Gemcitabine Hydrochloride

Generic Name: gemcitabine hydrochloride

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Gemcitabine

11 DESCRIPTION Gemcitabine is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor. The chemical name of gemcitabine HCl is 2′-deoxy- 2′,2′-difluorocytidine monohydrochloride (β-isomer). The structural formula is as follows: Gemcitabine HCl is a white to off-white solid with a molecular formula of C 9 H 11 F 2 N 3 O 4 • HCl and a molecular weight of 299.66 g/mol. It is soluble in water, slightly soluble in methanol, and practically insoluble in ethanol and polar organic solvents.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Gemcitabine is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor. The chemical name of gemcitabine HCl is 2′-deoxy- 2′,2′-difluorocytidine monohydrochloride (β-isomer). The structural formula is as follows: Gemcitabine HCl is a white to off-white solid with a molecular formula of C 9 H 11 F 2 N 3 O 4 • HCl and a molecular weight of 299.66 g/mol. It is soluble in water, slightly soluble in methanol, and practically insoluble in ethanol and polar organic solvents.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Gemcitabine Injection is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor indicated: in combination with carboplatin, for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer that has relapsed at least 6 months after completion of platinum-based therapy. ( 1.1 ) in combination with paclitaxel, for first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior anthracycline-containing adjuvant chemotherapy, unless anthracyclines were clinically contraindicated. ( 1.2 ) in combination with cisplatin for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. ( 1.3 ) as a single agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Gemcitabine injection is for intravenous use only. Ovarian Cancer: 1,000 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. ( 2.1 ) Breast Cancer: 1,250 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. ( 2.2 ) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: 1,000 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle or 1,250 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. ( 2.3 ) Pancreatic Cancer: 1,000 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes once weekly for the first 7 weeks, then one-week rest, then once weekly for 3 weeks of each 28-day cycle.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications ( 4 )] Schedule-Dependent Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Pulmonary Toxicity and Respiratory Failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hepatic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Exacerbation of Radiation Therapy Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Capillary Leak Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] The mos...

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Schedule-Dependent Toxicity: Increased toxicity with infusion time greater than 60 minutes or dosing more frequently than once weekly. ( 5.1 ) Myelosuppression: Monitor for myelosuppression prior to each cycle and reduce or withhold dose for severe myelosuppression. ( 5.2 ) Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs): Permanently discontinue gemcitabine injection if SCARs occur. ( 5.3 ) Pulmonary Toxicity and Respiratory Failure: Discontinue gemcitabine for unexplained dyspnea or other evidence of severe pulmonary toxicity. ( 5.4 ) Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Monitor renal function prior to initiation and during treatment. Discontinue gemcitabine for HUS or severe renal impairment. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Gemcitabine Injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine. Reactions include anaphylaxis [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Patients with a known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine. ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on animal data and its mechanism of action, gemcitabine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . There are no available data on the use of gemcitabine in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, gemcitabine was teratogenic, embryotoxic, and fetotoxic in mice and rabbits (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.3 )] . In the U.S.

Storage

Storage Conditions Store refrigerated between 2° and 8°C (36° and 46°F). Do not freeze . Gemcitabine Injection is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 Discard unused portion. Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gemcitabine Hydrochloride used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Gemcitabine Injection is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor indicated: in combination with carboplatin, for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer that has relapsed at least 6 months after completion of platinum-based therapy. ( 1.1 ) in combination with paclitaxel, for first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior anthracycline-containing adjuvant chemotherapy, unless anthracyclines were clinically contraindicated. ( 1.2 ) in combination with cisplatin for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. ( 1.3 ) as a single agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

What are the side effects of Gemcitabine Hydrochloride?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications ( 4 )] Schedule-Dependent Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Pulmonary Toxicity and Respiratory Failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hepatic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Exacerbation of Radiation Therapy Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Capillary Leak Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] The mos...

Can I take Gemcitabine Hydrochloride during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on animal data and its mechanism of action, gemcitabine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . There are no available data on the use of gemcitabine in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, gemcitabine was teratogenic, embryotoxic, and fetotoxic in mice and rabbits (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.3 )] . In the U.S.

What are the important warnings for Gemcitabine Hydrochloride?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Schedule-Dependent Toxicity: Increased toxicity with infusion time greater than 60 minutes or dosing more frequently than once weekly. ( 5.1 ) Myelosuppression: Monitor for myelosuppression prior to each cycle and reduce or withhold dose for severe myelosuppression. ( 5.2 ) Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs): Permanently discontinue gemcitabine injection if SCARs occur. ( 5.3 ) Pulmonary Toxicity and Respiratory Failure: Discontinue gemcitabine for unexplained dyspnea or other evidence of severe pulmonary toxicity. ( 5.4 ) Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Monitor renal function prior to initiation and during treatment. Discontinue gemcitabine for HUS or severe renal impairment. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Gemcitabine Injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine. Reactions include anaphylaxis [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Patients with a known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine. ( 4 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.