Warnings & Recalls for Gemzar
Gemzar and Pregnancy
Gemzar is listed as an
FDA pregnancy Category D. If you are
pregnant you
should not receive Gemzar as a treatment; Gemzar may
harm the fetus. It is
unknown if Gemzar can be transferrd through breast-milk or can cause harm to a nursing baby. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding,
do not take Gemzar before discussing with your doctor the risks and benefits of using this medication.
General Warnings
Gamzar may
reduce the blood cell count and make patients more
susceptible to infection. Avoid others who are sick. Your doctor may check your blood regularly to monitor your health.Your doctor may ask you to have your
kidney and
liver functions checked
regularly.Patients taking Gemzar
should not receive a
"live vaccine" and should avoid persons who have been treated with a live vaccine recently. Gemzar can
reduce the ability of the
immune system, making it easier for patients to become ill.Let your doctor know if you have:
- kidney or liver disease
- been receiving radiotherapy
- been taking any other medications, supplements, vitamins, or herbal products
Gemzar Treatment and Use
Gemzar | Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog (viral replication preventing) medicine marketed by Eli Lilly and Company for treating pancreas, bladder, breast, and non-small cell lung cancer.
Gemzar is indicated for use when combined with the following medications:
- Carboplatin when treating ovarian cancer
- Paclitaxel when treating breast cancer
- Cisplatin when treating non-small cell lung cancer
Gemzar is currently being studied for use in esophageal and lymphoma cancer treatment.
How Does Gemzar Work?
Gemzar stops cells from producing DNA and RNA that cancerous cells use for growth. By preventing the creation of these cells, cancer cells can no longer develop or multiply. However, Gemzar can decrease the amount of healthy blood cells that are needed in the body.
For this reason, patients receiving treatment with Gemzar should have their blood tested frequently.
Gemzar Dosage Information
Gemzar is administered by a healthcare provider as an intravenous (IV) injection. Dosage depends on treatment type. Gemzar is injected slowly and the procedure can take as long as half an hour to complete. If any Gemzar comes in contact with your skin, wash the area carefully with soap and water.Typically, patients receive doses of Gemzar once per week for up to about seven weeks.
Keep appointments with your doctor and continue this procedure for as long as prescribed. Do not stop your treated with Gemzar unless your healthcare provider asks you to do so.
