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molecule

Gemcitabine

Molecule Description

Gemcitabine belongs to a group of medicines called anticancer drugs.

uses

Uses of Gemcitabine

  • It is used in the treatment of many cancers like non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), either alone or along with Cisplatin
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Breast cancer, along with Paclitaxel
  • Ovarian cancer, along with Carboplatin
  • Bladder cancer, along with Cisplatin
contraindications

Contraindications of Gemcitabine

When should one not use Gemcitabine

  • If you are allergic to Gemcitabine
  • If you are breastfeeding
sideEffects

Side effects of Gemcitabine

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Drowsiness
  • Swelling and redness at the injection site
  • Hair loss and eventually baldness
  • Skin rash
  • Liver damage
  • Constipation
  • Pale skin
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Breathing in difficulty
  • Chest pain
  • Low white blood cell count
  • Weakness in the body
  • Chills
  • Infections
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Gemcitabine

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Gemcitabine during pregnancy?
A:
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, it is advisable to find a viable alternative on consultation with your doctor.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Gemcitabine while breastfeeding?
A:
Breastfeeding is not recommended when taking this medication, and if you are breastfeeding before starting the treatment, consultation with a doctor is recommended to find suitable substitutes.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Gemcitabine?
A:
Gemcitabine is known to cause dizziness and drowsiness; hence, you should avoid performing any activity that requires concentration. The medication also causes tiredness, thus driving is not recommended after you take this medication.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Gemcitabine?
A:
It is advisable not to consume alcohol, but a consultation with a doctor will clarify whether the consumption of alcohol is harmful.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • You may experience swelling, weight gain, difficulty in breathing after taking this medicine
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Do not take any medication that contains Aspirin
  • Headache with confusion and convulsions
  • If you are already receiving radiation therapy
  • You should contact your doctor, regardless of any kind of medication you might be consuming
  • You should not take any vaccine, without a doctor's approval; while Gemcitabine is being given
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Gemcitabine

How Does It Work?

The medicine is hydrophilic (attracted to water) in nature and kill cells, which are dividing continuously, including cancer cells.
interactions

Interactions of Gemcitabine

Interactions with other medicines

Gemcitabine is known to have severe interactions with Clozapine and any live vaccine. It is also known to have moderate reactions with Warfarin and Fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

Interactions with food items

There are no specific interactions with foods. However, you should eat foods that are clean and avoid unpasteurized food items.
dietaryRestrictions

Dietary Restrictions of Gemcitabine

You should avoid foods that might be contaminated or unwashed such as fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized juices and milk, raw and undercooked meat, and other fresh produce.
dosage

Dosage of Gemcitabine

Overdose

If you face any difficulty in breathing and become unconscious, seek medical help immediately.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose of medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, then continue with it. Don’t take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY
REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: What happens if I get cuts or bruises while on Gemcitabine medication?

A: Gemcitabine increases your susceptibility to infections, which is why you should cover it up immediately and get a look at it. Avoid using sharp objects while under Gemcitabine medication.

Q: What should I do if I feel body pains and severe headaches?

A: This is a rare phenomenon, but if in the chance you start speaking with a lot of drag and stutter, complains of arm and body pain, rush to a doctor immediately.

Q: Will I lose my hair?

A: Yes, since Gemcitabine is a part of chemotherapy, there will be hair loss. Once you complete your treatment, your hair will grow back.
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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