Gemcitabine is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat cancer of the breast, lungs, ovary, pancreas, and bladder.
Gemcitabine injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion (drip). It is delivered into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Gemcitabine.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- heart disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Men should not father a child while being treated with this medicine. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Gemcitabine therapy and for 3 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss other reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Gemcitabine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver, kidney and lung function, complete blood count, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Gemcitabine may cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth ulcer, hair loss, fever, generalised weakness or lack of energy, and muscle pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- signs and symptoms of lung problem e.g. shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- signs and symptoms of capillary leak syndrome (fluid leaks from small blood vessels into the tissue) e.g. unable to pass urine, blood in the urine, fast or abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, breathlessness, generalised swelling, big weight gain; black, tarry or bloody stool
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, lips or throat; blistered or peeling skin with or without fever
- changes in vision, confusion, fits or seizure, very bad headache
Gemcitabine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with this medicine. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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