UsesGemcitabine is used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of local or advanced cancers like non-small cell lung cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, adenocarcinoma of the pancreas It is also used for treating recurrent breast cancer that cannot be treated with surgery
Mechanism of Action- Gemcitabine belongs to a class of medication called anti-metabolites
- It is cytotoxic in nature
- They kill rapidly dividing cells (e.g. cancer cells) thus slowing down the spread of cancer in the body
DosageAdvanced non-small cell lung cancer- 1 g/m2on days 1, 8 and 15 of each 28-day cycle Pancreatic cancer- 1 g/m2once 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/m2on days 1, 8 and 15 of each 28-day cycle. To be given before cisplatin Breast cancer- 1.25 g/m2on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle Ovarian carcinoma- 1 g/m2on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. To be given before carboplatin
Side EffectsLoss of hair; muscle or back pain Unusual tiredness or weakness; flu or fever Eating disorders Inflammation or sores of the inside area of mouth or digestive tract Nausea Cough or runny nose Sweating or itching Low production of blood cells in bone marrow Liver problems Skin rashes Chills Vomiting Bleeding or protein in urine Breathing difficulty Constipation Diarrhea Sleepiness Pain in stomach
Warnings/PrecautionsCaution 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