Gecibin 1

Indications

Gemcitabine is a cancer medicine (chemotherapy). It is used alone or with other cancer medicines for:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer (with Paclitaxel)
• Ovarian cancer (with Carboplatin)
• Cancer of the bile ducts and gallbladder

How It Works

Gemcitabine looks like one of the building blocks of DNA. Cancer cells take it up while copying their DNA, which stops the copying and makes the cells die. It belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites.

Dosage and Administration

Gemcitabine is given in hospital or a chemotherapy day unit as a drip (infusion) into a vein, usually over about 30 minutes, by a doctor or nurse trained in chemotherapy. The dose is calculated by the cancer specialist from body size and the treatment plan and is given as prescribed, typically on set days of a 3- or 4-week cycle. Blood counts and liver and kidney tests are checked before each dose, and doses may be delayed or reduced.

Interactions

• Radiotherapy given at the same time or close together can cause severe tissue reactions; timing is planned by the cancer team.
• Other cancer medicines add to the effect on blood counts.
• Live vaccines (such as yellow fever or oral polio) should not be given during treatment.
• Tell the cancer team about all medicines, including blood thinners such as Warfarin and herbal products.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Gemcitabine or any ingredient of the product
• Breastfeeding

Side Effects

Common side effects include low blood counts (raising the risk of infection, bleeding and anaemia), nausea and vomiting, flu-like symptoms with fever, aches and tiredness, skin rash, swelling of the ankles, mouth sores, raised liver tests, protein or blood in the urine, breathlessness and hair thinning.

Get urgent medical help if there is:

• Fever of 38°C or more, chills or other signs of infection
• New or worsening shortness of breath or cough
• Passing very little urine, dark urine, or unusual tiredness with pale or yellow skin
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Severe headache, confusion, fits or sudden vision changes
• Rapid swelling or weight gain

Pregnancy and Lactation

Gemcitabine can harm an unborn baby. Women and men should use reliable contraception during treatment and for the period the doctor advises afterwards. Tell the doctor straight away if pregnancy happens. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for some time after, as advised by the doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

• Regular blood tests are needed to check blood counts, liver and kidneys.
• Lung, kidney and liver problems may need the treatment to be stopped.
• Report fever promptly and avoid people with infections where possible.
• It may cause tiredness or sleepiness; do not drive if affected.
• It may reduce fertility; this can be discussed before treatment.

Overdose

Overdose is managed in hospital. The main danger is very low blood counts, along with rash and numbness. There is no specific antidote; treatment is supportive with close blood test monitoring.

Therapeutic Class

Antineoplastic (anticancer) medicine, antimetabolite (nucleoside analogue).

Storage

Kept by the hospital pharmacy below 30°C, away from light. Once mixed, the solution should not be put in the fridge because crystals can form; it is used within the time stated in the product leaflet. Keep out of the reach of children.