Gemcitabine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Gemzar

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Shortness of breath

Less common

Cough or hoarseness (accompanied by fever or chills); fever or chills; headache (sudden and severe); lower back or side pain (accompanied by fever or chills); painful or difficult urination (accompanied by fever or chills); pain in chest, arm, or back; pressure or squeezing in chest; slurred speech or inability to speak; troubled breathing, tightness in chest, and/or wheezing; weakness in arm and/or leg on one side of the body (sudden and severe)

Rare

Coughing; noisy or rattling breathing

The following side effects may mean that you are having a serious allergic reaction to this medicine, especially if they occur together with breathing problems. Check with your doctor immediately if any of them occur:

Rare

Change in skin color of the face; skin rash, hives, and/or itching; swelling or puffiness of the face, especially the eyelids or area around the eyes

Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; cloudy urine; fever; pinpoint red spots on skin; skin rash, with or without itching; swelling of fingers, feet, or lower legs; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Fast or irregular heartbeat; high blood pressure

Rare

Increased or decreased urination; yellow eyes or skin

Some of the above side effects may occur, or continue to occur, after treatment with gemcitabine has ended. Check with your doctor if you notice any of them after you stop receiving the medicine.

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Constipation; diarrhea; general feeling of illness; loss of appetite; muscle pain; nausea and vomiting; runny nose; sweating; trouble in sleeping

Less common

Drowsiness (severe); irritation, pain, or redness at place of injection; numbness or tingling of hands or feet; sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips and in mouth

Gemcitabine may also cause a temporary loss of hair in some people. After treatment with gemcitabine has ended, normal hair growth should return.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.