৳ 6,000/unit
Pack: ৳ 6,000
৳ 6,000/unit
Pack: ৳ 6,000
At a glance
Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug used for lung, breast, pancreatic, bladder and ovarian cancer.
Indications
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - first-line treatment in combination with Cisplatin
- Pancreatic Cancer - locally advanced or metastatic adenocarcinoma
- Bladder Cancer - advanced bladder cancer (with Cisplatin)
- Breast Cancer - metastatic breast cancer with Paclitaxel
- Ovarian Cancer - recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma with Carboplatin
Pharmacology
Gemcitabine (dFdC) is metabolised intracellularly by nucleoside kinases to the active diphosphate (dFdCDP) and triphosphate (dFdCTP) nucleosides. The cytotoxic action of Gemcitabine appears to be due to inhibition of DNA synthesis by two actions of dFdCDP and dFdCTP. dFdCDP inhibits ribonucleotide reductase which is responsible for catalysing the reactions that generate the deoxynucleoside triphosphates for DNA synthesis. dFdCTP competes with dCTP for incorporation into DNA. A small amount of Gemcitabine may also be incorporated into RNA.
Dosage
Dosage for Various Cancers (IV Infusion):
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (with Cisplatin): 1250 mg/m² (Days 1 & 8, 21-day cycle) or 1000 mg/m² (Days 1,8 & 15, 28-day cycle)
- Pancreatic Cancer: 1000 mg/m² (weekly x 7 weeks, 1 week rest, then Days 1,8 & 15 of 28-day cycle)
- Breast Cancer (with Paclitaxel): 1250 mg/m² (Days 1 & 8, 21-day cycle)
- Ovarian Cancer (with Carboplatin): 1000 mg/m² (Days 1 & 8, 21-day cycle)
* Use as directed by the registered physician
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Hair loss
- Decreased blood platelets
- Anemia
- Leukopenia
- Fever, flu-like symptoms
- Dyspnea
- Skin rash
- Blood in urine
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Unsafe during pregnancy. There is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
Precautions:
- Myelosuppression - regular blood tests required.
- Pulmonary Toxicity - caution if dyspnea occurs.
- Hepatic Toxicity - monitor liver enzymes.
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome - rare but serious.
- Caution with radiation therapy.
Overdose effects
Overdose: No specific antidote. Myelosuppression, paresthesias and severe rash may occur. Supportive therapy.
Storage conditions
Storage: Store in original carton at 20-25°C, away from light. Do not refrigerate (crystallization may occur). Keep out of reach of children.