An Introduction to Gemcitabine Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
gemcitabine (
Gemzar®). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, some people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in some cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with gemcitabine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of gemcitabine side effects with you.)
Common Gemcitabine Side Effects
Gemcitabine has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. In these studies, the most common side effects of gemcitabine included:
- Increased liver enzymes (which can be a sign of liver damage) -- in up to 72 percent of people
- Leukopenia (low levels of certain white blood cells called leukocytes) -- up to 71 percent
- Nausea and vomiting -- up to 69 percent of people (see Chemotherapy and Nausea)
- Anemia -- up to 68 percent (see Chemotherapy and Anemia)
- Neutropenia (low levels of certain white blood cells called neutrophils) -- up to 63 percent
- Pain -- up to 48 percent (see Chemotherapy-Related Pain)
- Low platelets in the blood -- up to 47 percent (see Blood Clotting Problems and Chemotherapy).
Some other common gemcitabine side effects, occurring in 2 percent to 41 percent of people, included:
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