Gemcitabine for injection is indicated in combination with carboplatin (another type of chemotherapy) for the patient with ovarian cancer that has returned at least 6 months after the patient had finished platinum-based therapy.

Gemcitabine for injection is indicated in combination with cisplatin (another type of chemotherapy) for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced (stage IIIA or stage IIIB) or metastatic (stage IV or cancer that has spread) non-small cell lung cancer for whom surgery is not possible.

Gemcitabine for injection in combination with paclitaxel is approved by the FDA for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer after they have received another type of chemotherapy called an anthracycline, unless their medical condition did not allow them to receive an anthracycline.

Gemcitabine for injection is indicated as a single agent (given alone) as the first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced (stage II or stage III when surgery is not an option) or metastatic (stage IV) adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Gemcitabine for injection is also indicated for patients previously treated with 5-FU (another type of chemotherapy).

Gemcitabine for injection may not be appropriate for some patients.

If you are allergic to Gemcitabine for injection, tell your doctor you should not receive it. Gemcitabine for injection can suppress bone marrow function. There have been rare reports of serious kidney or liver toxicity with Gemcitabine for injection treatment, sometimes fatal. Serious lung toxicity has also been reported, sometimes fatal. If you think you are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are nursing, please tell your healthcare team. Gemcitabine for injection may harm your unborn or nursing baby.

If you have had prior kidney or liver problems or impairment, please tell your healthcare professional. Gemcitabine for injection may not be right for you. Gemcitabine for injection has not been shown to work in children. Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Gemcitabine for injection therapy. The most common side effects are low blood cell counts (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets); fever; infection; hair loss; tiredness; nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea; rash; shortness of breath; muscle aches; and numbness or tingling in your toes or fingers. These are not all of the side effects of Gemcitabine for injection. If you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away, be sure to talk with your healthcare professional. Call your healthcare professional right away if you have fever or chills. These symptoms could mean you have an infection.

You will have regular blood tests before and during your treatment with Gemcitabine for injection. Your doctor may adjust your dose of Gemcitabine for injection or delay your treatment based on the results of your blood test and on your general condition.