What is Gemcitabine Hydrochloride
GemcitabineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryGemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat many types of cancer, including ovarian, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. It works by replacing the building blocks of nucleic acids, which helps to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells. Gemcitabine is sold under the brand name Gemzar and is administered intravenously. It is approved by the FDA to treat advanced ovarian cancer, metastatic breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. It is also being studied for use with other types of cancer.
Gemzaris the brand name
Gemcitabine Hydrochloride Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Gemzar
Gemcitabine
1996
101
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Gemcitabine, otherwise known as Gemzar, is approved by the FDA for 10 uses including Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Locally Advanced and previous adjuvant anthracycline-containg therapy .Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Locally Advanced
previous adjuvant anthracycline-containg therapy
Used to treat previous adjuvant anthracycline-containg therapy in combination with Paclitaxel
Relapsed Cancer
Used to treat Relapsed Cancer in combination with Carboplatin
Advance Directives
Used to treat Advanced-stage Ovarian Cancer in combination with Carboplatin
stage 4 Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Used to treat Metastatic Breast Cancer in combination with Paclitaxel
Urinary Bladder
Used to treat Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma Stage IV in combination with Cisplatin
disease progression after chemotherapy
Used to treat disease progression after chemotherapy in combination with Paclitaxel
Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Used to treat Advanced Ovarian Cancer in combination with Carboplatin
Pharmacotherapy
Used to treat previous platinum-based chemotherapy in combination with Carboplatin
Effectiveness
How Gemcitabine Hydrochloride Affects PatientsGemcitabine is a medication used to treat cancer. It works by blocking the progress of cells through the G1/S-phase boundary, and encourages malignant cells to die (apoptosis) while they are undergoing DNA synthesis. Studies have shown that it can be effective against a variety of cancers, and works best when given over a long period of time as opposed to a high dose. Gemcitabine's effects have been seen in clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer. It has been found to be effective in
How Gemcitabine Hydrochloride works in the bodyGemcitabine is a drug that stops cancer cells from reproducing. It is converted into active metabolites that stop DNA from forming properly. This prevents the cancer cells from replicating, leading to cell death. Gemcitabine also has self-potentiating effects, which increase the chances of it successfully stopping DNA formation. It reduces the metabolism of active metabolites in the cancer cells, allowing them to remain in the cell at a high concentration for longer.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed measure of Gemcitabine Hydrochloride is reliant upon the determined condition, including Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Locally Advanced, Metastatic Breast Cancer and Small Cell Lung Cancer. The dosage fluctuates according to the delivery technique (e.g. Powder or Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution) featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Malignant Neoplasms
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
CTAGE1 protein, human
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Locally Advanced
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Small Cell Lung Cancer
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Relapsed Cancer
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Advanced Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Malignant Neoplasms
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Metastatic Breast Cancer
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
stage 4 Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Mesotheliomas
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Hodgkin Disease
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
previous adjuvant anthracycline-containg therapy
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Advanced Ovarian Cancer
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
disease progression after chemotherapy
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Pharmacotherapy
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Urinary Bladder
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Cervical Cancer
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Head and Neck Carcinoma
100.0 mg/mL, , 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 2000.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
Powder, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Injection, solution, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, Powder - Intravenous
Warnings
Gemcitabine Hydrochloride ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Gemcitabine may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Gemcitabine Hydrochloride Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
2-Methoxyethanol
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Gemcitabine is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.
9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Gemcitabine is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.
Abatacept
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Gemcitabine is combined with Abatacept.
Abetimus
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Gemcitabine is combined with Abetimus.
Acteoside
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Gemcitabine is combined with Acteoside.
Gemcitabine Hydrochloride Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of gemcitabine for mice is 333mg/kg, and for rats is greater than 500mg/kg. Rabbits have a dermal LD50 of more than 1000mg/kg. If a patient experiences an overdose of gemcitabine, they may experience myelosuppression, tingling sensations, and a severe rash. It is important to monitor blood counts and provide supportive care, as necessary. There is no known antidote for gemcitabine overdose.
Gemcitabine Hydrochloride Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Gemcitabine Hydrochloride?
