Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: gemcitabine hydrochloride, injection; Gemzar
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat cancer of the pancreas.
This medicine, along with another anticancer drug, may also be used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, or breast cancer.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Also tell your healthcare provider if you have recently had radiation treatments.
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.
Males: Use condoms during sexual intercourse with females of childbearing age while you are taking this medicine.
This is a very strong medicine. Only healthcare providers experienced with this drug should prescribe it. It should only be given in a clinic or hospital where you can be monitored closely. Infusions are given by your healthcare provider. Keep all your appointments for this treatment.
These infusions are usually given once a week for about 7 weeks. Additional treatments may be needed.
You need frequent urine tests and blood tests to avoid certain severe side effects. Keep all your appointments for these tests.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.
This medicine may cause nausea and vomiting. Your healthcare provider may give you medicine to help. Contact your provider you continue to feel sick and throw up.
This medicine may cause you to bleed more easily. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking aspirin or other medicines.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell all healthcare providers or dentists that you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Severe nausea or vomiting, pain, fever, unexplained sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, black or tarry stools, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, blood in urine, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, confusion, swelling of hands or ankles, numbness or tingling in fingers or toes, muscle aches and pains, severe headache.
Other: Depression, tiredness, hair loss, drowsiness, mouth sores, mild diarrhea, constipation, redness or swelling at the injection site.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
