Gemcitabine is used for:
- Pancreas and gallbladder cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Urinary Bladder cancer
- Soft-tissue sarcoma
- Metastatic breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Gemcitabine is given by infusion through a vein (intravenously, by IV)
Side Effects of Gemcitabine:
The following side effects are common (occurring in more than 30%) for patients taking gemcitabine:
- Flu-like symptoms(muscle pain, fever, headache, chills, fatigue)
- Fever (within 6-12 hours of first dose)
- Fatigue
- Nausea (mild)
- Vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Skin rash
- Low blood counts (white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease). This can put the patient at increased risk for infection, anemia, and/or bleeding.
The following are less common side effects (occurring in 10-29%) among patients receiving gemcitabine:
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Shortness of breath
In combination with Pazopanib, liver function tests should be specifically followed. They should be done every week.
