Some mesothelioma patients are having chemotherapy treatments with the use of Gemcitabine. It is primarily helpful for lung, breast, pancreatic cancers as well as pleural mesothelioma. Combined with Carboplatin, it is also used for ovarian cancer treatment.
Through chemical reactions, Gemcitabine stunts cancer growth and kills cancer cells. It also hinders the DNA reproduction in other cells, thus slowing the growth of cancer.
Gemcitabine is an outpatient procedure for mesothelioma patients and is carried out weekly in a doctor's clinic, a cancer treatment center or a hospital for more or less two months. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate drug dosage for specific patients.
As common with chemotherapy drugs, there are side effects due to Gemcitabine. These may include two or more of the following:
*Chest pain
*Constipation
*Diarrhea
*Dizziness
*Edema
*Flu-like symptoms
*Kidney malfunction
*Liver malfunction
*Loss of balance
*Nausea
*Tendency to bruise easily
*Vomiting
A reduction of the functions of the immune system can also be expected for patients undergoing Gemcitabine therefore they are more vulnerable to infection and must stay away from sick individuals.
For any occurrence of side effects, it is best to let the physician know about it, whether big or small. Document the medications and its side effects to help you stay organized.