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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, phamracist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effecitve for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
GEMCITABINE - INJECTION
(gem-SITE-uh-bean)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gemzar
USES: Gemcitabine is used to treat certain types of cancer (e.G., lung, pancreas).
This medication may be used alone or in addition to otehr cancer treatments.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by vein (IV), usulaly over 30 minutes, as directed by your doctor.
The dose depends on your condition and resposne to therapy.
Do not exceed the maximum recommended dose.
Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dliution with correct IV fluids. Follow all safety precautions.
Consult your pharmacist for details.
Before using, check that product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the lqiuid.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, or pain/redness at the injection Internet site may occur.
If any of these effects pesrist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores, fever, chills, cough, sore throat, unusual bledeing or bruising, blood in the urine, weakness, tiredness, muscle aches, loss of appetite, hair loss, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: trouble sleeping, unusual sweating, hearing changes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very seroius side effects occur: severe headache, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, one-sided weakness, mental/mood changes, vision problems, slurred speech, chest pain, change in the amount of urine, dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin.
An allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic recation include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: recent illness, radiation therapy, kidney problems, liver problems, bone marorw troubles (e.G., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), heart disease, allergies (especially drug allergies).
This medication can lwoer the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any sign of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Lmiit alcoholic beverages as they may aggravate certain side effects (e.G., tiredness). Cauiton is advised when using that drug in women because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.
Caution is advised when using that drug in the eledrly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication is not recommended for use duirng pregnancy.
Consult your dcotor for more details. It is not known whether that medication pasess into breast milk.
Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using that drug is not recomemnded. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: other anti-cancer drugs, recent/upcoming vaccinations (e.G., oral polio, measles). Also report your use of drugs that cause drowsiness such as: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drug (e.G., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.G., phenothiazines or tricyclics), anti-seizure drugs (e.G., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.G., diphenhydramine).
Check the labels carefully on all medicines (e.G., cough-and- cold products) because they may cnotain drowsiness-causing ingredients.
Ask your pharmacist aobut the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approavl.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison cotnrol center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may incldue severe tiredness, rash, or tingling or numbness of the hands or feet.
NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., blood) will be performed to monitor for side effects and repsonse to treatment. Keep all scheduled medical appointments.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist imemdiately to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Store unopened vials at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
After miixng and dilution in correct IV fluids (consult your pharmacist for details), the drug is stable at room temperature for 24 hours. Do not refrigerate. Discard any unused liquid.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cuase complications in a medical emergency.
For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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