Infugem

Generic name: gemcitabine [ jem-SYE-ta-been ]
Drug class: Antimetabolites

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Infugem?

Infugem is used to treat cancers of the pancreas, lung, ovary, and breast.

Infugem is sometimes given with other cancer medicines, or when other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.

Infugem may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Infugem side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• headache, confusion, change in mental status, vision loss, seizure (convulsions);

• blisters or ulcers in your mouth, trouble eating or swallowing;

• severe skin redness, swelling, oozing, or peeling during or after radiation treatment;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, skin sores, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed;

• fluid build-up in or around the lungs--pain when you breathe, feeling short of breath while lying down, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, cold, clammy skin, anxiety, rapid heartbeats; or

• signs of damaged red blood cells--unusual bruising or bleeding, pale skin, bloody diarrhea, red or pink urine, swelling, rapid weight gain, and little or no urination.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of Infugem may include:

• fever;

• nausea, vomiting;

• low blood cell counts;

• abnormal blood or urine tests;

• shortness of breath;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• rash; or

• red or pink urine.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Infugem can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or new signs of infection (fever, chills, tiredness, bruising or bleeding, pale skin).

Infugem can also affect your liver, kidneys, or lungs. Tell your doctor if you have stomach pain, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, little or no urinating, swelling, rapid weight gain, severe shortness of breath, wheezing, or cough with foamy mucus.

If you receive Infugem during or after radiation treatment, tell your doctor right away if you have severe skin redness, swelling, oozing, or peeling.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Infugem if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease (especially cirrhosis);

• alcoholism; or

• radiation treatment.

Both men and women using Infugem should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Infugem can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.

• If you are a woman, do not use Infugem if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Infugem.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because Infugem can harm an unborn baby.

You should not breastfeed while you are using Infugem, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

How is Infugem used?

Infugem is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when Infugem is injected.

If any of this medicine accidentally gets on your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Infugem can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Infugem.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Infugem?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Infugem, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

What other drugs will affect Infugem?

Other drugs may affect Infugem, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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