Gemzar (gemcitabine): What to Expect, Side Effects, and More
Gemzar (chemical name: gemcitabine) is used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy medicines in combination with other chemotherapy medicines to treat advanced-stage breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer.
See Gemzar prescribing information.
How Gemzar works
Like healthy cells, cancer cells contain DNA (instruction manual for the cell). Gemzar stops cells from making the DNA copies needed to create new cells.
Fluorouracil, methotrexate, and Xeloda are other antimetabolites.
What to expect during Gemzar treatment
Gemzar is given as a 30-minute intravenous (IV) infusion.
The recommended dose of Gemzar is 1250 mg per square meter of body surface area over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle.
Gemzar side effects
Like almost all breast cancer medicines, Gemzar can cause side effects, some of them severe.
The most common side effects of Gemzar are:
increased risk of infection
rash
sore mouth and taste changes
irregular periods — this can include temporary cessation (usually resume after the medicine is completed) or permanent cessation of menstrual periods depending on your age and other factors
Rarely, severe side effects may occur, including:
Kidney problems: Symptoms include less frequent urination, fluid retention or swelling, irregular heartbeat, and dizziness.
Liver problems: Symptoms may include yellowing of the skin, severe nausea or vomiting, pain on the right side of your abdomen, dark urine, and bruising more easily than normal.
Heart problems: If you develop chest pain or pressure, pain in the left arm, back, or jaw, sweating, shortness of breath, clammy skin, nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Stroke: You may be having a stroke if you experience sudden dizziness or loss of balance, sudden numbness or weakness (especially in just one side of your body), confusion, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding others.
Allergic reaction: If you experience pain, itching, redness, swelling, blisters, or sores, especially at the injection site, you may be allergic to gemcitabine.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis: This causes severe peeling or blistering of the skin.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome: This starts as tender red patches on the skin that may peel or blister. Stevens-Johnson syndrome can also cause fever and sensitivity to light.
You shouldn’t take Gemzar if you’re pregnant, as the medication can cause harm to your unborn baby. You should also avoid breastfeeding, as the medicine may be transmitted to your baby through breast milk. Chemotherapy may also affect your fertility.
Real patient reviews
Members of our community discuss their experiences with Gemzar in the community forum. Here are some of their comments. Remember, it's very important to talk to your doctor about any side effects you're having and ask about ways to manage them.
“I'm just finishing up 6 rounds of gemcitabine and carboplatin. I found it quite tolerable.” —AllyBee
“I've been on Gemzar and Taxol since September, so [just about four] months. I have Gemzar and Taxol on week 1, Gemzar only week 2, then have week 3 off. On my first Gemzar-only week, I came down with a rash on my groin and armpit areas; the rash cleared up in a week and never returned. I've been lucky my RBC, WBC, and platelets are holding up well. I feel a little extra fatigue 1-2 days after infusions, and a little nausea for a couple days, but otherwise feel pretty great.” —pboi
“I’ve had two infusions now, I’m on my week off. I get my treatment on Monday and I’m pretty wiped out Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday!” —dianalynn
Read more in our Gemzar (epirubicin) discussion forum.
Paying for Gemzar
The cost of Gemzar may vary. The price you’ll pay depends on the drug manufacturer, your health insurance provider and plan, where you live, and the pharmacy you use. You may also be charged for the office visits required for Gemzar infusions.
Note: Your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization before covering Gemzar.
Learn more about financial assistance and medicine cost-lowering tips.
— Last updated on August 30, 2024 at 7:56 PM
