Gemcitabine Drug Information
Generic name: GEMCITABINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Uses of Gemcitabine
- Gemcitabine 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 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 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 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 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 Injection is indicated for patients previously treated with fluorouracil.
Dosage & Administration of Gemcitabine
| Day 1 | Greater than or equal to 1500 |
|---|---|
| Less than 1500 | Or |
| Day 8 | Greater than or equal to 1500 |
| 1000 to 1499 | Or |
| Less than 1000 | Or |
Side Effects of Gemcitabine
- The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
- Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications (4) ]
- Schedule-Dependent Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
- Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]
- Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]
- Pulmonary Toxicity and Respiratory Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]
- Hepatic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]
- Exacerbation of Radiation Therapy Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ]
- Capillary Leak Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ]
- Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] The most common adverse reactions for the single agent (≥20%) are nausea/vomiting, anemia, increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), neutropenia, increased alkaline phosphatase, proteinuria, fever, hematuria, rash, thrombocytopenia, dyspnea, and edema. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mylan at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Single Agent The data described below reflect exposure to gemcitabine as a single agent administered at doses between 800 mg/m 2 to 1250 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes once weekly, in 979 patients with various malignancies. The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions of single agent gemcitabine are nausea/vomiting, anemia, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), neutropenia, increased alkaline phosphatase, proteinuria, fever, hematuria, rash, thrombocytopenia, dyspnea, and edema. The most common (≥5%) Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions were neutropenia, nausea/vomiting, increased ALT, increased alkaline phosphatase, anemia, increased AST, and thrombocytopenia. Approximately 10% of the 979 patients discontinued gemcitabine due to adverse reactions. Adverse reactions resulting in discontinuation of gemcitabine in 2% of 979 patients were cardiovascular adverse reactions (myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, arrhythmia, and hypertension) and adverse reactions resulting in discontinuation of gemcitabine in <1% of 979 patients were anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatic dysfunction, renal dysfunction, nausea/vomiting, fever, rash, dyspnea, hemorrhage, infection, stomatitis, somnolence, flu-like syndrome, and edema. Tables 5 and 6 present the incidence of selected adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported in patients with various malignancies receiving single agent gemcitabine across 5 clinical trials. Additional clinically significant adverse reactions are provided following Table 6. Table 5: Selected Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥10% of Patients Receiving Single Agent Gemcitabine Grade based on criteria from the World Health Organization (WHO). Adverse Reactions For approximately 60% of patients, non-laboratory adverse events were graded only if assessed to be possibly drug-related. Gemcitabine N=699 to 974; all patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Nausea and Vomiting 69 13 1 Fever 41 2 0 Rash 30 <1 0 Dyspnea 23 3 <1 Diarrhea 19 1 0 Hemorrhage 17 <1 <1 Infection 16 1 <1 Alopecia 15 <1 0 Stomatitis 11 <1 0 Somnolence 11 <1 <1 Paresthesias 10 <1 0 Table 6: Selected Laboratory Abnormalities Occurring in Patients Receiving Single Agent Gemcitabine Grade based on criteria from WHO. Gemcitabine N=699 to 974; all patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. Laboratory Abnormality Regardless of causality. All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Hematologic Anemia 68 7 1 Neutropenia 63 19 6 Thrombocytopenia 24 4 1 Hepatic Increased ALT 68 8 2 Increased AST 67 6 2 Increased Alkaline Phosphatase 55 7 2 Hyperbilirubinemia 13 2 <1 Renal Proteinuria 45 <1 0 Hematuria 35 <1 0 Increased BUN 16 0 0 Increased Creatinine 8 <1 0 Additional adverse reactions include the following:
- Transfusion requirements: Red blood cell transfusions (19%); platelet transfusions (<1%)
- Edema: Edema (13%), peripheral edema (20%), generalized edema (<1%)
- Flu-like symptoms: Fever, asthenia, anorexia, headache, cough, chills, myalgia, insomnia, rhinitis, sweating, and/or malaise (19%)
- Infection: Sepsis (<1%)
- Extravasation: Injection-site reactions (4%)
