What is Gemzar
GemcitabineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryGemcitabine (also known as Gemzar) is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer. It works by replacing the building blocks of DNA, which stops tumor growth and causes cancer cells to die. Gemcitabine is approved by the FDA to treat advanced ovarian cancer, metastatic breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. It is administered intravenously and is being studied for other types of cancer as well.
Gemzaris the brand name
Gemzar 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 Gemzar Affects PatientsGemcitabine is a drug used to treat a variety of cancers. It works by blocking cancer cells from making more cells, which can help reduce the size of a tumor. It is usually given as an infusion, which means it is injected over an extended period of time rather than all at once. Clinical trials have shown that gemcitabine can reduce tumor size in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and metastatic breast cancer. However, taking gemcitabine can have some side effects, such as anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count.
How Gemzar works in the bodyGemcitabine is a drug that works to stop cancer cells from reproducing. It does this by blocking the chain of DNA which cancer cells need to reproduce. Gemcitabine works to increase the probability of DNA chain termination by reducing the amount of a certain enzyme which helps cancer cells reproduce. It also prevents the drug from leaving the cell, allowing it to stay active for longer and increase its effectiveness.
When to interrupt dosage
The amount of Gemzar is contingent upon the declared condition, for example Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Locally Advanced, Metastatic Breast Cancer and Small Cell Lung Cancer. The dosage is contingent upon the approach of delivery (e.g. Powder or Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution) displayed in the following table.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Advanced Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
2000.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 38.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 10.0 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
Gemzar ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Gemcitabine may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Gemzar 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.
Gemzar Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of gemcitabine in mice is 333mg/kg, and in rats it is greater than 500mg/kg. When applied to the skin of rabbits, the lowest toxic dose is greater than 1000mg/kg. There is no antidote for gemcitabine overdose, so patients should be monitored for signs of myelosuppression, tingling sensations, and severe rash. Supportive therapy should be given to those who overdose on gemcitabine.
Gemzar Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Gemzar?
333 active studies are currently investigating the potential of Gemzar in providing relief from 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
98 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)
33 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable
Metastatic Breast Cancer
80 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 4
Malignant Neoplasms
10 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable
Gemzar Reviews: What are patients saying about Gemzar?
5Patient Review
7/22/2014 Following an allergic reaction to Docetaxil, I began a new regimen of carbo/gemzar/w Benadryl & anti nausea med. Six months later, my breast tumors are gone. I have had low blood counts for the last two months, but Procrit has helped me feel better. My gemzar is given in two doses a week apart followed by IV /w magnesium & potassium the next week, then a week off (bloodwork) and the cycle starts again. To avoid constipation from the anti-nausea meds, I eat fruit after each treatment.
5Patient Review
6/30/2015 I was looking at death short-term, and now I'm a year out with only a handful of tumors remaining. This treatment really turned things around for me.
5Patient Review
6/16/2021 I am so pleased with how well Gemzar has worked for me. My cancer markers have decreased significantly, and the spots are visibly smaller.
4.3Patient Review
1/21/2014 I'm feeling good so far. My blood cell counts have been low, but my doctor hasn't had me take anything for that yet; they just lowered my doses to 50 and 75 percent. I've got my first CAT scan coming up this Friday, and fingers crossed it's working because I don't mind the treatment otherwise.
3.7Patient Review
9/11/2010 I have been taking this medicine for a little while now and it has been working well for me. I haven't had any problems and I am generally satisfied with it.
3.3Patient Review
9/25/2012 The Gemzar/Carbo combination really helped with my cancer, but it was tough on my platelets. I took a break for three months and have since seen the cancer progress, but can't go back on this regimen. Other than the issues with my platelets, I had no problems while taking this medication.
3.3Patient Review
4/21/2014 I've been on this medication for over a year now. When I first started, it was very tolerable; however, as time has gone on, the side effects have become more pronounced. I've lost all of my body hair, and I'm dealing with mild anemia and peripheral neuropathy.
3.3Patient Review
9/24/2010 I've been on Gemsar for a few months now and, though I have had to miss some treatments due to low blood counts/platelets, it seems to be doing its job. The only real side effects I've noticed are diarrhea, poor appetite, and cramps; nothing too major.
3Patient Review
6/22/2011 After treatment, I have experienced severe swelling in my knees and ankles. It's very painful and makes it difficult to walk. This lasts for about three days. does anyone else experience this?
3Patient Review
1/31/20102.7Patient Review
2/7/20102.3Patient Review
4/24/2012 My husband has been taking this for 3 months and his last ct scan showed a decease in size of the tumor. He does not get any side effects and is tolerating it well so far. He has been on several chemo drugs and I hope this will get the cancer under control.
2.3Patient Review
10/12/2012 I've been struggling with ovarian cancer for three years now, and it's only gotten worse. The nausea is almost constant, and I've lost twenty pounds since August. chemo doesn't seem to be working, and I'm not sure how much more of this I can take.
2.3Patient Review
10/22/2012 This was a tough course. I got pneumonia three times and even had to go to the hospital for renal failure once. With each treatment, my fever would get as high as 103 degrees. Finally, we decreased the dose by 20% and that seems to have helped with the reactions. The tumor was removed by surgery but they still recommended chemo for six months.
2.3Patient Review
2/19/2022 My husband tragically passed away after taking this medication. He started off seemingly okay, but then his hemoglobin and platelet levels dropped dangerously low. TTP developed twice; the second time also caused kidney failure.
1.7Patient Review
8/29/2012 My mother seems to be allergic to this drug, unfortunately. While it did shrink the tumor, the high activity level remains. After treatments she experiences shortness of breath, weakness, and panic attacks from a lack of air. She's taken antibiotics and prednizone for the breathing difficulties but they don't seem to help; I think it's the gemzar that's causing these negative reactions.
1.7Patient Review
8/2/2018 This treatment led to severe suppression of my blood cells, which caused kidney failure and other serious health problems. I'm now on dialysis and may need it for the rest of my life. If I had known about the potential risks, I would never have taken this drug.
1.3Patient Review
4/19/2014 Unfortunately, this medication did not seem to have any effect on the growth of my cancer cells, based on blood tests and a PET-CT scan.
Patient Q&A Section about gemzar
Can Gemzar cure cancer?
"Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
How long can you take Gemzar?
"The typical course of treatment for gemcitabine consists of several cycles spaced out over a period of 21 to 28 days, with each cycle lasting for one week of treatment followed by one week of rest." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
How effective is Gemzar?
"Patients treated with Taxotere and Gemzar had a 47% chance of surviving for at least one year, compared to 42% for those treated with Platinol and vinorelbine. However, both groups of patients had a similar chance of surviving without their cancer progressing for four months." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What type of chemo is Gemzar?
"Gemzar is a drug that is used to treat cancer. It works by interfering with the way cancer cells grow." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer