GEMCITABINE
Brand names: GEMCITABINE, AVGEMSI, Gemcitabine, gemcitabine
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Schedule-Dependent Toxicity: Increased toxicity with infusion time greater than 60 minutes or dosing more frequently than once weekly. ( 5.1 ) Myelosuppression: Monitor for myelosuppression prior to each cycle and reduce or withhold dose for severe myelosuppression. ( 5.2 , 5.7 ) Pulmonary Toxicity and Respiratory Failure: Discontinue gemcitabine for unexplained dyspnea or other evidence of severe pulmonary toxicity. ( 5.3 ) Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Monitor renal function prior to initiation and during treatment. Discontinue gemcitabine for HUS or severe renal impairment. ( 5.4 ) Hepatic Toxicity: Monitor hepatic function prior to initiation and during treatment. Discontinue gemcitabine for severe hepatic toxicity. ( 5.5 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females and males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception. ( 5.6 , 8.1 ) Exacerbation of Radiation Therapy Toxicity: May cause severe and life-threatening toxicity when administered during or within 7 days of radiation therapy. ( 5.7 ) Capillary Leak Syndrome: Discontinue gemcitabine. ( 5.8 ) Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): Discontinue gemcitabine. ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Schedule-Dependent Toxicity In clinical trials evaluating the maximum tolerated dose of gemcitabine, prolongation of the infusion time beyond 60 minutes or more frequent than weekly dosing resulted in an increased incidence of clinically significant hypotension, severe flu-like symptoms, myelosuppression, and asthenia. The half-life of gemcitabine is influenced by the length of the infusion [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Refer to the recommended gemcitabine dosage [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 )]. 5.2 Myelosuppression Myelosuppression manifested by neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia occurs with gemcitabine as a single agent and the risks are increased when gemcitabine is combined with other cytotoxic drugs. In clinical trials, Grade 3-4 neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia occurred in 25%, 8%, and 5%, respectively of the 979 patients who received single agent gemcitabine. The frequencies of Grade 3-4 neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia varied from 48% to 71%, 8% to 28%, and 5% to 55%, respectively, in patients receiving gemcitabine in combination with another drug [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Prior to each dose of gemcitabine, obtain a complete blood count (CBC) with a differential and a platelet count. Modify the dosage as recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 )]. 5.3 Pulmonary Toxicity and Respiratory Failure Pulmonary toxicity, including interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary edema, and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), has been reported. In some cases, these pulmonary events can lead to fatal respiratory failure despite the discontinuation of therapy. The onset of pulmonary symptoms may occur up to 2 weeks after the last dose of gemcitabine [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.2 )] . Permanently discontinue gemcitabine in patients who develop unexplained dyspnea, with or without bronchospasm, or evidence of severe pulmonary toxicity. 5.4 Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), including fatalities from renal failure or the requirement for dialysis, can occur with gemcitabine. In clinical trials, HUS occurred in 0.25% of 2429 patients. Most fatal cases of renal failure were due to HUS [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Serious cases of thrombotic microangiopathy other than HUS have been reported with gemcitabine [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]. Assess renal function prior to initiation of gemcitabine and periodically during treatment. Consider the diagnosis of HUS in patients who develop anemia with evidence of microangiopathic hemolysis; increased bilirubin or LDH; reticulocytosis; severe thrombocytopenia; or renal failure (increased serum creatinine or BUN). Permanently discontinue gemcitabine in patients with HUS or severe renal impairment. Renal failure may not be reversible even with the discontinuation of therapy. 5.5 Hepatic Toxicity Drug-induced liver injury, including liver failure and death, has been reported in patients receiving gemcitabine alone or with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.2 )] . Administration of gemcitabine in patients with concurrent liver metastases or a pre-existing medical history of hepatitis, alcoholism, or liver cirrhosis can lead to exacerbation of the underlying hepatic insufficiency. Assess hepatic function prior to initiation of gemcitabine and periodically during treatment. Permanently discontinue gemcitabine in patients who develop severe hepatic toxicity. 5.6 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on animal data and its mechanism of action, gemcitabine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Gemcitabine was teratogenic, embryotoxic, and fetotoxic in mice and rabbits. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with gemcitabine and for 6 months after the final dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with gemcitabine and for 3 months following the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 )]. 