Gemzar (Gemcitabine Hcl) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Gemzar

Lung Cancer »

What is lung cancer?

Cancer of the lung, like all cancers, results from an abnormality in the body's basic unit of life, the cell. Normally, the body maintains a system of checks and balances on cell growth so that cells divide to produce new cells only when new cells are needed. Disruption of this system of checks and balances on cell growth results in an uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells that eventually forms a mass known as a tumor.

Tumors can be benign or malignant; when we speak of "cancer," we are referring to those tumors that are malignant. Benign tumors usually can be removed and do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow aggressively and invade other tissues of the body, allowing entry of tumor cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic system and then to other sites in the body. This process of spread is termed metastasis; the areas of tumor growth at these distant ...

Read the Lung Cancer article »

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Gemzar

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Gemzar Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

GEMCITABINE - INJECTION

(gem-SITE-uh-bean)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gemzar

USES: Gemcitabine is used alone or with other treatments/medications to treat certain types of cancer (including breast, lung, ovarian, pancreatic). It is a chemotherapy drug that works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to treat certain other cancers, such as bladder cancer.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a healthcare professional, usually over 30 minutes once a week or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

If this medication touches your skin, wash the skin immediately and completely with soap and water.