Medicine Information

Gemzen

Name: Gemzen
Brand: Gemzen
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Injection (Powder for Solution)200 mgAntineoplastic agentsATC: L01BC05

Generic Name

Gemcitabine Hydrochloride

Manufacturer

Generic Pharma Co.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
gemzen 200 mg injection	৳ 1,600.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Gemcitabine is an antimetabolite chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers, including pancreatic, breast, ovarian, and non-small cell lung cancer.

Uses & Indications

Pancreatic cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer

Breast cancer

Ovarian cancer

Bladder cancer

Dosage

Adults

Typically 1000 mg/m² infused over 30 minutes, once weekly for 7 weeks, followed by a week of rest. Subsequent cycles are 3 weekly infusions followed by one week of rest. Doses vary by indication.

Elderly

Dose adjustment may be considered based on overall health and renal function. Close monitoring is advised.

Renal_impairment

Caution advised; dose reduction may be necessary. No specific guidelines for severe impairment. Not recommended for patients with baseline creatinine clearance <30 mL/min.

How to Take

Intravenous infusion only. Reconstitute with appropriate diluent (e.g., 0.9% Sodium Chloride) and further dilute before infusion. Administer over 30 minutes.

Mechanism of Action

Gemcitabine is a pyrimidine antimetabolite that works by interfering with DNA synthesis, leading to cell death. It is incorporated into DNA and RNA, inhibiting DNA repair and replication.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Effect is observed over treatment cycles.

Excretion

Primarily renal excretion of the inactive metabolite dFdU (90% within one week).

Half life

Dependent on infusion duration and age, typically 32 to 94 minutes.

Absorption

Rapidly distributed after intravenous infusion. 100% bioavailability.

Metabolism

Intracellularly by nucleoside kinases to active metabolites and deaminated to inactive difluorodeoxyuridine (dFdU) by cytidine deaminase in the liver, kidney, and blood.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine or any excipients
Severe bone marrow depression prior to treatment

Drug Interactions

Live vaccines

Increased risk of severe or fatal infections; avoid use.

Other myelosuppressive agents

Increased risk of myelosuppression.

Radiation therapy (concurrent or sequential)

Increased risk of radiation recall toxicity and myelosuppression.

Storage

Store unopened vials at controlled room temperature (20-25°C). Protect from light. Reconstituted solution should be used immediately or stored for up to 24 hours at room temperature.

Overdose

Symptoms include severe myelosuppression (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia). Management is supportive with blood product transfusions and growth factors as needed.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category D. May cause fetal harm. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus. Avoid during breastfeeding due to potential excretion into breast milk and harm to infant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

1 vial per pack

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years when stored as recommended. Refer to the manufacturer's label for specific expiry dates.

Availability

Hospitals, Specialized pharmacies

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)

Patent Status

Generic available

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Gemcitabine has undergone extensive clinical trials supporting its efficacy and safety in various cancer indications, leading to its global approval and use as a standard chemotherapy agent.

Lab Monitoring

Complete blood count (CBC) with differential before each dose
Liver function tests (LFTs) periodically
Kidney function tests (KFTs) periodically
Serum electrolytes

Doctor Notes

Careful monitoring of complete blood counts, renal, and hepatic function is essential before and during treatment.
Patients should be adequately hydrated, and antiemetics should be administered as needed to manage nausea and vomiting.
Adherence to prescribed infusion rates is crucial to minimize toxicity and optimize efficacy.

Patient Guidelines

Report any fever, unusual bleeding, or bruising immediately to your doctor.
Maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
Avoid contact with people who are sick or have infections.
Understand the risks and benefits of chemotherapy treatment.

Missed Dose Advice

Contact your physician or oncology team immediately to reschedule a missed dose.

Driving Precautions

May cause fatigue, dizziness, or visual disturbances. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience these symptoms.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections.
Avoid contact sports or activities that may cause injury due to increased risk of bleeding.
Discuss any complementary or alternative therapies with your doctor before starting them.