5.7 Exacerbation of Radiation Therapy Toxicity Gemcitabine is not recommended for use in combination with radiation therapy. Concurrent (given together or ≤7 days apart) Life-threatening mucositis, especially esophagitis and pneumonitis occurred in a trial in which gemcitabine was administered at a dose of 1,000 mg/m 2 to patients with non-small cell lung cancer for up to 6 consecutive weeks concurrently with thoracic radiation. Non-concurrent (given >7 days apart) Excessive toxicity has not been observed when gemcitabine is administered more than 7 days before or after radiation. Radiation recall has been reported in patients who received gemcitabine after prior radiation. 5.8 Capillary Leak Syndrome Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) with severe consequences has been reported in patients receiving gemcitabine as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Permanently discontinue gemcitabine if CLS develops during therapy. 5.9 Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been reported in patients receiving gemcitabine as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . PRES can present with headache, seizure, lethargy, hypertension, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurologic disturbances. Confirm the diagnosis of PRES with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Permanently discontinue gemcitabine if PRES develops during therapy.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Gemcitabine Injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine. Reactions include anaphylaxis [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Patients with a known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine. ( 4 )
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE There is no known antidote for overdoses of gemcitabine. Myelosuppression, paresthesias, and severe rash were the principal toxicities seen when a single dose as high as 5700 mg/m 2 was administered by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every 2 weeks to several patients in a dose-escalation study. In the event of suspected overdose, monitor with appropriate blood counts and provide supportive therapy, as necessary.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Gemcitabine for Injection is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor indicated: in combination with carboplatin, for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer that has relapsed at least 6 months after completion of platinum-based therapy. ( 1.1 ) in combination with paclitaxel, for first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior anthracycline-containing adjuvant chemotherapy, unless anthracyclines were clinically contraindicated. ( 1.2 ) in combination with cisplatin, for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. ( 1.3 ) as a single agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. ( 1.4 ) 1.1 Ovarian Cancer Gemcitabine for Injection in combination with carboplatin is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer that has relapsed at least 6 months after completion of platinum-based therapy. 1.2 Breast Cancer Gemcitabine for Injection in combination with paclitaxel is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior anthracycline-containing adjuvant chemotherapy, unless anthracyclines were clinically contraindicated. 1.3 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Gemcitabine for Injection in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with inoperable, locally advanced (Stage IIIA or IIIB) or metastatic (Stage IV) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). 1.4 Pancreatic Cancer Gemcitabine for Injection is indicated as first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced (nonresectable Stage II or Stage III) or metastatic (Stage IV) adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Gemcitabine for Injection is indicated for patients previously treated with fluorouracil.
Dosage forms & strengths
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Gemcitabine Injection is for intravenous use only. Ovarian cancer: 1000 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. ( 2.1 ) Breast cancer: 1250 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. ( 2.2 ) Non-small cell lung cancer:1000 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle or 1250 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. ( 2.3 ) Pancreatic cancer: 1000 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes once weekly for the first 7 weeks, then one-week rest, then once weekly for 3 weeks of each 28-day cycle. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Ovarian Cancer Recommended Dose and Schedule The recommended dosage of Gemcitabine Injection is 1000 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle, in combination with carboplatin AUC 4 administered intravenously on Day 1 after Gemcitabine Injection administration. Refer to carboplatin prescribing information for additional information. Dosage Modifications Recommended dosage modifications for Gemcitabine Injection for myelosuppression are described in Tables 1 and 2 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Refer to the recommended dosage modifications for non-hematologic adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5) ] . Table 1: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Gemcitabine Injection for Myelosuppression on Day of Treatment in Ovarian Cancer Treatment Day Absolute Neutrophil Count (x 10 6 /L) Platelet Count (x 10 6 /L) Dosage Modification Day 1 Greater than or equal to 1500 And Greater than or equal to 100,000 None Less than 1500 Or Less than 100,000 Delay Treatment Cycle Day 8 Greater than or equal to 1500 And Greater than or equal to 100,000 None 1000 to 1499 Or 75,000 to 99,999 50% of full dose Less than 1000 Or Less than 75,000 Hold Table 2: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Gemcitabine Injection for Myelosuppression in Previous Cycle in Ovarian Cancer