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Gemcitabine, marketed under the brand name Gemzar, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various forms of cancer. This includes cancer of the breast, bladder, pancreas, ovaries, and non-small cell lung cancer in addition to malignant mesothelioma.[1]
Generic versions of gemcitabine are available in the US.
Gemcitabine is an antimetabolite drug that interferes with the cellular replication process, especially for cancer cells. The drug is absorbed by cells because of its similarity to vital cellular nutrients. It replaces the essential DNA molecule cytidine, preventing cellular division and replication. These non-dividing cells can trigger cellular death in nearby cancer cells, shrinking the tumor and harming its ability to metastasize.[2]
Administering gemcitabine requires use of an IV infusion. Your dosage will be based on your body weight, the state of your neoplasm, and other determining factors. Recovery takes about 21 days, which means gemcitabine will be given in cycles.[3]
Frequently, gemcitabine is combined with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin.
Side effects of taking gemcitabine vary from patient to patient, and may include:
- Bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Increased risk of infection
- Fatigue
- Dizziness, weakness, or feeling flush
- Flu like symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling in hands and feet
- Hair loss
- Blood or protein in urine
- Skin rash
More rare side effects can include: sweating, headaches, difficulty sleeping, cough, muscle pain, mouth ulcers, constipation, sweating and mouth sores.
In some patient cases, use of gemcitabine can cause anemia, low white blood cell count, low platelet count, or liver toxicity. Notify your healthcare provider if you have pain in your abdomen, yellowing of skin or eyes, or urine that appears dark or brown-colored.[4]
[1] https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/treating/chemotherapy/drugs-and-combination-regimens/individual-drugs/gemcitabine.html
[2] https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00441
[3] http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/gemcitabine.aspx
[4] https://www.oncolink.org/cancer-treatment/oncolink-rx/gemcitabine-gemzar-r
