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Generic Name: Gemzar (gemcitabine)

Gemzar Reviews

For Pancreatic Cancer "While my oncologist could not conclude that Gemzar was effective in my case, I have survived late-stage metastatic pancreatic cancer for more than 6 years since beginning my first (of 2) treatment regimen. Absent any other explanation, I must consider the possibility that Gemzar was instrumental in my survival. I've been told I have exceptional tolerance for Gemzar, and I ultimately had 54 infusions over 2 and a half years, with a one-year gap. The side effects were minimal in my case (most frequent: flu-like symptoms, mild infections), and I was able to conduct relatively normal work & life routines, although I frequently had to battle a high level of fatigue."


For Pancreatic Cancer "There are few side effects, no loss of hair, just fatigue and low white and red cell count. Been on it for three months and have three months more to go. Take good three weeks off, one week. So far, good compared to vomiting, extreme fatigue, and hair loss from the Cisplatin that I was taking last year."


For Pancreatic Cancer "On Gemzar for three years following diagnosis on late stage pariampullary cancer that had spread to my liver (had already had the Whipple).Combined initially with Abraxane. Tumors cleared up, CAT-19-9 went back to normal. I realize I'm not a typical case. Few side effects, mostly fatigue, no nausea. Had to suspend at one point due to anemia. However, seems to be losing effectiveness lately as CA-19-9 slowly elevating."


For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I get constipation every time I start a new cycle. I am nauseous when I take the medicine. I take ginger pills twice a day and drink ginger ale. This helps with nausea. My dosage has dropped 1500 units to 1000 units after 6 treatments."


For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "This is so much better than what I had before. The worst side effect is pain around the base of my head and down the side of my neck like a crick the second through the third day after treatment. So bad, I usually have to take a pain pill. I have not seen this on any reviews, so I was wondering if anyone else had this experience."


For Pancreatic Cancer "Even though I was told this was well tolerated, I was miserable with nausea and vomiting."

More about Gemzar (gemcitabine)

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  • Drug class: antimetabolites
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Patient resources

  • Gemzar drug information

Other brands

Infugem

Professional resources

  • Gemzar prescribing information
  • Gemcitabine (AHFS Monograph)

Related treatment guides

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  • Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Breast Cancer, Metastatic
  • Breast Cancer