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Gemcitabine

Gemcitabine Injection is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor indicated: in combination with carboplatin, for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer tha.

Prescription medicine Intravenous Safety alerts on record

How to use Gemcitabine

What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.

Who it is for

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. …

How to take it and how often
  • 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
  • Breast Cancer: 1,250 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle
  • 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
  • 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
  • Ovarian Cancer Recommended Dose and Schedule The recommended dosage of gemcitabine injection is 1,000 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle, in combination with carboplatin AUC 4 administered intravenously on Day 1 after gemcitabine injection administration
  • Refer to carboplatin prescribing information for additional information
  • Dosage Modifications Recommended dosage modifications for gemcitabine injection for myelosuppression are described in Tables 1 and 2 [see Warnings and Precautions ]
  • Refer to the recommended dosage modifications for non-hematologic adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration ] . …
Strengths it comes in

Injection: 200 mg per 5.26 mL (38 mg per mL), 1 gram per 26.3 mL (38 mg per mL), and 2 grams per 52.6 mL (38 mg per mL) as a clear and colorless to light straw-colored solution in a single-dose vial. Injection: 200 mg per 5.26 mL (38 mg per mL), 1 gram per 26.3 mL (38 mg per mL), or 2 grams per 52.6 mL (38 mg per mL) in a single-dose vial. ( 3 )

Children
  • The safety and effectiveness of gemcitabine have not been established
  • In pediatric patients
  • The safety and pharmacokinetics of gemcitabine were evaluated in a trial
  • In pediatric patients with refractory leukemia
  • The maximum tolerated dose was 10 mg/m 2 /min for 360 minutes weekly for three weeks followed by a one-week rest period. …
Older adults

In clinical studies which enrolled 979 patients with various malignancies who received single agent gemcitabine, no overall differences in safety were observed between patients aged 65 and older and younger patients, with the exception of a higher rate of Grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia in older patients as compared to younger patients. …

While you are taking it
  • Myelosuppression Advise patients of the risks of myelosuppression
  • Instruct patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider should any signs or symptoms of infection, including fever, or if bleeding, or signs of anemia, occur [see Warnings and Precautions ]
  • Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs) Advise patients of the risks of SCARs, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). …
Talk to a doctor first if
  • Gemcitabine injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine
  • Reactions include anaphylaxis [see Adverse Reactions ]
  • Patients with a known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine
Warnings

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 injection 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. …

Possible side effects

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 Re …

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

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 ) . …

If you take too much

There is no known antidote for overdoses of gemcitabine. Myelosuppression, paresthesias, and severe rash were the principal toxicities seen when a single dose as high as 5,700 mg/m 2 was administered by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every 2 weeks to several patients in a dose-escalation study. In the event of suspected overdose, monitor with appropriate blood counts and provide supportive therapy, as necessary.

If you miss a dose

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.

From the official U.S. FDA label for this active ingredient. Your pack may have a different strength, so always read its leaflet. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. Label dated 2025-02-03.

Brands around the world

Products with Gemcitabine as the active ingredient. Names differ between countries.

Registered products

United States (FDA)

GemcitabineGEMCITABINE HYDROCHLORIDE 200 mg/5.26mL · Injection, Solution · Mylan Institutional LLC
NDC 67457-616Label
GemcitabineGEMCITABINE HYDROCHLORIDE 200 mg/5mL · Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution · Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC
NDC 63323-102Label
GemcitabineGEMCITABINE HYDROCHLORIDE 1 g/26.3mL · Injection, Solution · Mylan Institutional LLC
NDC 67457-617Label
GemcitabineGEMCITABINE HYDROCHLORIDE 1 g/25mL · Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution · Sagent Pharmaceuticals
NDC 25021-235Label
GemcitabineGEMCITABINE HYDROCHLORIDE 38 mg/mL · Injection, Solution · Hospira, Inc.
NDC 0409-0181Label

Nigeria (NAFDAC)

NAFDACGemcitabine Sandoz 10 mg/mL Concentrate Solution for Infusion B4-7108NAFDACGembin 1000 Injection B4-4538NAFDACCeloncelzar 1000 Injection A4-6670

Other countries: check your pack's registration number and we point you to your regulator.

Safety alerts and recalls

Gemcitabine Injection, 1 g per 26.3 mL (38 mg/mL), 26.3 mL Single-Dose Vial, For Intravenous Infusion ONLY, Rx only, Manufactured by: THYMOORGAN PHARMAZIE GmbH, Schiffgraben 23, 38U.S. FDA Class II
10 Jun 2026 · McKesson · OngoingTemperature Abuse: Product was stored incorrectly in a controlled room temperature environment instead of a refrigerated environment.
Gemcitabine, Sterile Intravesical Solution, Preservative Free, 1g/50mL (20 mg/mL), 50 mL per syringe, Single Dose Syringe for Intravesical Use, Edge Pharma, LLC, 856 Hercules Dr., U.S. FDA Class II
6 Dec 2021 · Edge Pharma, LLC · TerminatedLack of Assurance of Sterility
GEMCITABINE INJECTION 200MG/5.26ML; NDC/UPC 72485-221-02; RX; SINGLEDOSE VIALU.S. FDA Class II
15 Mar 2021 · Cardinal Health Inc. · TerminatedCGMP Deviations: Intermittent exposure to temperature excursion during storage.
Gemcitabine 1910 MG / 250 ML NS IVPB; Gemcitabine 1140 MG / 250 ML NS 0.9% IVPB; Gemcitabine 1290 MG /250 ML NS IVPB; Gemcitabine 460 MG / 250 ML NS IVPB; Gemcitabine 880 MG / 250 U.S. FDA Class II
12 Jun 2019 · Infusion Options, Inc. · TerminatedLack of Assurance of Sterility

A recall usually affects certain batches only. Compare the lot number on your pack.

Check your pack of Gemcitabine

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3 free checks left today Official sources: U.S. FDA · EMA (EU) · NAFDAC · WHO alerts

Questions about Gemcitabine

What is Gemcitabine used for?

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 cl (From the official U.S. FDA label.)

How do I take Gemcitabine?

Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: 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 o…

Do I need a prescription for Gemcitabine?

Usually yes. Gemcitabine is a prescription medicine in most countries. Rules differ by country.

What brands contain Gemcitabine?

Gemcitabine is sold under names such as Infugem, Avgemsi, Inlexzo, Gemcitabine. Brand names differ between countries.

How can I check that my Gemcitabine is genuine?

Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.