Occurrence Myelosuppression During Treatment Cycle Dosage Modification Initial Occurrence Absolute neutrophil count less than 500 x 10 6 /L for more than 5 days or Absolute neutrophil count less than 100 x 10 6 /L for more than 3 days or Febrile neutropenia or Platelets less than 25,000 x 10 6 /L Cycle delay for more than one week due to toxicity Permanently reduce Gemcitabine Injection to 800 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 8 Subsequent Occurrence If any of the above toxicities occur after the initial dose reduction Permanently reduce Gemcitabine Injection dose to 800 mg/m 2 on Day 1 only 2.2 Breast Cancer Recommended Dose and Schedule The recommended dosage of Gemcitabine Injection is 1250 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle in combination with paclitaxel 175 mg/m 2 administered as a 3-hour intravenous infusion on Day 1 before Gemcitabine Injection administration. Refer to paclitaxel prescribing information for additional information. Dosage Modifications Recommended dosage modifications for Gemcitabine Injection for myelosuppression are described in Table 3 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Refer to the recommended dosage modifications for non-hematologic adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration (2.5 )] . Table 3: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Gemcitabine Injection for Myelosuppression on Day of Treatment in Breast Cancer Treatment Day Absolute Neutrophil Count (x 10 6 /L) Platelet Count (x 10 6 /L) Dosage Modification Day 1 Greater than or equal to 1500 And Greater than or equal to 100,000 None Less than 1500 Or Less than 100,000 Hold Day 8 Greater than or equal to 1200 And Greater than 75,000 None 1000 to 1199 Or 50,000 to 75,000 75% of full dose 700 to 999 And Greater than or equal to 50,000 50% of full dose Less than 700 Or Less than 50,000 Hold 2.3 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Recommended Dose and Schedule 28-day schedule The recommended dosage of Gemcitabine Injection is 1000 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle in combination with cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 administered intravenously on Day 1 after Gemcitabine Injection administration. 21-day schedule The recommended dosage of Gemcitabine Injection is 1250 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle in combination with cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 administered intravenously on Day 1 after Gemcitabine Injection administration. Refer to cisplatin prescribing information for additional information. Dosage Modifications Recommended dosage modifications for Gemcitabine Injection myelosuppression are described in Table 4 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Refer to the recommended dosage modifications for non-hematologic adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . 2.4 Pancreatic Cancer Recommended Dose and Schedule The recommended dosage of Gemcitabine Injection is 1000 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes. The recommended treatment schedule is as follows: Weeks 1 to 8: weekly dosing for the first 7 weeks followed by one-week rest. After week 8: weekly dosing on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle. Dosage Modifications Recommended dosage modifications for Gemcitabine Injection for myelosuppression are described in Table 4 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Refer to the recommended dosage modifications for non-hematologic adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5) ] . Table 4: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Gemcitabine Injection for Myelosuppression in Pancreatic Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Absolute Neutrophil Count (x 10 6 /L) Platelet Count (x 10 6 /L) Dosage Modification Greater than or equal to 1000 And Greater than or equal to 100,000 None 500 to 999 Or 50,000 to 99,999 75% of full dose Less than 500 Or Less than 50,000 Hold 2.5 Dosage Modifications for Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions Permanently discontinue Gemcitabine Injection for any of the following: Unexplained dyspnea or evidence of severe pulmonary toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or severe renal impairment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Severe hepatic toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Withhold Gemcitabine Injection or reduce dose by 50% for other Grade 3 or 4 non-hematological adverse reactions until resolved. No dose modifications are recommended for alopecia, nausea, or vomiting. 2.6 Preparation Gemcitabine Injection is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 Exercise caution and wear gloves when preparing Gemcitabine Injection solutions. Immediately wash the skin thoroughly or rinse the mucosa with copious amounts of water if Gemcitabine Injection contacts the skin or mucus membranes. Death has occurred in animal studies due to dermal absorption. Preparation for Intravenous Infusion Administration Withdraw the calculated dose from the vial and discard any unused portion. Prior to administration, dilute the appropriate amount of drug with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to a minimum final concentration of at least 0.1 mg/mL. Store diluted Gemcitabine Injection solution for no more than 24 hours at controlled room temperature of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Discard if not used within 24 hours after dilution. Visually inspect for particulate matter or discoloration prior to administration and discard if particulate matter or discoloration is observed. No incompatibilities have been observed with infusion bottles or polyvinyl chloride bags and administration sets.