page_title_detailed
general_content

Gemcitabine (Gemzar) is an antimetabolite chemotherapy medicine used alone or with other agents to treat metastatic breast cancer. Gemcitabine may also be called gemcitabine hydrochloride.

on_this_page
general_content

How gemcitabine works

Gemcitabine works by interfering with the way DNA and RNA develop inside cancer cells. This medicine is similar to a normal substance inside cells, but different enough to interfere with the way cells normally divide and work.

general_content

Who gets gemcitabine

Gemcitabine is FDA approved for use in metastatic breast cancer after an anthracyline stops working or if you cannot take it for other reasons.

Gemcitabine may be used for all types of metastatic disease, including triple-negative breast cancer.

general_content

How gemcitabine is given

In metastatic breast cancer, gemcitabine is used with paclitaxel (Taxol), with carboplatin (Paraplatin) or on its own.

When given alone, gemcitabine is usually given by vein 3 weeks in a row, followed by a 1 week rest period, but schedules can vary. When given with another chemotherapy agent, it is usually given once per week for 2 weeks followed by a week off.

general_content

Side effects and things to remember

Side effects may include:

Before starting gemcitabine, be sure to tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines. You will have regular blood tests while receiving gemcitabine. You should avoid becoming pregnant and breast-feeding while you are taking it.

Your doctor, pharmacist or nurse can help you manage your side effects. You can also go to our section on Side Effects for more information.

related_resources_article_carousel

Related resources

stay_connected

Stay connected

Sign up to receive emotional support, medical insight, personal stories, and more, delivered to your inbox weekly.

about_this_page_tabbed_module

Reviewed and updated: August 31, 2015

Reviewed by: Laura M. Spring, MD

Tagged:

Was this page helpful?

Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create a world that understands there is more than one way to have breast cancer. To fulfill its mission of providing trusted information and a community of support to those impacted by the disease, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers on-demand emotional, practical, and evidence-based content. For over 30 years, the organization has remained committed to creating a culture of acceptance — where sharing the diversity of the lived experience of breast cancer fosters self-advocacy and hope. For more information, learn more about our programs and services.