Gemcitabine Injection

Gemcitabine Injection

Classification: Anticancer

What is Gemcitabine Injection?

It is an anticancer injection. It is given intravenously.
It is used for the treatment of different types of cancers.
It is used to treat cases with other failed treatments.

What Are Gemcitabine Injection Uses?

It is used widely in hospital care settings to treat –

• • Ovarian cancer
• • Breast cancers
• • Pancreatic cancer
• • Lung cancer
• • Bladder cancer

What is Apragem Injection?

Apragem injection is gemcitabine injection, manufactured by Aprazer Healthcare.
It is readily available. Apragem injection is widely used in breast cancer chemotherapy.
It is used in the leading hospitals and the top oncology care centers.

Aprazer Healthcare – Leadership in Oncology Drug Manufacturing

Aprazer Healthcare is the leading oncology injectable manufacturer.
We manufacture a complete range of anticancer injections.
We specialize in manufacturing WHO-GMP certified, top-quality injections.
With a strong distribution network, we are the top oncology injectable exporters to countries in South Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.

Our product portfolio consists of–

• • Doxorubicin injection – Dorucin-10
• • L-Asparaginase injection – L-Aprakast
• • Carboplatin Injection – Carbokast -150
• • Daunorubicin Injection – Daunozer 20

How Does Gemcitabine Work?

It mimics the nucleic acid bases. It gets incorporated into DNA.
It stops chain elongation. It inhibits cancer cell multiplication and replication.
It causes cancer cell death.

What Can Be the Gemcitabine Side Effects?

It inhibits the cell cycle. It stops the formation of red blood cells.
It causes bone marrow suppression.
It lowers blood count.
It leads to –

• • Anemia
• • Low platelets
• • Increased risk of infection
• • Hair loss

It causes stomach upset.

• • Nausea
• • Vomiting
• • Diarrhea
• • Mouth sores

It can trigger a temporary immune response.

• • Fevers
• • Chills
• • Muscle ache
• • Headache

What Can Be Gemcitabine Severe Side-effects of Gemcitabine?

It can cause a severe allergy.

• • Shortness of breath
• • Redness and pain in the legs
• • Skin necrosis
• • Numbness of fingers and toes.

Lung Injury–

• • Fluid accumulation in the lungs.
• • Respiratory distress.

Kidney Dysfunction –

It damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys.
It leads to the formation of clots.
It interrupts blood flow.
It can lead to renal failure.

Damages Capillaries –

It causes the leakage of the fluid from the blood vessels.
It leads to swelling.
High blood pressure.

Neurotoxicity–

It causes swelling in the brain.
Fluid retention.

It leads to –

• • Headache
• • Seizures
• • vision issues

When to Use Gemcitabine Injection Cautiously?

It interferes cell cycle. It can lead to several toxicities.
It should be cautiously used in people with –

• • Renal dysfunction
• • Liver disorder
• • Elderly patients
• • Respiratory disorders
• • Radiation therapy patients

When Not to Use Gemcitabine Injection?

It should not be used in –

• • Allergy / hypersentivity to the drug.
• • Breastfeeding mothers
• • Pregnancy

To be used under the supervision of a practitioner or doctor.

Important Safety and Monitoring Information

It can cause severe bone marrow suppression.
It can lead to fatal toxicities.
Gemcitabine should be carefully monitored for –

• • Total blood count
• • Blood pressure
• • Signs of infection
• • Fluid retention
• • Liver functions
• • Kidney functions
• • Pulmonary functions
• • Neurological functions

What to Avoid With Gemcitabine?

Combining with certain drugs can lead to additive toxicities.
It can cause severe –

• • Myelosuppression
• • Immune suppression

The drugs that interact with gemcitabine.

• • Live vaccines
• • Radiation therapy
• • Immunosuppressant
• • Nephrotoxic drugs
• • Anticoagulants
• • NSAIDS
• • Herbal supplements

How to Store Gemcitabine Injection?

The powdered form is to be stored at room temperature.
A diluted solution can be stored at normal temperature.
It should be used within 24 hours.
The diluted solution must not be refrigerated.
It can cause crystal formation.
Keep it protected from light.

How to Administer Gemcitabine Injection?

To be given as an IV infusion (30 minutes).
To be used immediately after reconstitution.

Conclusion

Gemcitabine injection forms a chemotherapy treatment for many cancers.
The reconstituted solution should be used immediately.
It should be handled cautiously. It is toxic.
Avoid contact with the skin.