Your doctor has ordered the drug gemcitabine to help treat your illness. The drug is given by injection into your vein.
adenocarcinoma of the pancreas
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Gemcitabine is in a class of drugs known as pyrimidine analogs; it slows or stops the growth of cancer cells. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
loss of appetite
thinned or brittle hair
diarrhea
constipation
nausea
vomiting
mouth blistering
fatigue
unusual bruising or bleeding
tingling, numbness, or pain
dizziness
fever
chills
cough
sore throat
difficulty swallowing
muscle aches
bone pain
severe vomiting
change in normal bowel habits for more than 2 days
red, itchy rash
swelling of the feet or ankles or overall puffiness
shortness of breath
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
The most common side effect of gemcitabine is a decrease in the number of blood cells. Your doctor may order tests before, during, and after your treatment to see if your blood cells are affected by the drug.
Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.