Gemcitabine 200mg

Gemcitabine Piece

Gemcitabine  (brand name Gemzar®) is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers, including pancreatic, lung, breast, ovarian, and bladder cancer. It works by interfering with DNA synthesis, slowing or stopping cancer cell growth.

Gemcitabine Dosage Forms

• Injection (IV only):
  • Powder for reconstitution (200 mg, 1 g, or 2 g vials).
  • Ready-to-use liquid solution (10 mg/mL or 40 mg/mL).

Standard Dosage Guidelines

Dosage varies based on:

• Type & stage of cancer
• Body Surface Area (BSA, in m²)
• Combination with other drugs (e.g., carboplatin, cisplatin, paclitaxel)

Common Adult Dosing Regimens

1. Pancreatic Cancer (Single Agent)
   • 1000 mg/m² IV over 30 minutes
   • Weekly for 7 weeks → 1-week break → then cycles of 3 weeks on, 1 week off
2. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (with cisplatin)
   • Gemcitabine: 1000–1250 mg/m² IV on Days 1, 8, 15
   • Cisplatin: 75–100 mg/m² IV on Day 1
   • Repeat every 28 days
3. Breast Cancer (with paclitaxel)
   • Gemcitabine: 1250 mg/m² IV on Days 1 & 8
   • Paclitaxel: 175 mg/m² IV on Day 1
   • Repeat every 21 days
4. Bladder Cancer (with cisplatin)
   • Gemcitabine: 1000 mg/m² IV on Days 1, 8, 15
   • Cisplatin: 70 mg/m² IV on Day 2
   • Repeat every 28 days

Dose Adjustments

• Kidney/Liver Impairment: May require reduced doses.
• Low Blood Counts (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia): Dose may be delayed or decreased.
• Severe Side Effects (e.g., rash, lung toxicity): Treatment may be stopped.

Administration Notes

• Given by IV infusion (usually 30 minutes).
• Pre-medication (steroids/antihistamines) may be needed to prevent allergic reactions.
• Hydration is important to reduce kidney toxicity.

Side Effects

• Common: Fatigue, nausea, low blood counts (anemia, neutropenia), fever, rash.
• Serious (Require Medical Attention):
  • Lung problems (pneumonitis, fibrosis)
  • Kidney/liver dysfunction
  • Severe allergic reactions

Important Warnings

• Bone marrow suppression (increased infection/bleeding risk).
• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) – Rare but life-threatening.
• Avoid in pregnancy (teratogenic).