Treatment with GEMZAR GEMZAR for Pancreatic Cancer GEMZAR has been the established leader in the treatment of pancreatic cancer for nearly a decade. GEMZAR has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancer of the pancreas. GEMZAR works by interfering with the process by which cells divide and repair themselves, thus preventing further growth of cancer cells. Clinical studies showed that GEMZAR helped improve survival for some patients with cancer of the pancreas. You can find out more about GEMZAR and the treatment of pancreatic cancer by clicking on these links: What is pancreatic cancer? How GEMZAR can help Side effects of treatment with GEMZAR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about GEMZAR Downloadable Resources Before You Begin Therapy—Some things You Should Know About Side Effects This booklet discusses chemotherapy side effects and the importance of discussing side effects with your healthcare team prior to choosing a therapy. Treatment Options Comparison Worksheet This basic worksheet will help you to compare your treatment options when talking with your doctor. Therapy Planner and Calendar This handy planner contains a calendar for treatment planning. The back provides a discussion tool for you to use as you discuss treatment options and side effects with your treatment team. If Additional Treatment Is Needed—A Guide to Deciding Your Next Steps This booklet is for anyone who discovers that they need additional or different cancer therapy. These options may include enrolling in a clinical trial, pursuing different types or combinations of treatment, or deciding whether you want to undergo further treatment. Click on the icon above to download a FREE copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. This Web site is intended to help you understand how your doctor may use GEMZAR to treat your cancer. This information cannot replace your doctor's advice. Only you and your doctor can assess the benefits and risks and decide if GEMZAR is right for you. Ask your doctor about the potential side effects of GEMZAR and any other medications that you will be receiving.
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Privacy Statement | Prescribing Information | Safety Information | Terms of Use Copyright © 2008 Eli Lilly and Company. All rights reserved. This site is intended for U.S. residents age 18 and over. For more information about cancer, contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. GEMZAR® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. GC 28281 About GEMZAR 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 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 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). 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. 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 non-prescription 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. SG-22