Gemcitabine

Part of the group of drugs known as anti-metabolites, Gemcitabine is used in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma as well as lung, bladder, breast, and pancreatic cancer.  Specifically, this drug and others from the same family prevent cells from making DNA and RNA by interfering with the synthesis of nucleic acids. This stops the growth of cancer cells, causing the cells to die and, therefore, preventing reproduction of the cells.

Treatment with Gemcitabine

• The dosage and timing of your chemotherapy will depend on many factors including general health, size of tumors, and stage of cancer.
• Gemcitabine is administered intravenously or through a central line.

Possible Side Effects of Gemcitabine

• Change in liver function – Your doctor will monitor your liver function during treatment though, as a patient, you may not notice any changes.
• Change in kidney function – Similar to liver function, your kidney function will be consistently monitored during treatment.
• Increased chance of infection – Due to a reduction in white blood cells, patients being treated with gemcitabine may be more likely to catch an infection.  Inform your doctor immediately if you have a fever or don’t feel well in general.
• Bruising or bleeding – Unexpected bruising or bleeding may be caused by a reduction in platelets, which assist normal clotting function.
• Anemia
• Nausea and/or vomiting – Drugs can be used to control this.
• Skin rash or itching
• Flu-like symptoms (headache, achy joints)
• Fluid retention contributing to breathlessness or swollen ankles
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Thinning hair or hair loss