Gemcitabine
Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog chemotherapy agent that interferes with DNA synthesis, causing cancer cells to die. It is primarily used to treat pancreatic cancer, as well as bladder, breast, ovarian, and non-small cell lung cancers.
Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug that disrupts DNA synthesis in cancer cells to slow or stop tumor growth.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01BC05
- RxNorm
- 12574
- Generic
- Gemcitabine
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Infugem, Avgemsi, Inlexzo
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the mother
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near term due to potential fetal toxicity
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
do not breastfeed during gemcitabine treatment and for at least 1 week after last dose
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 12 17 yearsweight-based dosing
use only in pediatric oncology settings with appropriate monitoring; efficacy established for some pediatric cancers
close hematological monitoring and assessment of organ function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno specific adjustment required
use with caution; no formal dose reduction required but monitor closely for toxicity
regular monitoring of renal and hepatic function, hematological parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno standard dose adjustment
use with caution; monitor renal function regularly
monitor serum creatinine and creatinine clearance before each cycle
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific dose adjustment
use with caution in hepatic impairment; monitor liver function tests
regular monitoring of liver function tests and bilirubin
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Gemcitabine was first approved by the FDA in 1996
Drug class
Gemcitabine is classified as an antimetabolite and nucleoside analog chemotherapy agent
Common uses
FDA-approved indications for Gemcitabine
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic mechanism of Gemcitabine
Treatment of pancreatic cancer (advanced or metastatic), bladder cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. May be used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy agents depending on cancer type and stage.
Gemcitabine is a pyrimidine nucleoside analog that is metabolized intracellularly to active diphosphate (dFdCDP) and triphosphate (dFdCTP) forms. The diphosphate inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, while the triphosphate is incorporated into DNA, blocking DNA synthesis and causing cell death, particularly in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Given by intravenous infusion, typically weekly. Common side effects include bone marrow suppression (low blood counts), fatigue, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. Requires regular blood count monitoring. Contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential harm to fetus. Should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver or kidney function.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy