Gemzar

Gemzar (chemical name: gemcitabine) is a chemotherapy drug.

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
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

— Last updated on January 13, 2022, 4:06 PM

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