Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
About GEMZAR
Resources
Important Safety Information
Prescribing Information
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Frequently Asked Questions

Like any person living with cancer or their caregiver, you are probably facing situations you never had to deal with before, and are probably concerned about the challenges lying ahead. But by working together with your healthcare team — asking questions and exploring treatment options — you can take back some control.

Since GEMZAR is a prescription drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of four different cancers, you can visit GEMZAR Interactive FAQs for these individual diagnoses by clicking on the links below:
  • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
    GEMZAR is indicated in combination with cisplatin (another type of chemotherapy) for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced (stage IIIA or stage IIIB) or metastatic (stage IV or cancer that has spread) non-small cell lung cancer for whom surgery is not possible.
  • Pancreatic Cancer
    GEMZAR is indicated as a single agent (given alone) as the first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced (stage II or stage III when surgery is not an option) or metastatic (stage IV) adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. GEMZAR is also indicated for patients previously treated with 5-FU (another type of chemotherapy).
  • Metastatic Breast Cancer
    GEMZAR in combination with paclitaxel is approved by the FDA for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer after they have received another type of chemotherapy called an anthracycline, unless their medical condition did not allow them to receive an anthracycline.
  • Ovarian Cancer
    GEMZAR is indicated in combination with carboplatin (another type of chemotherapy) for the woman with ovarian cancer that has returned at least 6 months after the patient had finished platinum-based therapy.

Below are several frequently asked questions. We hope that the responses provided can ease some of your concerns, and encourage conversations with your healthcare team.

So please click on a question you'd like answered from the list below. You'll then receive the answer, and have the option to ask another question.

What is GEMZAR and how does it treat cancer?

GEMZAR is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat certain types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, metastatic breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

GEMZAR works by interfering with the process by which cells divide and repair themselves, thereby preventing the further growth of cancer cells and ultimately resulting in cell death.

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What is the outlook for GEMZAR therapy?

GEMZAR continues to be studied by cancer research groups and independent researchers worldwide. Ask your healthcare team about your participation in clinical trials.

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How is GEMZAR given?

In most cases, GEMZAR can be given in a healthcare professional's office, clinic, or hospital. Your GEMZAR treatment plan will vary, depending on your general physical health, the type of cancer you have, at what stage it was diagnosed, and the goal of therapy that you and your healthcare team have chosen.

GEMZAR is given through a vein, usually taking about 30 minutes — but total treatment time may take longer if your healthcare team gives other drugs or fluids at the same time. You will generally receive GEMZAR once a week for two or three weeks in a row, followed by a week without treatment. This constitutes one "treatment cycle." The number of cycles you receive will also depend on your individual treatment plan. Most patients receiving GEMZAR as their initial therapy get between four and six cycles.

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Can I continue my daily activities while receiving GEMZAR?

Every patient reacts differently, but some patients receiving GEMZAR are able to carry on with their usual daily activities while receiving their treatments while others do not.

Some patients receiving GEMZAR therapy may experience side effects that may interfere at times with their daily routine. Usually, this is most likely to occur on the day of treatment, or for a day or so following a treatment. In addition to continuing with hobbies and social activities, some patients are also able to keep on working during their treatment.

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How will I look and feel during and after GEMZAR therapy?

The way you look and feel during and after your GEMZAR therapy will depend on the individual patient and on whether or not other combination therapies are given in conjunction with GEMZAR. If you receive GEMZAR with another drug, you may also experience some side effects from the additional drug that you may not experience if you receive GEMZAR alone. It is important for you to know about possible side effects in advance so that you can identify them if they occur and can inform your healthcare team promptly.

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What are the common side effects of GEMZAR treatment?

There is a risk of side effects associated with GEMZAR therapy. The most common side effects are low blood cell counts (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets); fever; infection; hair loss; tiredness; nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea; rash; shortness of breath; muscle aches; and numbness or tingling in your toes or fingers. These are not all of the side effects of GEMZAR. If you have any side effect that bothers you or that doesn't go away, be sure to talk with your healthcare professional. Call your healthcare professional right away if you have fever or chills. These symptoms could mean you have an infection.

