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Gemcitabine - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Gemcitabine

Generic Name : Gemcitabine
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Gemcitabine are provided here.

Pronunciation : jem sit' a been

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Gemcitabine, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Trade Names/Brand Names of Gemcitabine

India :

International :


Gemzar

Why is Gemcitabine Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a nucleoside analog used in chemotherapy for treating certain types of cancer (like lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer). The medication inhibits the progress of cancer cell growth in the body.

When should Gemcitabine not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with concurrent radical radiotherapy, during pregnancy and lactation; known hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Gemcitabine?

Adult: IV- Advanced non-small cell lung cancer- 1 g/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15 of each 28-day cycle.
Pancreatic cancer- 1 g/m2 once weekly for up to 7 weeks followed by 1 week rest. Continue thereafter with once weekly infusions for 3 consecutive weeks out of 4.
Bladder cancer- 1 g/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15 of each 28-day cycle. To be given before cisplatin.
Breast cancer- 1.25 g/m2 on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle.
Ovarian carcinoma- 1 g/m2 on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. To be given before carboplatin.

How should Gemcitabine be taken?

It comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provider.

What are the warnings and precautions for Gemcitabine?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of bone marrow depression, liver, kidney impairment and radiation therapy.

• Avoid vaccination while taking this medication.

• It may cause dizziness or drowsiness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication.

• It may lead to poor blood clot, avoid bruising or injury.

• It may affect the menstrual cycle in women and stop sperm production in men.

What are the side effects of Gemcitabine?

Most Common- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain/redness at the injection site and flu-like symptoms (muscle pain, fever, headache, chills and fatigue).
Blood- Anemia, decrease in white blood cells and bruising.
Liver- Change in the level of liver enzymes.
Genitourinary- Blood, urea, nitrogen (BUN) and protein in urine.
Skin- Rash and hair loss.
Central Nervous System- Drowsiness and tingling.
Respiratory- Difficulty in breathing.

What are the other precautions for Gemcitabine?

The medication may result in decreased blood count level, monitor blood count regularly.
It may cause kidney failure, monitor kidney function regularly.

What are the storage conditions for Gemcitabine?

Store it at room temperature (20� to 25�C), and in an airtight container. Keep away from children.
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