Products
Gemcitabine is commercially available as a lyophilizate for the preparation of an infusion solution (Gemzar, generics). It has been approved in many countries since 1997.
Structure and properties
Gemcitabine (C9H11F2N3O4, Mr = 263.2 g/mol) is present in drugs as gemcitabine hydrochloride, a white substance that is soluble in water. The pyrimidine gemcitabine is a fluorinated nucleoside analog of deoxycytidine. See also under the article Nucleic acids.
Effects
Gemcitabine (ATC L01BC05) has cytostatic properties. The effects are due to inhibition of DNA synthesis. Gemcitabine is a prodrug that is phosphorylated intracellularly.
Indications
- Lung cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Bladder carcinoma
- Ovarian cancer
- Breast carcinoma
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drug is administered as an intravenous infusion.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Pregnancy and lactation
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Radiation therapy should not be given concurrently.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, granulocytopenia, skin rash, hair loss, protein and blood in the urine, edema, elevation of liver enzymes, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue.
