Gemzar

Generic Name: Gemcitabine hydrochloride
Product Name: Gemzar

Indication

Treatment of the following locally advanced, metastatic or non responsive cancers:

• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Ovarian carcinoma

Action

Gemciabine targets and kills cancer cells. It does this by damaging the DNA within the cell rendering it incapable of dividing.

Dose advice

Gemcitabine is administered intravenously.

The dose and administration regime varies with cancer type, combination therapy, hepatic and renal insufficiency and age of the patient.

In general, a dose of approximately 1,000 mg/m2 is given over a 30-minute period. This is repeated weekly or monthly during the designated treatment period.

Gemcitabine may cause drowsiness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if affected.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

• Low platelet and immune cell count.
• Anaemia.
• Drowsiness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Constipation.
• Allergic skin rash.
• Hair loss.
• Itchness.
• Ulceration of mucous membrane of the mouth.
• Blood or protein in the urine.
• Swelling.
• Flu like symptoms.
• Fever.
• Weakness.
• Raised Liver function tests.

Uncommon side effects

• Allergic reactions.
• Heart failure or arrhythmia.
• Low blood pressure.
• Lung dysfunction.
• Changes in the skin.
• Kidney failure.
• Cough.
• Colds.
• Perspiration.
• Sleeping difficulties.

References

1. MIMS Australia Pty Ltd [online]. Gemzar. MediMedia: NSW; 2005.

For further information talk to your doctor.