Gemoxen

Uses
Gemoxen is indicated in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer, soft-tissue sarcoma, metastatic breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Gemoxen contains the active ingredient Gemcitabine, an antineoplastic or cytotoxic chemotherapy drug (also called an antimetabolite). Gemcitabine works by integrating itself into the cellular metabolism of the cancer cells, inhibiting the cells ability to divide.

Dosage and Administration
Gemoxen is a vial of solution for intravenous infusion. Each vial contains 1g of gemcitabine.

Gemcitabine dosage is prescribed on an individual basis dependant on age, height, weight, medical history and the type of cancer being treated.

Side effects
Some side effects can be expected with Gemoxen (Gemcitabine). Some of these care common and will not require medical attention unless they become troublesome to you. Other side effects can be more serious and require medical attention.

The most common side effects associated with Gemoxen (Gemcitabine) are:

• flu-like symptoms(muscle pain, fever, headache, chills, fatigue)
• fever (within 6-12 hours of first dose)
• fatigue
• mild nausea
• vomiting
• decreased appetite
• skin rash
• low blood counts (decreased white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets)
• temporary increases in liver enzymes
• blood or protein in the urine

Less common side effects you may experience include:

• diarrhea
• weakness
• hair loss
• mouth sores
• difficulty sleeping
• shortness of breath

If you notice any of the above side effects and they become persistent or bothersome, contact your doctor.

If you develop a fever or chills contact your doctor immediately or contact an emergency medical provider.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible (within 24 hours) if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• nausea that interferes with eating and is not relieved by medications prescribed by your doctor
• repeated vomiting (more than 4-5 episodes within a 24-hour period)
• extreme fatigue
• persistent diarrhea (more than 4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period)
• unusual or unexplained bleeding or bruising
• black or tarry stools, or blood in your stools or urine

Precautions
Tell your doctor of any prescription or non-precription medicines, herbal supplements, vitamins or nutritional supplements you are taking. some of these can interfere with Gemoxen.

Do not take aspirin during treatment with Gemoxen (Gemcitabine).

Vaccinations should not be administered to patients undergoing treatment with Gemoxen (Gemcitabine).

Gemoxen is a pregnancy category D drug, meaning it may cause harm to the fetus. If you are pregnant, do not take this medicine. If there is a chance you may be pregnant, take a pregnancy test before beginning treatment. Do not conceive while taking Gemcitabine. If you are sexually active, make sure to use barrier contraception.

Do not breastfeed while taking Gemoxen as it can be passed to the baby through the breast milk.

Gemcitabine can reduce blood counts, which can increase the risk of infection. Try to avoid crowds and people with colds or flus.