gemcitabine, a miscellaneous antineoplastic drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used to treat adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (nonresectable Stages II and III or metastatic Stage IV) and non–small-cell lung cancer (Stages IIIA or B and IV). It is also used in combination with cisplatin to treat inoperable, advanced, or metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity and pregnancy prohibit its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Life-threatening effects are leukopenia, anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and hemorrhage. Other adverse effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, constipation, stomatitis, irritation at the site of administration, rash, alopecia, dyspnea, fever, and infection.
