Gemcitabine

For the Patient: Gemcitabine

Other names: GEMZAR®

• Gemcitabine (jem-SITE-a-been) is a drug that is used to treat some kinds of cancer.

It is a clear liquid that is injected into a vein.

• A blood test may be taken before each treatment. The dose and timing of your
treatment may be changed based on the test results and/or other side effects.

• Other drugs such as warfarin (COUMADIN) may interact with gemcitabine.

Tell your doctor if you are taking this or other drugs as you may need extra blood
tests or your dose may need to be changed. Check with your doctor or pharmacist
before you start taking any new drugs.

• The drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) does not appear to affect the safety or
usefulness of gemcitabine.

• Gemcitabine may damage sperm and may harm the baby if used during pregnancy.
It is best to use birth control while being treated with gemcitabine. Tell your doctor
right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Do not breast feed during
treatment.

• Tell your doctors, dentists, and other health professionals that you are being treated
with gemcitabine before you receive any treatment from them.

Side effects are listed in the following table in the order in which they may occur. Tips to
help manage the side effects are included.

SIDE EFFECTS MANAGEMENT

Pain or tenderness may occur where the • Apply cool compresses or soak in cool
needle was placed. water for 15-20 minutes several times a
day.
A flu-like illness may occur shortly after • Take acetaminophen (e.g., TYLENOL®)
your treatment. You may have fever, every 4-6 hours if needed, to a
chills, headache, muscle and joint aches. maximum of 4 g (4000 mg) per day.
Flu-like symptoms usually disappear on • Fever (over 38°C or 100°F by an oral
their own. thermometer) which occurs more than a
few days after treatment may be a sign
of an infection. Report this to your
healthcare team immediately.

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This document may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of BC Cancer Provincial
Pharmacy.
Developed: 20 February 2007
Revised: 1 December 2022
 Gemcitabine

SIDE EFFECTS MANAGEMENT

Nausea and vomiting may occur after You may be given a prescription for
your treatment and may last for 24 hours. antinausea drug(s) to take before your
It is usually mild to moderate. If you are chemotherapy treatment and/or at home.
vomiting and it is not controlled, you can It is easier to prevent nausea than treat it
quickly become dehydrated once it has occurred, so follow directions
closely.
• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Eat and drink often in small amounts.
• Try the ideas in Practical Tips to
Manage Nausea.*
• Tell your healthcare team if nausea or
vomiting continues or is not controlled
with your antinausea drug(s).
Skin rash may occur after treatment with • Apply hydrocortisone cream 0.5%
gemcitabine. It is usually mild and is found sparingly 3-4 times daily.
on the arms, legs, chest, back or • If itching is very irritating, call your
stomach. It may or may not be itchy. healthcare team. Otherwise, be sure to
mention it at your next visit.
Diarrhea may occur. If you have diarrhea To help diarrhea:
and it is not controlled, you can quickly • Drink plenty of liquids.
become dehydrated. • Eat and drink often in small amounts.
• Avoid high fibre foods as outlined in
Food Choices to Help Manage
Diarrhea.*
• Tell your healthcare team if you have
diarrhea for more than 24 hours.
Your white blood cells will decrease 1-2 To help prevent infection:
weeks after your treatment. They usually • Wash your hands often and always after
return to normal within 1 week. White using the bathroom.
blood cells protect your body by fighting • Take care of your skin and mouth.
bacteria (germs) that cause infection.
When they are low, you are at greater • Avoid crowds and people who are sick.
risk of having an infection. Call your healthcare team immediately at
the first sign of an infection such as fever
(over 38°C or 100°F by an oral
thermometer), chills, cough, or burning
when you pass urine.

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This document may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of BC Cancer Provincial
Pharmacy.
Developed: 20 February 2007
Revised: 1 December 2022
 Gemcitabine

SIDE EFFECTS MANAGEMENT

Your platelets may decrease 1-2 weeks To help prevent bleeding problems:
after your treatment. They usually return • Try not to bruise, cut, or burn yourself.
to normal within 1 week. Platelets help to• Clean your nose by blowing gently. Do
make your blood clot when you hurt not pick your nose.
yourself. You may bruise or bleed more
easily than usual. • Avoid constipation.
• Brush your teeth gently with a soft
toothbrush as your gums may bleed
more easily. Maintain good oral
hygiene.
Some medications such as ASA (e.g.,
ASPIRIN®) or ibuprofen (e.g., ADVIL®)
may increase your risk of bleeding.
• Do not stop taking any medication that
has been prescribed by your doctor
(e.g., ASA for your heart).
• For minor pain, try acetaminophen
(e.g., TYLENOL®) first, but occasional
use of ibuprofen may be acceptable.
Swelling of hands, feet or lower legs may If swelling is a problem:
occur if your body retains extra fluid. • Elevate your feet when sitting.
• Avoid tight clothing.
Tiredness and lack of energy may occur. • Do not drive a car or operate machinery
if you are feeling tired.
• Try the ideas in Fatigue/Tiredness –
Patient Handout.*
Hair loss sometimes occurs with • Use a gentle shampoo and soft brush.
gemcitabine. Your hair will grow back • Care should be taken with use of hair
once you stop treatment with gemcitabine. spray, bleaches, dyes and perms.
Colour and texture may change.
• If hair loss is a problem, refer to
Resources for Hair Loss and
Appearance Changes – Patient
Handout.*
*Please ask your nurse or pharmacist for a copy.

CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM OR GET EMERGENCY HELP

IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE:
• Signs of an infection such as fever (over 100°F or 38°C by an oral thermometer);
chills; cough; pain or burning when you pass urine.
• Signs of bleeding problems such as black, tarry stools; blood in urine; pinpoint red
spots on skin.

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This document may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of BC Cancer Provincial
Pharmacy.
Developed: 20 February 2007
Revised: 1 December 2022
 Gemcitabine

• Signs of an allergic reaction soon after a treatment including dizziness, fast

heartbeat, face swelling or breathing problems.
• Signs of lung problems such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Signs of heart problems such as fast or uneven heartbeat.

CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (DURING

OFFICE HOURS) IF YOU HAVE:
• Signs of anemia such as unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Signs of liver problems such as yellow eyes or skin, white or clay-coloured stools.
• Signs of kidney problems such as lower back or side pain, swelling of feet or lower
legs, numbness or tingling in feet or hands, blood in urine or cloudy urine.

CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

CONTINUE OR BOTHER YOU:
• Uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.
• Easy bruising or bleeding.
• Redness, swelling, pain or sores where the needle was placed.
• Redness, swelling, pain or sores on you lips, tongue, mouth or throat.
• Skin rash with or without itching.
• Excessive drowsiness.
• Aches and pains.

REPORT ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS TO YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM

BC Cancer Drug Manual© All rights reserved. Page 4 of 4 Gemcitabine

This document may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of BC Cancer Provincial
Pharmacy.
Developed: 20 February 2007
Revised: 1 December 2022