Gemcitabine is an anti-metabolite drug frequently used in chemotherapy. It is just one of the many generic oncology products that are available from Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals.
http://www.tajaccura.com/product/gemcitabine-powder-for-solution-for-infusion-injection-usp-200mg-1000mg/
What is Gemcitabine used for?
Gemcitabine is in regular use for the treatment of various different types of cancer, including:
How does Gemcitabine work?
Gemcitabine is structurally similar to a compound in our cells called cytidine.[i] Cytidine is a nucleoside and is needed for the replication of DNA during cell division. When a patient is given gemcitabine, the cancerous cells in their body mistakenly think that the drug is actually cytidine. As a result, they become incapable of dividing correctly and will stop growing. This eventually leads to the death of the tumour cells.[ii]
Additionally, gemcitabine can bind to an enzyme known as RNR. When this takes place, the enzymes become permanently inactivated. The end result of this process is essentially the same as before i.e. the cells cannot replicate their DNA so they die off. [iii]
Are there any side effects associated with the use of Gemcitabine?
Yes, side effects occur relatively frequently in patients being treated with Gemcitabine. The reason for this is that chemotherapeutics are not capable of telling the difference between tumour cells and healthy cells. As a consequence, they will unfortunately kill some of the normal cells.
However, these side effects can be predicted in advance so steps are always taken by the healthcare professionals administering the drug to limit the impact on the patient.
Some of the more common side effects include:
How is Gemcitabine taken?
Gemcitabine is always given as an infusion through a vein. The doctor calculates the required dose on the basis of the body surface area of the patient.
The dose can also change depending on the type of cancer, the weight of the patient and how well their liver and kidneys are functioning. Patients will take regular blood tests during treatment so that their healthcare team can monitor their response to the therapy and ensure their safety.
Conclusion
Gemcitabine powder for solution for infusion is available from Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals at doses of either 200 mg or 1000 mg. Please visit www.tajaccura.com for further details.
Always remember to consult your Doctor or Healthcare Professional if you have any questions about your own health or medications.
Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals are committed to providing affordable pharmaceutical care solutions to health providers and patients globally. Our enthusiastic and highly skilled bi-lingual sales team in English and French are more than welcome to take your queries. We are contactable by emailing info@tajaccura.com, by phone at + 353 (1) 293 1882 or alternatively by fax at + 353 (1) 293 1883
_________________________________________________________________________
[i] Mini E, Nobili S, Caciagli B, Landini I and Mazzei T. (2006). Cellular pharmacology of gemcitabine. Annals of Oncology, 17 (suppl 5), v7-v12.
[ii] Plunkett W, Huang P, Xu YZ, Heinemann V, Grunewald R and Gandhi V. (1995, August). Gemcitabine: metabolism, mechanisms of action, and self-potentiation. In Seminars in oncology (Vol. 22, No. 4 Suppl 11, pp. 3-10).
[iii] N Cerqueira, PA Fernandes and MJ Ramos (2007). “Understanding ribonucleotide reductase inactivation by gemcitabine”. Chemistry: A European Journal 13 (30): 8507–15.
http://www.tajaccura.com/product/gemcitabine-powder-for-solution-for-infusion-injection-usp-200mg-1000mg/
What is Gemcitabine used for?
Gemcitabine is in regular use for the treatment of various different types of cancer, including:
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Metastastic breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Ovarian cancer and
- Bladder cancer
How does Gemcitabine work?
Gemcitabine is structurally similar to a compound in our cells called cytidine.[i] Cytidine is a nucleoside and is needed for the replication of DNA during cell division. When a patient is given gemcitabine, the cancerous cells in their body mistakenly think that the drug is actually cytidine. As a result, they become incapable of dividing correctly and will stop growing. This eventually leads to the death of the tumour cells.[ii]
Additionally, gemcitabine can bind to an enzyme known as RNR. When this takes place, the enzymes become permanently inactivated. The end result of this process is essentially the same as before i.e. the cells cannot replicate their DNA so they die off. [iii]
Are there any side effects associated with the use of Gemcitabine?
Yes, side effects occur relatively frequently in patients being treated with Gemcitabine. The reason for this is that chemotherapeutics are not capable of telling the difference between tumour cells and healthy cells. As a consequence, they will unfortunately kill some of the normal cells.
However, these side effects can be predicted in advance so steps are always taken by the healthcare professionals administering the drug to limit the impact on the patient.
Some of the more common side effects include:
- Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
- Increased risk of infection (due to a low white blood cell count)
- Flu-like symptoms (headache, fatigue, fever and muscle aches)
- Nausea, vomiting and/or loss of appetite (there are many medicines now available to alleviate these symptoms) and
- Skin rash.
How is Gemcitabine taken?
Gemcitabine is always given as an infusion through a vein. The doctor calculates the required dose on the basis of the body surface area of the patient.
The dose can also change depending on the type of cancer, the weight of the patient and how well their liver and kidneys are functioning. Patients will take regular blood tests during treatment so that their healthcare team can monitor their response to the therapy and ensure their safety.
Conclusion
Gemcitabine powder for solution for infusion is available from Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals at doses of either 200 mg or 1000 mg. Please visit www.tajaccura.com for further details.
Always remember to consult your Doctor or Healthcare Professional if you have any questions about your own health or medications.
Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals are committed to providing affordable pharmaceutical care solutions to health providers and patients globally. Our enthusiastic and highly skilled bi-lingual sales team in English and French are more than welcome to take your queries. We are contactable by emailing info@tajaccura.com, by phone at + 353 (1) 293 1882 or alternatively by fax at + 353 (1) 293 1883
_________________________________________________________________________
[i] Mini E, Nobili S, Caciagli B, Landini I and Mazzei T. (2006). Cellular pharmacology of gemcitabine. Annals of Oncology, 17 (suppl 5), v7-v12.
[ii] Plunkett W, Huang P, Xu YZ, Heinemann V, Grunewald R and Gandhi V. (1995, August). Gemcitabine: metabolism, mechanisms of action, and self-potentiation. In Seminars in oncology (Vol. 22, No. 4 Suppl 11, pp. 3-10).
[iii] N Cerqueira, PA Fernandes and MJ Ramos (2007). “Understanding ribonucleotide reductase inactivation by gemcitabine”. Chemistry: A European Journal 13 (30): 8507–15.
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