It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when your doctor tells you that you need chemotherapy as a treatment for cancer. There are a number of drugs used in this treatment. Among them, you may be given a drug called 'Gemcitabine'. So today, let's talk about this drug called Gemcitabine, what it does to the body, and the things you need to be careful about during treatment.
Simply put, what is Gemcitabine?
Gemcitabine is a type of chemotherapy drug that is given to kill cancer cells. It is given as a saline solution through a vein. It is used to treat several types of cancer.
- Breast Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
In addition to these types of cancer, your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other types of cancer, depending on your condition.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting gemcitabine treatment, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. Even the smallest things in your body can affect this treatment. So if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Health condition or fact | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Blood disorders | Because this medicine affects blood cells, it can worsen an existing problem. |
| Kidney or Liver disease | Because these organs are involved in the process of removing drugs from the body, it is important to know their function. |
| Lung or breathing disease | Rarely, this medicine can affect the respiratory system. |
| If you have recently received radiation therapy | Radiation and chemotherapy can affect each other. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This is very important. This medicine can harm a baby in the womb and can also pass to the baby through breast milk. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | It is essential to inform your doctor if you are allergic to Gemcitabine or any other ingredients. |
How can I give you this medicine?
Gemcitabine is not a pill that you take at home. It is an injection (infusion) that is given into a vein in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nurse who has been specially trained for this purpose. It is given into your body in the same way that you would normally give saline.
The most important thing is to take your treatment exactly on the day and time your doctor has given you. If you are unable to attend on that day, call your doctor or the hospital immediately and let them know. Do not skip a dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
This is a hospital-administered medication, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that you have taken too much of the medication, inform the hospital staff immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . In an emergency, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be very careful about during treatment
Chemotherapy affects not only cancer cells , but also some healthy cells in our body. That's why you may feel a little uncomfortable and uneasy. That's normal. But you need to be especially careful about the following points.
Beware of infections!
Gemcitabine reduces your body's immunity, which means your body's ability to fight disease. This makes you more likely to get infections.
- If you experience symptoms of a cold, such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cough , don't ignore them. Call your doctor immediately.
- Don't take medicine like paracetamol as you feel like it.
- Minimize going to crowded places and being near sick people as much as possible.
Risk of bleeding
This medicine can reduce the number of cells (platelets) that help blood clot. Therefore,
- Even a small bump can cause blue spots (bruises) on the skin .
- When brushing your teeth or using a toothpick, your gums may bleed . So brush your teeth very gently.
- If you need to have any dental surgery, you must tell the dentist that you are taking chemotherapy.
- If you have blood in your urine, black stools, or small red spots on your skin , it could be a serious sign. Tell your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy and childbirth
This is a very important part.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant completely while taking gemcitabine and for 6 months after stopping treatment. It may cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
- Men: If you are taking Gemcitabine, avoid fathering a child during treatment and for 3 months after stopping. This medicine may affect sperm.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby during treatment and for at least one week after stopping treatment.
What side effects can be expected?
Like any medicine, Gemcitabine has side effects. Some are serious, some are common. The most important thing is to be aware of these and inform your doctor as soon as possible if necessary.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, fainting, dizziness. |
| Symptoms of kidney or liver damage | Decreased urine output, dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. |
| Symptoms of low blood cell count | Unusual fatigue, paleness, frequent infections, bleeding. |
| Other | Swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands. Pain and redness at the injection site. |
| Things that may occur normally, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite. |
| Other | Hair loss, skin rashes. |
Your doctor will give you other medications to control these side effects. Use those medications as directed.
Take-Home Message
- Gemcitabine is a powerful chemotherapy drug that kills cancer cells. It is given as an injection into a vein in the hospital.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, medications you are taking, and allergies.
- Be very careful of infections as your immunity will be reduced during treatment. If you develop symptoms such as fever and cough, tell your doctor immediately.
- Be careful not to injure yourself as there is a risk of bleeding. Be aware of any unusual bleeding.
- Avoid conceiving children during treatment and for a period of time afterward.
- If you experience any discomfort or side effects, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it. Discuss any issues with them and get a solution.
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