Gemcitabine
Say it: jem-SITE-uh-been · Brand names: Infugem
Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy medicine that blocks cancer cells from making the DNA they need to grow.
What it is
Gemcitabine looks like one of the building blocks of DNA. Cancer cells take it in and use it by mistake. This stops them from making new DNA, and they die.
Often used for
- pancreatic cancer
- lung cancer
- breast cancer
- ovarian cancer
- bladder cancer
- and some other cancers
How you get it
Gemcitabine is given through a vein (IV) over about 30 minutes. It is often given once a week for 2 or 3 weeks, then a week off. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection, bleeding, and tiredness. Wash your hands often.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Nausea and vomiting. Take your anti-nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Flu-like feelings, such as fever, chills, and aches, for a day or so. Rest and drink fluids.
- Rash. Use a gentle, unscented lotion.
- Swelling in the legs or feet. Raise your legs when sitting.
- Mild hair thinning.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills that does not go away within a day
- Shortness of breath or a new cough
- Passing much less urine, or pink or dark urine
- Sudden swelling or fast weight gain
- A severe headache, confusion, or vision changes
- Bleeding or bruising that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or blood in your urine
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have kidney or liver problems
- If you have had or will have radiation
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- You will have blood tests to check your blood counts, liver, and kidneys.
- Rarely, it can cause serious lung problems.
- Rarely, it can harm the kidneys and blood cells.
- It can make radiation side effects stronger.
Questions to ask
- How often will I get this medicine?
- Which side effects should make me call right away?
- How do I manage flu-like symptoms after treatment?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Low platelets and bleeding
- Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Gemcitabine?
- Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy medicine that blocks cancer cells from making the DNA they need to grow. Brand names: Infugem.
- What is Gemcitabine used for?
- pancreatic cancer; lung cancer; breast cancer; ovarian cancer; bladder cancer; and some other cancers.
- How is Gemcitabine given?
- Gemcitabine is given through a vein (IV) over about 30 minutes. It is often given once a week for 2 or 3 weeks, then a week off. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Gemcitabine?
- Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection, bleeding, and tiredness. Feeling tired. Nausea and vomiting. Flu-like feelings, such as fever, chills, and aches, for a day or so. Rash. Swelling in the legs or feet. Mild hair thinning.
- When should I call my care team while taking Gemcitabine?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills that does not go away within a day; Shortness of breath or a new cough; Passing much less urine, or pink or dark urine; Sudden swelling or fast weight gain; A severe headache, confusion, or vision changes; Bleeding or bruising that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or blood in your urine.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Gemcitabine?
- Gemcitabine and cisplatin, Gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, R-GemOx.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.