Sachin Sarcoma Society
Gemcitabine

Gemcitabine

Gemcitabine Is Used For:

  • Pancreas and gall bladder 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. Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease.  This can put you at increased risk for infection, anemia and/or bleeding.

These are less common side effects (occurring in 10-29%) for 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 weekly.