Gemcitabine
Gemcitabine (difluorodeoxycytidine) is a chemotherapy drug that is sometimes recommended for mesothelioma. This drug belongs to a group of chemotherapy drugs called anti-metabolites. In addition to mesothelioma, it is commonly used to treat pancreatic, bladder and breast cancer. Gemcitabine is a clear liquid after being dissolved from a white powder.
Gemcitabine prevents cells from producing DNA and RNA by interfering with the synthesis of nucleic acids. This stops cancer cells from replicating and thus slows or stops tumor growth.
How Drug is Given
Gemcitabine is given as a drip (infusion) through a fine tube (cannula) inserted into a vein over 30 minutes. It is also given through a 'central line' (a long, hollow tube made from silicone rubber), which is inserted under the skin into a vein near the collarbone, or a 'PICC line' (a long, thin, flexible tube known as a catheter) inserted into a vein in the crook of the arm. The dose depends on patient's size and blood counts, and the cancer being treated. For lung cancer, it is usually given once a week for 3 weeks, then 1 week off.Things to be Taken Care of
- Before taking gemcitabine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to gemcitabine or any other drugs.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist regarding the prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially vitamins and aspirin.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
- Tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, heart disease, gout, congestive heart failure, shingles or other forms of cancer.
- Gemcitabine may interfere with the normal menstrual cycle in women and may stop sperm production in men. So, tell your doctor if you want to have children in the future.
- Women who are pregnant should tell their doctors before they begin taking this drug as Gemcitabine may harm the fetus.
- Do not plan to have children while receiving chemotherapy and for a while after treatments. You should prevent pregnancy by using a reliable method of birth control. (Do not use oral contraceptives (pills) without consulting with your doctor).
- You should not breast-feed while taking Gemcitabine as it passes into breast milk.
- You should not have any vaccinations (e.g., measles or flu shots) without talking to your doctor.
Side effects of Gemcitabine
The reaction to chemotherapy is different for each person. Some people have less side effects, while others may experience more. The side effects described here will not affect everyone who is given Gemcitabine. Also, it may be different if the patient is having more than one chemotherapy drug.Common side effects:
- Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection
- Bruising or bleeding
- Anaemia (low number of red blood cells)
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Temporary effect on liver function
- Change in kidney function
- Flu-like illness
- Fluid retention
- Tiredness (fatigue) and feeling weak
Occasional side effects
- Sore mouth and ulcers
- Taste changes
- Breathlessness
- Diarrhoea
- Hair loss
- Flu-like symptoms with first treatment (headache, fever, muscle aches, stuffy nose)
- Skin rash
- Itching
Rare side effects
- Drowsiness
- Loss of fertility