Gemcitabine

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Molecule Description

Gemcitabine belongs to a group of medicines called anticancer drugs.

Uses

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

When should one not use Gemcitabine

If you are allergic to Gemcitabine
If you are breastfeeding

Side effects

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

Pregnancy

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

Breast Feeding

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

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

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

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 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

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

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.

Yes, since Gemcitabine is a part of chemotherapy, there will be hair loss. Once you complete your treatment, your hair will grow back.