GEMTERO

Side effects of Gemtero (Gemcitabine)

This medicine may cause some serious and unwanted side effects. Which requires immediate medical attention otherwise it can also lead to higher risk.

Common side effects 

• Swelling on the face and arms.

• Muscle pain 

• Drowsiness

• Nausea 

• Fever 

• Diarrhea 

• Coughing up blood 

• Headache 

• Loss of appetite 

• Vomiting 

• Irregular heartbeat 

• Low WBC and platelets count. 

• Anemia 

• Skin rash 

• Bleeding gums 

• Blurred vision 

• Sore throat 

• Joint pain 

• Abdominal pain 

• Pale skin 

• Hair loss 

• Allergic reaction 

• Blood in urine 

• Shortness of breath 

Note- if any of these symptoms occur, please contact your doctor. 

Dosage

Take this injection as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medicine in the wrong way and make sure to take this injection according to your dosing schedule. 

Missed dose 

• In case you missed a dose, immediately contact your doctor. Do not use extra medicine to double up for the missed dose. 

Overdose 

• Emergency medical treatment is required. Please contact your medical advisor in case of an overdose. 

Usage of Gemtero (Gemcitabine)

Gemcitabine is given in the form of injection. This medicine is given by a professional doctor or nurse. This medication prevents cancer cells from growing and multiplying. Close monitoring of blood cell counts and lung function is required while taking treatment with this medicine. Take this medicine according to your medical advisor. Do not try to double up the dose. 

Warnings

Before starting treatment with the Gemtero, please tell your doctor about your previous medical history. If you experience any symptoms while receiving this medicine do not ignore those symptoms because it may lead to a higher risk. 

•  Contraception 

  • Use effective methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. 

• Children and adolescents 

  • This medicine is not advisable for use in children and adolescents. 

Warnings for female 

• Pregnancy 

  • Gemtero shouldn’t be used by women who are pregnant. Gemcitabine may harm the baby. It is recommended that this medication should be avoided during pregnancy. 

• Breastfeeding 

  • This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless it is necessary. Please consult your medical advisor before starting treatment with this medicine. 

General warning and precautions

• This medicine may cause liver and kidney injury. 

• Regular Blood tests and close monitoring of blood cell count are necessary. 

• This medicine may cause severe lung injuries and cause difficulty in breathing. 

• Avoid contact with people who have infections and tell your doctor if you notice any sign of fever or chills.

• This medicine may decrease the white blood cell count and platelets. 

• Avoid vaccination while taking this medicine. 

Cautions 

• Not safe for pregnant women 

• May harm liver 

• May decrease blood count 

• Not safe during breastfeeding

Q1. What is Gemtero (Gemcitabine)?

Ans. Gemtero is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, Breast cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Bladder cancer, and Ovarian Cancer.

Q2. How does this injection work?

Ans. Gemcitabine works to prevent cancer cells from growing and multiplying. This medicine interferes with the DNA and RNA of the cancer cells by substituting their building blocks. 

Q3. How to take this injection?

Ans. This medicine should be given by a professional doctor or nurse. Your doctor will tell you the exact dosage you need to take. The recommended dose depends on body size.

Q4. What are the common side effects? 

Ans. Some common side effects are:- vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, fever, headache, trouble in breathing, joint pain, irregular heartbeat, anemia, sore throat, pale skin, allergic reaction.

Q5. In what strength is it available? 

Ans. Gemtero (Gemcitabine) injection is available in the strength of 200mg and 1g. 

Q6. How long does the effect of this medicine last?

Ans. the effect of this medicine lasts for 2 to 5 hours. 

Q7. Where is the Gemtero injection approved?

Ans. This medicine is approved in India, United States, and Japan. 

Q8. What if I miss a dose? 

Ans. In case you miss a dose. Do not try to double up the dose without taking your doctor’s permission. 

Q9. How long does it take for this medicine to show effect? 

Ans. The effect of this medicine can be observed immediately after the injection is given. 

Q10. Can I consume alcohol while taking this medicine? 

Ans. It is not known whether it is safe or not. It may cause drowsiness consuming alcohol with Gemtero injection. Please consult your doctor before consuming alcohol. 

Q11. Can I drive after taking this medicine? 

Ans. This medicine may decrease your ability to drive, affect your vision, or make you feel sleepy. Do not drive if any symptoms occur. 

Q12. Can I take this medicine during pregnancy? 

Ans. This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women. 

Q13. Can I take this medicine during breastfeeding? 

Ans. This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless it is necessary. 

Q14. What are the storage conditions? 

Ans. Store this medicine at room temperature. Do not freeze the medicine. 

Interactions

Interactions may change how your medication works and increase the risk for side effects. Tell your doctor about your previous medical history.

Medicine interaction 

• Abraxane 

• Clozapine 

• Docetaxel 

• Cipro 

• Paclitaxel 

• Vinorelbine

Disease interaction  

• Hepatic dysfunction 

• Renal dysfunction 

• Cardiovascular dysfunction 

• Edema 

• Infections 

Alcohol interaction 

• Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor before consuming alcohol. 

Contraindications

• Gemtero injection is not recommended for use in patients with known allergy to Gemcitabine. 

• This medicine is contracted in patients with known hypersensitivity to Gemcitabine.