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