Buy Gemcitabine Injection online & grab 50% off on Price

Gemcitabine is an antineoplastic agent and a type of nucleoside analog. It resembles deoxycytidine, allowing it to interfere with the DNA synthesis process in rapidly dividing cancer cells. After entering cells, Gemcitabine is converted into its active form through phosphorylation. 

This active form integrates into DNA during replication, stopping the DNA chain from growing and triggering cell death in cancer cells. Gemcitabine specifically targets cancer cells that grow quickly. This makes it effective against various types of cancer. 

Its administration is done through an intravenous injection, enabling it to distribute quickly throughout the body and reach tumors effectively while limiting damage to healthy tissues. The drug has a short half-life (of about 42 to 94 minutes for short infusions), which means it needs to be given regularly to maintain its effectiveness. 

Gemcitabine is primarily metabolized in the liver and kidneys, so monitoring is essential for patients with liver or kidney problems. Essentially, Gemcitabine disrupts key processes in cancer cell growth and division.

Gemcitabine Usage 

Gemcitabine is used to treat the following cancers:

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): In NSCLC, Gemcitabine disrupts DNA synthesis, leading to apoptosis in cancer cells. It is effective both on its own and with other chemotherapy drugs, achieving response rates over 20% and improving survival rates for patients with advanced disease.

• Pancreatic Cancer: Gemcitabine is the standard treatment for pancreatic cancer. It promotes apoptosis by inhibiting DNA synthesis. Despite some resistance issues, it remains effective, especially when combined with drugs that boost its effectiveness. Studies show better outcomes when Gemcitabine is used with other treatments.

• Bladder Cancer: For bladder cancer, Gemcitabine can be given directly into the bladder (intravesically) to reduce side effects. This method disrupts cancer cell division, significantly lowering recurrence rates in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer after tumor removal.

• Breast Cancer: In metastatic breast cancer, Gemcitabine has shown good response rates, especially when used with other treatments. It improves the effectiveness of other drugs by targeting different cancer pathways and is part of regimens that achieve high overall response rates.

• Ovarian Cancer: While not a first-line treatment, Gemcitabine is often combined with other drugs like Carboplatin in recurrent ovarian cancer. It disrupts DNA synthesis, helping slow tumor growth and improve patient outcomes in certain cases.

• Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma): Gemcitabine is used for cholangiocarcinoma, especially in advanced stages. It inhibits DNA synthesis, leading to cell death. Studies show it is effective alone or with other treatments.

• Soft Tissue Sarcoma: With soft tissue sarcoma, Gemcitabine is often used with other agents like docetaxel. Its action as an antimetabolite disrupts the growth of sarcoma cells, making it a valuable option for patients who haven’t responded to other therapies.

Gemcitabine Dosage

Gemcitabine is given through IV infusion. The doses are tailored to individual patients. Factors like cancer type, patient size, and overall health influence the dosage. The standard dosing schedule varies by cancer type but generally includes cycles of treatment followed by rest periods. 

Here’s an example of a typical dosing plan:

• For NSCLC: Gemcitabine is often administered on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.

• For Pancreatic Cancer: The regimen usually involves weekly doses for 7 weeks, followed by a week of rest, then weekly for 3 out of 4 weeks.

• For Other Cancers: Treatment cycles can vary, often spanning 3-4 weeks, with doses given on days 1 and 8.

Your doctor will set the best dosing schedule for you. It's important to have regular check-ups and blood tests during treatment to make sure Gemcitabine is working and to check for side effects.

Gemcitabine Side Effects

Gemcitabine can cause side effects, which can range from mild to severe. Here are the most commonly reported side effects:

• Fatigue: You may feel unusually tired or weak. Gemcitabine affects healthy cells as well as cancer cells, contributing to this fatigue.

• Nausea and Vomiting: Many patients experience nausea or vomiting during treatment. Chemotherapy can irritate the stomach lining and disrupt normal body functions, leading to these symptoms.

• Low Blood Cell Counts: Gemcitabine often lowers white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. This can make you more susceptible to infections, cause anemia, or result in easy bruising.

• Flu-Like Symptoms: You might experience fever, chills, or muscle aches similar to the flu. These symptoms usually appear after treatment and are often temporary.

• Hair Loss: Gemcitabine may cause some hair thinning or loss. However, this is generally less severe than with other chemotherapy drugs.

Less Common But Serious Side Effects

• Myelosuppression: This condition lowers blood cell production, increasing the risk of infections, anemia, and bleeding.

• Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs): Serious skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome require immediate drug discontinuation.

• Pulmonary Toxicity: Gemcitabine can lead to severe breathing issues, such as interstitial pneumonitis and ARDS, which may cause respiratory failure.

• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): This serious condition can lead to kidney failure and may need dialysis.

• Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Patients might experience liver failure or worsened liver conditions.

• Capillary Leak Syndrome (CLS): This syndrome can cause serious complications and needs the medication stopped.

• Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): This condition causes symptoms like seizures and confusion, requiring the treatment to be halted.

Gemcitabine interacts with different substances and conditions, affecting its safety and effectiveness. We have also provided detailed information below about alcohol, pregnancy, breastfeeding, driving and its effects on liver health.

Gemcitabine Price & Availability

Gemcitabine price shifts with manufacturing intricacy, local markets, and drug form. Its key component, 2',2'-difluoro deoxycytidine, demands advanced synthesis. 

The Gemcitabine price in Philippines is cheaper thanks to homegrown production and generic abundance but still expensive than Indian brands. However, regions like the UAE have steeper costs from import charges and scarce local output. The injectable form requires special handling, which raises the price. If you need long-term treatment, expect significant expenses, especially in areas with limited healthcare access. 

Gemcitabine Safety Advice

Alcohol

Gemcitabine may contain ethanol, additional alcohol can cause dizziness and coordination issues. Avoid alcohol for better treatment results.

Pregnancy

Gemcitabine can harm a fetus and cause birth defects. Women of childbearing age must confirm they are not pregnant and use contraception during therapy.

Breastfeeding

Do not breastfeed while taking gemcitabine. Limited info exists on its transfer to breast milk, so avoid nursing for at least one week post-treatment.

Driving

Since Gemcitabine can cause fatigue and dizziness, it affects driving or machinery operation. You should assess your alertness before these activities.

Liver

Gemcitabine may raise liver enzyme levels temporarily but rarely causes serious liver damage. Monitor closely for jaundice or other liver issues.

Doctor Advice

Regular check-ups are important during gemcitabine treatment due to its constant interactions. Report any unusual symptoms quickly for safe management.