<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"   What is it used for?   Non-small cell lung cancer that is locally advanced, or has spread to other areas of the body (usually used in combination with another chemotherapy medicine called cisplatin).  Cancer of the pancreas that is locally advanced, or has spread to other areas of the body.  Bladder cancer that is locally advanced, or has spread to other areas of the body (used in combination with another chemotherapy medicine called cisplatin).  Breast cancer that has returned or spread to other areas of the body and is not suitable for surgery, in people whose cancer has relapsed following previous chemotherapy (used in combination with another chemotherapy medicine called paclitaxel).  Ovarian cancer that is locally advanced, or has spread to other areas of the body (used in combination with another chemotherapy medicine called carboplatin for women whose cancer has relapsed following a recurrence-free interval of at least six months after first-line therapy with platinum-based chemotherapy).    How does it work? Gemzar infusion contains the active ingredient gemcitabine, which is a type of chemotherapy medicine for cancer known as a &amp;#039;cytotoxic antimetabolite&amp;#039;. Gemcitabine is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine. Cancers form when cells within the body multiply abnormally and uncontrollably. These cells spread, destroying nearby tissues. Gemcitabine works by stopping the cancer cells from multiplying. It does this by being incorporated into the cells&amp;#039; genetic material, DNA and RNA. Both DNA and RNA are needed for cells to grow, repair themselves and multiply. Gemcitabine causes problems with the production of DNA and RNA in the cancer cells, and this causes the cells to grow in an unbalanced way, resulting in the death of the cells.  Unfortunately, gemcitabine can also affect normal, healthy cells, particularly those that multiply quickly, such as blood cells and hair cells. The most important side effect is on the bone marrow where blood cells are made. Gemcitabine can decrease the production of blood cells, leaving people susceptible to infection. Regular blood tests are therefore needed to monitor the levels of blood cells.  In most chemotherapy regimens, doses are administered in courses at various intervals to allow normal cells to recover from the adverse effects of the anticancer medicines between doses. However, during this period, cancer cells will also recover and start to replicate again. Successful treatment depends on the administration of the next course of therapy before the cancer has regrown to its previous size, with the aimed net effect to decrease the amount of cancer with each successive course of chemotherapy.    How is this treatment given?  Gemcitabine is given by a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) over about 30 mintues. The number of doses given in each treatment cycle and the number of cycles you have will depend on the type of cancer you are being treated for, how well it responds and how well your body copes with the chemotherapy.     Warning!  Chemotherapy medicines can decrease the number of blood cells in your blood. A low white blood cell count can increase your susceptibility to infections; a low red blood cell count causes anaemia and a low platelet count can cause problems with blood clotting. For this reason, you will need regular blood tests to monitor your blood cells during treatment with this medicine. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms during your treatment, as they may indicate problems with your blood cells: unexplained bruising or bleeding, purple spots, sore mouth or throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever) or other signs of infection, or suddenly feeling tired, breathless, or generally unwell.  You will also need regular blood tests to monitor your kidney and liver function while you are receiving treatment with this medicine. This medicine might make you feel sleepy. You should avoid driving or operating machinary until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won&amp;#039;t affect your performance. If you feel sleepy after the treatment this will be enhanced by drinking alcohol. This medicine may sometimes affect the lungs. You should tell your doctor if you experience any difficulty breathing or shortness of breath during treatment with this medicine. This medicine may be harmful to an unborn baby, and for this reason you should use effective contraception to avoid getting pregnant or fathering a child during treatment. You should continue to use contraception to prevent pregnancy for at least six months after treatment with this medicine is stopped. Women should consult their doctor immediately if they get pregnant during treatment.  Your ability to get pregnant or father a child may be affected by this medicine. It is important to discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.     Use with caution in  People with a very low number of white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets in their blood.  People with decreased kidney or liver function. People with cancer that has spread to the liver. History of liver inflammation (hepatitis). History of alcoholism. History of liver cirrhosis. People also having radiotherapy. People with a history of disease involving the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease).    Not to be used in  Pregnancy. Breastfeeding. The safety and efficacy of this medicine have not been established in children under 18 years of age. It is not recommended for children.  This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.   Pregnancy and breastfeeding Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.  This medicine is likely to be harmful if used during pregnancy. It should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor for treating life-threatening disease.  Women who could get pregnant must use a highly effective method of contraception to prevent pregnancy, and men should use effective contraception to prevent fathering a child, both during treatment, and for at least six months after treatment is finished. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.  It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. Mothers who need treatment with this medicine should not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.     Side effects Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.   Very common (affect more than 1 in 10 people)  Decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets in the blood (leukopenia, neutropenia, anaemia and thrombocytopenia) - see warning section above.  Feeling or being sick. You will be given medicines to help with this.  Shortness of breath. Hair loss (alopecia). Allergic skin rash or itching. Cold or flu-like symptoms. Retention of fluid in the body that may cause swelling (oedema) of the face or legs. Abnormal results in liver function tests. Presence of protein or blood in the urine.    Common (affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)  Loss of appetite. Headache. Difficulty sleeping (insomnia). Sleepiness. Sore mouth or mouth ulcers. Diarrhoea or constipation. Cough.  Blocked or runny nose.  Sweating.  Back pain.  Aching muscles (myalgia).  Chills and fever.  Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia).    Uncommon (affect between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 people)   Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias) or heart failure. Inflammation of the lungs (interstitial pneumonitis). Stroke. Severe liver problems, including liver failure. Kidney failure.    Rare (affect between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 people)   Injection site reactions.  Scaling, blistering, peeling or ulceration of the skin. Heart attack.  Low blood pressure. Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema). Adult respiratory distress syndrome.    Very rare (affect less than 1 in 10,000 people)   Severe blistering skin reactions, eg Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis. Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Inflammation of the large intestine.   The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine&amp;#039;s manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.   How can this medicine affect other medicines? It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines during treatment this one, to make sure that the combination is safe.  Vaccines may be less effective in people receiving chemotherapy. This is because chemotherapy medicines reduce the activity of the immune system and can prevent the body forming adequate antibodies. Live vaccines should be postponed until at least six months after finishing chemotherapy because they may cause infection. Live vaccines include the following: oral polio; rubella; measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); BCG; chickenpox; yellow fever and oral typhoid vaccines.  There may be an increased risk of side effects if this medicine is used in combination with other medicines which can also suppress bone marrow function and affect blood cell counts, for example other chemotherapy medicines, or the antipsychotic clozapine.    Other medicines containing the same active ingredient Gemcitabine is also available generically (ie without a brand name). Last updated 07.11.2012 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/cancer/a6801/gemzar-gemcitabine/>