Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Gemcitabine for Injection, USP (Hospira Healthcare)
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
Gemcitabine for Injection, USP is an approved chemotherapy for the treatment of:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), alone or in combination with another medication;
- Pancreatic cancer;
- Bladder cancer, in combination with another medication;
- Breast cancer, in combination with another medication.
What it does:
Gemcitabine for Injection, USP is a chemotherapy that works through disrupting the cells’ ability to divide or grow. Chemotherapies are active in both healthy and cancer cells. However, cancer cells are known to divide or grow at a faster rate than most healthy cells making chemotherapies such as Gemcitabine for Injection, USP effective in the treatment of various cancers. While the time it takes to see if Gemcitabine for Injection, USP shrinks your cancer varies from person to person, your doctor will ask you if you are feeling better and will perform regularly scheduled examinations and x-rays to determine if Gemcitabine for Injection, USP has been effective.
When it should not be used:
Do not take given Gemcitabine for Injection, USP if you have had an allergic or sensitivity reaction to this drug or any of its ingredients (see “What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are” section below).
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Gemcitabine hydrochloride.
What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are:
Mannitol, sodium acetate, sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid are used for pH adjustment.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Gemcitabine for Injection, USP is available in 200 mg, 1 g and 2 g vials.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Serious Warnings and Precautions
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BEFORE you receive Gemcitabine for Injection, USP talk to your doctor if:
- You have had an allergic reaction to any chemotherapy or have been treated with any chemotherapy in the past.
You are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are currently breast-feeding.
- You have liver or kidney problems, or a bone marrow disorder.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Gemcitabine for Injection, USP is known to increase your body’s sensitivity to radiation therapy.
It is very important to tell your doctor about any medications you may be taking, including over-the-counter drugs, such as AspirinTM (acetylsalicylic acid), vitamins, and other pain relievers. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any medications on your own.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual dose
Your doctor will develop a Gemcitabine for Injection, USP treatment plan based on your needs. You are encouraged to discuss your treatment plan with your doctor. There are many points your doctor will consider when selecting the appropriate treatment plan for you. Your doctor may recommend skipping a dose based upon your response to Gemcitabine for Injection, USP.
Overdose
Gemcitabine for Injection, USP will be given under the supervision of a qualified physician. A qualified physician experienced in the use of anticancer agents should manage any overdose.
Gemcitabine for Injection, USP Product Monograph Page 54 of 55
Missed Dose
Contact your physician immediately for further instructions.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
In clinical studies of gemcitabine hydrochloride, side effects were generally manageable. Side effects significant enough to cause your treatment to be stopped occurred in about 10% of all patients. Less than 1% of patients stopped therapy due to any one side effect. Most side effects were reversible and can be managed by either a delay in your treatment, a reduction of the dose of chemotherapy or both. Therefore, it is important for you to know about common side effects and for you to communicate any suspected side effects to your doctor.
You should discuss possible side effects with your doctor before beginning Gemcitabine for Injection, USP therapy and at any time you think you may be experiencing a side effect. For a list of possible side effects, see the “Call Your Doctor or Nurse If You Experience:” section and the Serious Side Effects table below.
In Clinical studies of gemcitabine hydrochloride, the most common reason for dosage adjustments was low blood counts. About two thirds of patients had low blood counts. In about one fourth of patients, decreases in blood counts were severe. For more information speak with your doctor and see section below titled Low Blood Counts.
Shortness of breath may develop or worsen during treatment due to disease progression or in rare cases, due to a direct effect of the drug. If this occurs, patients should inform their treatment doctor immediately of the developing or worsening of shortness of breath.
Nausea and vomiting were the most common side effects in clinical studies of gemcitabine hydrochloride. About two thirds of patients experienced nausea and vomiting, which were usually mild to moderate. Other common side effects included fever, swelling, rash, and flu-like symptoms.
In rare cases, Gemcitabine for Injection, USP may affect your liver, especially if you have liver metastases (spreading of cancer) or a medical history of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), alcoholism or liver cirrhosis (liver disease). Follow your doctor’s instructions on having periodic blood tests to check your liver.
In rare cases, Gemcitabine for Injection, USP may affect your kidney, especially if your kidney function is not normal. Follow your doctor’s instructions on having periodic blood tests to check your kidneys.
Low Blood Counts
Chemotherapy drugs often affect the blood cells, which means that temporary changes in their counts may occur. These effects may be more common in patients older than 65 and in women. Blood tests will be done before each dose of Gemcitabine for Injection, USP to monitor your blood counts.
If your doctor notices changes in your blood counts, follow his/her advice, which may include:
White Blood Count
- If your white blood count becomes low, you may have trouble fighting infections.
- Stay out of crowds and away from people with colds or other illnesses.
- Call your doctor if you develop a temperature over 38°C.
- Ensure regular mouth care to reduce chance of infection.
Red Blood Count
- If your red blood count becomes low, you may feel tired or weak. If it becomes too low, your doctor may recommend a red blood cell transfusion.
- Rest as much as you need to.
- Try to eat a well balanced diet.
Platelet Count
- If your platelet count becomes low, your blood may not clot as fast as usual, and bleeding or bruising may occur. Sometimes, a blood transfusion is given if platelet counts drop very low.
- Try to avoid getting cuts, bumps, or bruises (for example, avoid contact sports and use an electric razor).
- Since acetylsalicylic acid can affect your platelets, you should avoid taking acetylsalicylic acid while you are receiving chemotherapy, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Call Your Doctor or Nurse If You Experience:
- any unusual bruising or bleeding;
- any pain around an infusion site;
- a sore mouth or throat;
- prolonged or uncomfortable swelling;
- severe diarrhea, meaning three or more watery bowel movements per day, lasting more than 24 hours;
- severe constipation for three days that has not been relieved by laxatives;
- numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;
- vomiting for more than 24 hours after your treatment;
- any changes in your skin, especially rash or potential allergic skin reactions;
- headache with confusion, and/or seizures (fits), and/or changes in vision;
- see also the Serious Side Effects table below.
In the event of over dosage, contact your doctor, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
| SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM | ||||||
| Symptom/Effect | Talk with your doctor or nurse | |||||
| Only if severe | In all cases | |||||
| Very Common | Diarrhea | √ | ||||
| Swelling | √ | |||||
| Vomiting | √ | |||||
| Common | Body temperature over 38°C or shaking chills | √ | ||||
| Fatigue | √ | |||||
| Uncommon | Shortness of breath | √ | ||||
| Very Rare | Skin reactions including blistering | √ | ||||
| Very Rare | Headache with confusion, and/or seizures (fits), and/or changes in vision | √ | ||||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking Gemcitabine for Injection, USP, contact your doctor or nurse.
HOW TO STORE IT
Handling and storage of Gemcitabine for Injection, USP is restricted to qualified healthcare professionals.
Gemcitabine for Injection, USP should be stored in glass vials, at 15° to 30° C. Do not refrigerate.
Gemcitabine for Injection, USP should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration, prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. The reconstituted solution is stable for 24 hours at 15° to 30° C. Any unused solution should be discarded. Solutions of reconstituted Gemcitabine for Injection, USP should not be refrigerated, as crystallization may occur.
Keep out of reach of children.
REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS
You can report any suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following 3 ways:
Postage-paid labels, Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines are available on the MedEffect™ Canada Web site at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect. NOTE: Should you require information related to the management of side effects, contact your health professional. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be found by contacting the sponsor, Hospira Healthcare Corporation, at 1-866-488-6088, Option 4.