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects from Gemcitabine, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection);     ·tissue or vein reactions near the site of administration;     ·blood in the urine;     ·little or no urine production;     ·severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or     ·difficulty in breathing.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Gemcitabine and talk to your doctor if you experience:     ·flu-like symptoms (fever, weakness, loss of appetite, cough, chills and muscle pain);     ·mouth or lip sores;     ·mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;     ·nerve problems such as burning, pricking or tingling;     ·swelling of the feet or ankles;      ·rash, itching, or hives; or     ·temporary hair loss.

· Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with Gemcitabine.

 

What other drugs will affect Gemcitabine?

· Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with Gemcitabine. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with Gemcitabine.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Gemcitabine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with Gemcitabine.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your healthcare provider may have additional information about Gemcitabine that you may read.

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