Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you
are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and
tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Gemcitabine is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive
this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Gemcitabine is usually given once a week for several
weeks. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 30
minutes to complete.
Gemcitabine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can
make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.
To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular
basis. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be checked. Do not miss any scheduled
visits to your doctor.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with gemcitabine, and avoid
coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that
the virus could be passed on to you.
If any of this medicine accidentally gets on your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap
and warm water.
What is gemcitabine?
Gemcitabine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer
cells in the body.
Gemcitabine is used to treat cancers of the pancreas, lung and breast.
Gemcitabine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving gemcitabine?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to gemcitabine.
Before receiving gemcitabine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
gemcitabine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do
not receive gemcitabine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of
birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether gemcitabine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
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