GEMIZAN 1GM INJECTION

Introduction:

Gemizan 1gm Injection is a chemotherapy medication containing the active ingredient gemcitabine. It is used to treat bladder cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer is a disorder in which cells multiply in an uncontrolled and abnormal manner. Talk to your doctor if you have heart disease, liver disorders, kidney disorders, recently had radiotherapy, or vaccinated before taking this medicine. 

Gemizan 1gm Injection is not recommended for adolescents and children under the age of 18. Your doctor will assess your blood cell counts, kidney and liver function before each time you are given this medicine. Use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least six months after the last dose. 

Tell your physician if you are on a salt-controlled diet as this medicine contains sodium. Report your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, changes in colour or volume of urine, bleeding, or upper abdominal pain while taking Gemizan 1gm Injection.

Uses of Gemizan 1gm Injection:

Gemizan 1gm Injection is used to treat

• Bladder cancer, in combination with cisplatin
• Ovarian cancer, in combination with carboplatin
• Breast cancer, in combination with paclitaxel
• Pancreatic cancer
• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), alone or in combination with cisplatin

How Gemizan 1gm Injection works:

Gemizan 1gm Injection inhibits the enzyme thymidylate synthetase, resulting in inhibition of DNA synthesis in the cancer cells. This prevents the growth of cancer cells.

Interactions with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More information:

• Keep Gemizan 1gm Injection out of sight and reach of children.
• Store at controlled room temperature 20°C to 25°C.

References:

1. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1700.
2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 870.
3. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Europe BV, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on Dec 2018] [ Accessed on 23rd June 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7298.pdf
4. Lilly USA, LLC, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on May 2014] [ Accessed on 23rd June 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/020509s077lbl.pdf

How to use Gemizan 1gm Injection:

It will be given to you by a doctor or nurse. 

Safety advice:

Pregnancy:

Gemizan 1gm Injection can cause harm to your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking this medication. It will be given to you if clearly needed.

Breastfeeding:

You must not breastfeed while being treated with this medication. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking Gemizan 1gm Injection.

Liver:

You need to tell your doctor if you have any liver disorders before taking Gemizan 1gm Injection. Your doctor may decide to adjust the dose or delay treating you depending on your liver function.

Kidney:

You need to tell your doctor if you have any kidney disorders before taking Gemizan 1gm Injection. Your doctor may decide to adjust the dose or delay treating you depending on your kidney function.

Driving: 

Gemizan 1gm Injection could affect your ability to drive. Avoid driving if you feel sleepy.

Others:

Inform your doctor if:

• You have heart disease, recently had radiotherapy, or vaccinated before taking this medicine.
• You are on a salt-controlled diet.
• You experience shortness of breath, wheezing, changes in colour or volume of urine, bleeding, or abdominal pain while taking this medication.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious:

• Pulmonary toxicity (shortness of breath, wheezing, cough)
• Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (Changes in the volume or colour of urine, increased bruising, or bleeding)
• Pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen
• Allergic reactions, fever, Swelling or sores in the mouth

Common:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Fever
• Rash
• Low blood cell count
• Loss of appetite
• Hair loss
• Swelling of ankles, feet, and fingers
• Insomnia
• Constipation, diarrhoea
• Headache
• Runny nose, chills
• Muscle pain, back pain
• Sweating
• Infections