333 ongoing investigations are examining the potential of Gemcitabine Hydrochloride to treat Small Cell Lung Cancer, Hodgkin Disease and Cervical Cancer.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Mesotheliomas
0 Actively Recruiting
Head and Neck Carcinoma
19 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1
Cervical Cancer
97 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Urinary Bladder
0 Actively Recruiting
disease progression after chemotherapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Small Cell Lung Cancer
65 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
previous adjuvant anthracycline-containg therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Hodgkin Disease
6 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2
Relapsed Cancer
7 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable
Malignant Neoplasms
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Locally Advanced
12 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1
Pharmacotherapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Advanced Ovarian Cancer
13 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Not Applicable
CTAGE1 protein, human
9 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
stage 4 Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Advanced Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
32 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable
Metastatic Breast Cancer
82 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 4
Malignant Neoplasms
10 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable
Gemcitabine Hydrochloride Reviews: What are patients saying about Gemcitabine Hydrochloride?
5Patient Review
8/19/2015 I've just started this treatment, so it's too early to give a full review. So far, though, I'm optimistic.
5Patient Review
4/21/2012 This was my first time using this drug, in combination with carbo and test. I had some standard side effects but nothing too bad. The tumor reduction after the first scan was better than expected.
5Patient Review
11/17/2014 I didn't have any issues when taking this drug as directed. The only thing I noticed was some mild irritation in my veins.
4.7Patient Review
4/28/2011 My mom has been taking this medication for seventeen months and it's been great. Only recently has she begun having real issues like fluid in her lungs, shortness of breath, congestive heart disease, and fatigue. She was diagnosed back in July 2009, but unfortunately the cancer is inoperable.
4.3Patient Review
4/17/2009 Worked when Doxil failed. It halted the progression of my grandmother's platinum resistant cancer.
3.7Patient Review
5/31/2010 My husband has been on gemcitabine for 11 months now. The most significant side effects have been fatigue and recently low blood counts.
3.7Patient Review
8/5/2008 My mother was on this drug for ovarian cancer and she developed an irregular heart beat from the medication which caused her to throw a blood clot and have a stroke.
3.3Patient Review
12/10/2010 The patient is taking this medication for pancreatic cancer with lymphatic involvement and metastases to the liver and gallbladder.
3Patient Review
2/28/2009 I'm on my fifth round of this drug and so far it's been going well. I don't find the gemcitabine to be difficult to take at all, which is a relief compared to the docetaxel. The only downside seems to be lower blood counts, but that's manageable.
2.3Patient Review
9/26/2011 I was supposed to have this treatment six times, but my red blood count got too low so I could only make it every other week. I felt good while doing it, though very tired. It was easy to fall asleep during the treatment.
2.3Patient Review
11/15/2016 I got very sick from this medication and ended up hospitalized with pneumonia. I'm still not entirely better.
2.3Patient Review
9/24/20072Patient Review
6/18/2008 I experienced severe nausea and found it easy to get infections while taking this drug. I never felt good while on it and, unfortunately, my cancer has progressed since 2004.
1Patient Review
2/18/2013 I was extremely unhappy with this treatment. It gave me hot and cold sweats, back spasms and pain.
Patient Q&A Section about gemcitabine hydrochloride
Is gemcitabine a chemotherapy?
"Gemcitabine is a cancer-treating drug that can be used alone or with other drugs, depending on the type of cancer. It is sometimes used with radiotherapy treatment." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What class of chemotherapy is gemcitabine?
"The nucleobase is bonded to the sugar's 1′ carbon atom whereas the phosphate(s) of a nucleotide are bonded to the sugar's 3′ and/or 5′ carbons.
Nucleosides are molecules that can be thought of as nucleotides without a phosphate group. A nucleoside consists of a nucleobase and a five-carbon sugar whereas a nucleotide is composed of a nucleobase, a five-carbon sugar, and one or more phosphate groups. The nucleobase is bonded to the sugar's 1 carbon atom whereas the phosphate(s) of a nucleotide are bonded to the sugar's 3 and/or 5 carbons." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is gemcitabine an immunotherapy or chemo?
"Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat mesothelioma and other forms of cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer and soft-tissue sarcoma." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is gemcitabine hydrochloride used for?
"Gemcitabine is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and cannot be treated with surgery in combination with cisplatin." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer