Gemzar is the brand name of the chemotherapy drug known as gemcitabine, which is commonly used to treat pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer and metastatic breast cancer. It is often used in combination with other chemotherapy medications as, according to Cancer Research and Treatment, it is tolerated well by patients and produces few long-term side effects. Even though it does have a favorable toxicity profile (meaning it is not severely toxic) compared with other chemotherapy drugs, it does cause some unwanted side effects.
Common
Common side effects, according to chemocare.com, are those that occur in at least 30 percent of patients receiving the treatment. Gemzar commonly affects the number of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Neutropenia, a low level of white blood cells (cells that fight infections), can result in an increased risk for infections. Anemia is a low level of red blood cells (cells that carry oxygen) and often produces symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath. Thrombocytopenia, a low level of platelets (cells responsible for clotting the blood), often causes increased bleeding such as nosebleeds and an increased risk of bruising.
Another common side effect is flu-like symptoms such as muscle pain, fever, headache and chills. Gemzar may induce nausea and vomiting, but, according to Cancer Research and Treatment, this effect is mild, one reason this medication is ideal to use in combination with other chemotherapy medications. Other side effects include loss of appetite, skin rash, fluid retention and a general feeling of weakness.
Less Common
Less common side effects are those that affect between 10 and 29 percent of patients, according to Chemocare. These side effects include diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores, hair loss, changes in taste and difficulty sleeping.
Organ Damage
Gemzar can affect the functions of the liver and the kidneys---as with many medications, it is excreted from the body through these organs. Liver functions may be temporarily affected, but routine blood tests should be performed throughout treatment to keep doctors informed of any changes. Kidney functions may also be affected causing the urine to contain an increase in blood or proteins. Performing tests on the urine will usually be the only way to know if the kidneys are not functioning properly, according to macmillan.org, as most often there will be no symptoms present to alarm the patient of any side effect. Any patients with previous problems involving the liver or kidneys should inform their doctor prior to treatment as this could enhance any adverse side effects.
