Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

Gemcitabine - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Advertisement

Gemcitabine Medication Information

Learn everything you need to know about Gemcitabine-pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and when to take or avoid it.

Get up-to-date information on side effects, precautions, warnings, and proper storage to ensure safe usage.

Explore Gemcitabine brand names commonly used in India and internationally, along with detailed pricing information. Consult your healthcare provider for tailored medical advice.

Generic Name : Gemcitabine
Pronunciation : jem sit' a been

Brand Names or Trade 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.

Advertisement
Recommended Reading

Home

Consult

e-Book

Articles

News

Calculators

Drugs

Directories

Education

Consumer

Professional