Gemzar
Brand name: Gemzar
Chemical name: Gemcitabine
Class: Antimetabolite chemotherapy. Fluorouracil, methotrexate, and Xeloda are other antimetabolites.
How it works: Antimetabolites kill cancer cells by acting as false building blocks in a cancer cell's genes, causing the cancer cell to die as it gets ready to divide.
Uses: Gemzar often is used in combination with other chemotherapy medicines to treat advanced-stage breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer.
How it's given: Gemzar is given intravenously.
Side effects:
- fatigue
- low white blood cell count
- anemia (low red blood cell count)
- nausea
- hair thinning
- diarrhea
- irregular periods -- this can include temporary cessation (usually resume after medication is completed) or permanent cessation of menstrual periods depending on your age and other factors
