Generic name:gemcitabine [ jem-SYE-ta-been ]
Drug class:Antimetabolites
What is Gemzar?
Gemzar is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Gemzar is used to treat cancers of the pancreas, lung, ovary, and breast.
Gemzar is sometimes given with other cancer medicines, or when other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.
Warnings
Gemzar can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. You may get an infection or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or new signs of infection (fever, chills, tiredness, bruising or bleeding, pale skin).
Gemzar can also affect your liver, kidneys, or lungs. Tell your doctor if you have stomach pain, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, little or no urinating, swelling, rapid weight gain, severe shortness of breath, wheezing, or cough with foamy mucus.
If you receive gemcitabine during or after radiation treatment, tell your doctor right away if you have severe skin redness, swelling, oozing, or peeling.
Before receiving Gemzar
You should not use Gemzar if you are allergic to gemcitabine.
To make sure Gemzar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease;
liver disease (especially cirrhosis);
alcoholism; or
radiation treatment.
Both men and women using Gemzar should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Gemcitabine can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.
If you are a woman, do not use Gem...
