Gemcitabine

Molecule Description

Gemcitabine belongs to a group of medicines called anticancer drugs.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

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 of Gemcitabine

When should one not use Gemcitabine

If you are allergic to Gemcitabine
If you are breastfeeding

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

Precautions and Warnings of Gemcitabine

Pregnancy

Can I take Gemcitabine during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, it is advisable to find a viable alternative on consultation with your doctor.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Gemcitabine while breastfeeding?

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

Can I drive if I have consumed Gemcitabine?

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

Can I consume alcohol with Gemcitabine?

It is advisable not to consume alcohol, but a consultation with a doctor will clarify whether the consumption of alcohol is harmful.

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

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 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.

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 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

Dr. Ravi Kakarla

MBBS, MBA

REVIEWED BY

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.

References

Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

Share This With Your Friends

Recent articles

See All

High Cholesterol Diet – Foods to Eat & Avoid!

Introduction Heart disease is the primary cause of deaths around the world. Having too much cholesterol can lead to severe cardiac issues. Thankfully, you can control and reduce the cholesterol levels by watching what you eat, i.e. the right cholesterol foods. Everything that you ingest has an impact on your cholesterol levels. Here is our

Your Ultimate Guide To A Balanced Diet For Diabetes

Introduction Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting more than 100 million people in India. Diabetes occurs either due to insufficient insulin production, insulin resistance, or both which results in high levels of glucose in blood. Managing diabetes is crucial because uncontrolled diabetes can have serious complications like vision loss, kidney failure,

Benefits of Figs Soaked in Water Overnight: Exploring Nutritional Advantages

Key Highlights: Introduction Figs are versatile and scrumptious fruit that has been revered for its proposed nutritional benefits since ancient times. This little fruit, filled with a burst of sweetness, is a powerhouse of essential nutrients that may enhance your well-being. When soaked in water overnight, figs can make a valuable addition to your daily

Is Dry Ice Dangerous?

Introduction: Recently, dry ice has been in the news due to an unfortunate incident that occurred at a cafe in Gurugram, Haryana. Five diners unwittingly consumed dry ice, mistaking it for mouth freshener. As per news reports, the diners suffered serious injuries to their food pipe and oral cavity after accidentally ingesting the dry ice.

Bubonic Plague Reported: Are We In Danger?

Bubonic plague, which became notorious during the 14th Century in Europe and swept through India from the 1890s to 1910s, is caused by bacteria called Yersinia pestis. Contrary to popular belief, this plague isn’t caused by rat bites. The cause of bubonic plague is the bite of infected fleas. These fleas live in the hairs

Simple and Effective Skin Care Routine

Introduction Healthy skin is indicative of the quality of diet and lifestyle one follows. The largest organ of the human body and often overlooked, the skin acts as a barrier and prevents the external components from entering the inside of the body. This entails that, at times, it is exposed to critically harsh conditions, and

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.