You will have regular blood tests before and during your treatment with GEMZAR. Your doctor may adjust your dose of GEMZAR or delay your treatment based on the results of your blood test and on your general condition.

For more information about all of the side effects of GEMZAR, please talk with your healthcare team, see the complete Prescribing Information, or call 1-800-545-5979.

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When should I call my healthcare team?

You are probably attuned to changes in your body now more than ever. You must never take these changes for granted. According to The American Cancer Society, as a person living with cancer, you should alert your healthcare team right away if you notice any changes in your body or experience any of the following symptoms during your chemotherapy treatment1:

  • A fever of 100.5°F or greater
  • Bleeding or unexplained bruising
  • A rash or allergic reaction such as swelling or severe itching or wheezing
  • Intense chills
  • Pain or soreness at the chemotherapy injection site or catheter site
  • Unusual pain including intense headaches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting
  • Bloody stool or blood in your urine

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What can I do if I don't have insurance, or if my insurance can't cover all my costs?

"PatientOne" is the Lilly Oncology program that addresses financial, access, and claim issues for patients who are candidates for GEMZAR® (gemcitabine HCl for injection). Patients that can be helped include:

Call 1-866-4PatOne and let us know what you need. Live specialists are available Monday-Friday, 9 am-7 pm ET.

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Reference:

  1. The American Cancer Society. When Do I Call My Doctor? Available at:
    http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_1_7X_When_Do_I_Call_My_Doctor.asp.
    Accessed March 14, 2007.


About GEMZAR

GEMZAR is indicated in combination with cisplatin (another type of chemotherapy) for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced (stage IIIA or stage IIIB) or metastatic (stage IV or cancer that has spread) non-small cell lung cancer for whom surgery is not possible.

GEMZAR is indicated in combination with carboplatin (another type of chemotherapy) for the woman with ovarian cancer that has returned at least 6 months after the patient had finished platinum-based therapy.

GEMZAR in combination with paclitaxel is approved by the FDA for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer after they have received another type of chemotherapy called an anthracycline, unless their medical condition did not allow them to receive an anthracycline.

GEMZAR is indicated as a single agent (given alone) as the first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced (stage II or stage III when surgery is not an option) or metastatic (stage IV) adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. GEMZAR is also indicated for patients previously treated with 5-FU (another type of chemotherapy).

Important Safety Information

GEMZAR may not be appropriate for some patients.

If you are allergic to GEMZAR, tell your doctor you should not receive it. GEMZAR can suppress bone marrow function. There have been rare reports of serious kidney or liver toxicity with GEMZAR treatment, sometimes fatal. Serious lung toxicity has also been reported, sometimes fatal. If you think you are pregnant, are planning to be pregnant, or are nursing, please tell your healthcare team. GEMZAR may harm your unborn or nursing baby.

If you have had prior kidney or liver problems or impairment, please tell your healthcare professional. GEMZAR may not be right for you. GEMZAR has not been shown to work in children. Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.

There is a risk of side effects associated with GEMZAR therapy. The most common side effects are low blood cell counts (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets); fever; infection; hair loss; tiredness; nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea; rash; shortness of breath; muscle aches; and numbness or tingling in your toes or fingers. These are not all of the side effects of GEMZAR. If you have any side effect that bothers you or that doesn't go away, be sure to talk with your healthcare professional. Call your healthcare professional right away if you have fever or chills. These symptoms could mean you have an infection.

You will have regular blood tests before and during your treatment with GEMZAR. Your doctor may adjust your dose of GEMZAR or delay your treatment based on the results of your blood test and on your general condition.

For more information about all of the side effects of GEMZAR, please talk with your healthcare team, see the complete Prescribing Information, or call 1-800-545-5979.

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