Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy medication used to treat cancers of the breast, lung, ovaries and pancreas, says Drugs.com. A medical professional at your local medical center will administer gemcitabine as an intravenous injection. The medication will run through your blood for about 30 minutes a session. Usually, gemcitabine is given once a week for up to seven weeks to help destroy and slow the growth of your rapidly growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, gemcitabine is not without its side effects.
Minor Side Effects
Gemcitabine can commonly cause bouts of nausea, vomiting and stomach problems, says Drugs.com. This is your body's natural reaction to the ingredients contained in your chemotherapeutic medicine. It may also lead to hair loss. This is a cosmetic side effect that can be devastating. After stopping gemcitabine, your hair will regrow. You can also experience discomfort when you go to the bathroom. For example, you may have diarrhea or constipation. In some instances, you may develop drowsiness, swelling of your hands, feet or ankles. Avoid participating in activities that require you to be fully awake, such as driving. Tell your doctor about your swelling. She can prescribe a medication that helps reduce your swelling if it becomes bothersome.
Severe Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, gemcitabine's serious side effects include fever, chills, cough, sore throat and muscle aches. You may also suffer from bone pain, trouble breathing or swallowing and a red itchy rash. Gemcitabine can also instigate such symptoms as hearing loss and bloody urine, says Drugs.com. Sometimes you may develop a crushing and heavy chest pain that can spread to your arm. In some instances, gemcitabine can cause sudden numbness on one side of your body and sudden confusion, headaches and unsteadiness. These side effects all warrant rapid medical attention. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and decide whether to continue gemcitabine. There are many other chemotherapeutic drugs available that may not provoke such dangerous side effects.
Blood Problems
According to the National Library of Medicine, gemcitabine may affect levels of important cells in your blood. You may develop anemia where your red blood cell levels are low. This can lead to fatigue and paleness. In the worst scenario, you can develop difficulty breathing. Gemcitabine can also lower your platelets and white blood cells (WBCs). Platelets help form clots to allow your bleeding to stop. With decreased platelet counts, also known as thrombocytopenia, you are susceptible to profuse bleeding. WBCs fight against infection. With lowered WBCs (leukopenia), you are susceptible to infections. The common cold is usually a harmless condition, but with leukopenia, a common cold can be potentially life-threatening.
Other Physical Side Effects
In rare cases, gemcitabine can lead to heart and blood vessel problems such as a heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure, states the National Library of Medicine. In a study of 2,429 patients, the National Library of Medicine says that six patients developed a serious blood and kidney condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome. In this disease, your red blood cells and platelets are low. You will also suffer from acute kidney failure. In worst-case scenarios, gemcitabine can lead to liver failure and even death. This is rare, but it is important to talk to your doctor about gemcitabine's possible effects.
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