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What is Gemzar
 Gemzar
is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Gemzar interferes
with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and
spread in the body.
Gemzar
is used in the treatment of cancers of the pancreas, lung
and breast.
Gemzar
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Gemzar
Gemzar should only be administered under the supervision
of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use
of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Serious side effects
have been reported with the use of Gemzar including: allergic
reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased
bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue;
easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools;
fever or chills; or signs of infection); kidney failure;
severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite;
and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side
effects from treatment with Gemzar.
What you should discuss with your doctor before using
Gemzar
Do not use Gemzar without first talking to your doctor
if you have
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
or
- poor bone marrow function.
The use of
Gemzar may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
Gemzar is in the FDA pregnancy category
D. This means that Gemzar is known to be harmful to an unborn
baby. Do not use Gemzar without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate
use of birth control during treatment with Gemzar.
It is not known whether Gemzar passes into breast milk.
Do not take Gemzar without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast feeding a baby.
The safety and
effectiveness of Gemzar in children has not been established.
How should you use Gemzar Gemzar should only be administered under the supervision
of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use
of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Your doctor will
determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment
with Gemzar depending upon the type of cancer being treated
and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions
or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
Your
doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled
blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment
with Gemzar to monitor progress and side effects.
Skin accidentally exposed to Gemzar should be rinsed thoroughly
with soap and warm water.
Your healthcare provider
will store Gemzar as directed by the manufacturer. If you
are storing Gemzar at home, follow the directions provided
by your healthcare provider.
If you miss a dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Gemzar.
What happens if you overdose: If for any reason an overdose of Gemzar is suspected,
seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare
provider immediately.
Symptoms of a Gemzar overdose
tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication,
although often more severe.
What should you avoid while using Gemzar Gemzar can lower the activity of your immune system
making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with
people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses
and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of
a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment
with Gemzar. In addition, avoid contact with individuals
who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There
is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.
Skin accidentally exposed to Gemzar should be rinsed thoroughly
with soap and warm water.
Possible side effects of Gemzar If you experience any of the following serious side
effects from Gemzar, seek emergency medical attention or
contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction
(including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme
fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry
stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection);
-
tissue or vein reactions near the site of administration;
- blood in the urine;
- little or no urine
production;
- severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
or
- difficulty in breathing.
Other, less
serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
taking Gemzar and talk to your doctor if you experience:
- flu-like symptoms (fever, weakness, loss of appetite,
cough, chills and muscle pain);
- mouth or lip sores;
- mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- nerve problems such as burning, pricking or tingling;
- swelling of the feet or ankles;
- rash,
itching, or hives; or
- temporary hair loss.
Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with
your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment
with Gemzar.
What other drugs will affect Gemzar Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment
with Gemzar. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous
during treatment with Gemzar.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Gemzar.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other
prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal
products, during treatment with Gemzar. |
