Gemzar (Gemcitabine Hcl) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Gemzar

Ovarian Cancer »

Ovarian cancer facts*

*Ovarian cancer facts medically edited by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Most ovarian growths in women under age 30 are benign, fluid-filled cysts.

There are several types of ovarian cancer.

The exact causes of ovarian cancer are unknown.

Risk factors that increase the chance of developing ovarian cancer include a family history of cancer, being over 55 years of age, and never being pregnant.

The ovarian cancer symptoms and signs can be vague but may include abdominal swelling, pressure, or pain, frequent urination or urinary urgency, back pain, leg pain, unusual vaginal bleeding, and feeling full quickly.

There are no routine screening tests for ovarian cancer.

A physical examination (including pelvic exam), ultrasound, X-rays, ...

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Gemzar User Reviews >>

Gemzar

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GEMZAR
(gemcitabine for injection) Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution For Intravenous Use

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Gemzar (gemcitabine for injection, USP) is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor that exhibits antitumor activity. Gemcitabine HC1 is 2'-deoxy-2',2'-difluorocytidine monohydrochloride (β-isomer).

The structural formula is as follows:

GEMZAR
(gemcitabine for injection) Powder Structural Formula Illustration

The empirical formula for gemcitabine HC1 is C₉H₁₁F₂N₃O₄·HCI It has a molecular weight of 299.66.

Gemcitabine HC1 is a white to off-white solid. It is soluble in water, slightly soluble in methanol, and practically insoluble in ethanol and polar organic solvents.

The clinical formulation is supplied in a sterile form for intravenous use only. Vials of Gemzar (gemcitabine hcl) contain either 200 mg or 1 g of gemcitabine HC1 (expressed as free base) formulated with mannitol (200 mg or 1 g, respectively) and sodium acetate (12.5 mg or 62.5 mg, respectively) as a sterile lyophilized powder. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added for pH adjustment.

What are the possible side effects of gemcitabine (Gemzar)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Gemzar »

What are the precautions when taking gemcitabine hcl (Gemzar)?

Before using gemcitabine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bone marrow problems (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat, heart failure), kidney problems, liver problems, radiation therapy.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.

Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.

To lower the chance...

Read All Potential Precautions of Gemzar »

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/4/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.