Gemcitabine
(Gemzar, United States and Canada)

More drugs used for Cancer.

Use:

Gemcitabine or Gemzar is used in advanced pancreatic cancer. It is an alternative to 5-fluorouracil and is able to improve survival and reduce pain.

How It Works:

Gemcitabine or Gemzar is an antimetabolite related to cytarabine. It is incorporated into DNA of the fast growing cancerous cells, affecting replication.

Side Effects:

Gemcitabine or Gemzar causes immunosuppression, nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, fever, rash.

Cautions for People:

People taking Gemcitabine or Gemzar are immunospressed, meaning that they are at increased risk for infection. Because Gemcitabine or Gemzar can affect the liver, people must be carefully followed for their liver health.

Drug Interactions:

Gemcitabine or Gemzar is often taken as part of a drug regime, thus it may be combined with other chemotherapeutic agents.

Further Reading:

FDC Reports 1996;58(21):6
Ann Oncol 1996;7:347
Br J Cancer 1996;73:101
Drugs 1996;51(1):45

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.

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