- Allergic: Bronchospasm (<2%); anaphylactoid reactions Ovarian Cancer Tables 7 and 8 present the incidence of selected adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, occurring in ≥10% of gemcitabine-treated patients and at a higher incidence in the gemcitabine/carboplatin arm, reported in a randomized trial (Study 1) of gemcitabine with carboplatin (n=175) compared to carboplatin alone (n=174) for the second-line treatment of ovarian cancer in women with disease that had relapsed more than 6 months following first-line platinum-based chemotherapy [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Additional clinically significant adverse reactions, occurring in <10% of patients, are provided following Table 8. The proportion of patients with dose adjustments for carboplatin (1.8% versus 3.8%), doses of carboplatin omitted (0.2% versus 0) and discontinuing treatment for adverse reactions (11% versus 10%), were similar between arms. Dose adjustment for gemcitabine occurred in 10% of patients and gemcitabine dose was omitted in 14% of patients in the gemcitabine/carboplatin arm. Table 7: Adverse Reactions Occurring in >10% of Patients Receiving Gemcitabine with Carboplatin and at Higher Incidence than in Patients Receiving Single Agent Carboplatin [Between Arm Difference of ≥5% (All Grades) or ≥2% (Grades 3 to 4)] in Study 1 Grade based on National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) Version 2.0. Adverse Reactions Regardless of causality. Gemcitabine/Carboplatin (N=175) Carboplatin (N=174) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Nausea 69 6 0 61 3 0 Alopecia 49 0 0 17 0 0 Vomiting 46 6 0 36 2 <1 Constipation 42 6 1 37 3 0 Fatigue 40 3 <1 32 5 0 Diarrhea 25 3 0 14 <1 0 Stomatitis/ Pharyngitis 22 <1 0 13 0 0 Table 8: Laboratory Abnormalities Occurring in Patients Receiving Gemcitabine with Carboplatin and at Higher Incidence than in Patients Receiving Single Agent Carboplatin [Between Arm Difference of ≥5% (All Grades) or ≥2% (Grades 3 to 4)] in Study 1 Grade based on National Cancer Institute CTC Version 2.0. Laboratory Abnormality Regardless of causality. Gemcitabine/Carboplatin (N=175) Carboplatin (N=174) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Hematologic Neutropenia 90 42 29 58 11 1 Anemia 86 22 6 75 9 2 Thrombocytopenia 78 30 5 57 10 1 RBC Transfusion Percent of patients receiving transfusions. Transfusions are not CTC-graded events. Blood transfusions included both packed red blood cells and whole blood. 38 - - 15 - - Platelet Transfusion 9 - - 3 - - Hematopoietic growth factors were administered more frequently in the gemcitabine-containing arm: leukocyte growth factor (24% and 10%) and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (7% and 3.9%). The following clinically relevant, Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred more frequently in the gemcitabine with carboplatin arm: dyspnea (3.4% versus 2.9%), febrile neutropenia (1.1% versus 0), hemorrhagic event (2.3% versus 1.1%), motor neuropathy (1.1% versus 0.6%), and rash/desquamation (0.6% versus 0). Breast Cancer Tables 9 and 10 present the incidence of selected adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, occurring in ≥10% of gemcitabine-treated patients and at a higher incidence in the gemcitabine/paclitaxel arm, reported in a randomized trial (Study 2) of gemcitabine with paclitaxel (n=262) compared to paclitaxel alone (n=259) for the first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in women who received anthracycline-containing chemotherapy in the adjuvant/neo-adjuvant setting or for whom anthracyclines were contraindicated [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Additional clinically significant adverse reactions, occurring in <10% of patients, are provided following Table 10. The requirement for dose reduction of paclitaxel were higher for patients in the gemcitabine/paclitaxel arm (5% versus 2%). The number of paclitaxel doses omitted (<1%), the proportion of patients discontinuing treatment for adverse reactions (7% versus 5%) and the number of treatment-related deaths (1 patient in each arm) were similar between the two arms. Table 9: Selected Adverse Reactions Occurring in Patients Receiving Gemcitabine with Paclitaxel and at Higher Incidence than in Patients Receiving Single Agent Paclitaxel [Between Arm Difference of ≥5% (All Grades) or ≥2% (Grades 3 to 4)] in Study 2 Grade based on National Cancer Institute CTC Version 2.0. Adverse Reactions Non-laboratory events were graded only if assessed to be possibly drug-related. Gemcitabine/Paclitaxel (N=262) Paclitaxel (N=259) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Alopecia 90 14 4 92 19 3 Neuropathy-Sensory 64 5 <1 58 3 0 Nausea 50 1 0 31 2 0 Fatigue 40 6 <1 28 1 <1 Vomiting 29 2 0 15 2 0 Diarrhea 20 3 0 13 2 0 Anorexia 17 0 0 12 <1 0 Neuropathy-Motor 15 2 <1 10 <1 0 Stomatitis/Pharyngitis 13 1 <1 8 <1 0 Fever 13 <1 0 3 0 0 Rash/Desquamation 11 <1 <1 5 0 0 Febrile Neutropenia 6 5 <1 2 1 0 Table 10: Selected Laboratory Abnormalities Occurring in >10% of Patients Receiving Gemcitabine with Paclitaxel and at a Higher Incidence than Patients Receiving Single Agent Paclitaxel [Between Arm Difference of ≥5% (All Grades) or ≥2% (Grades 3 to 4)] in Study 2 Grade based on National Cancer Institute CTC Version 2.0. Laboratory Abnormality Regardless of causality. Gemcitabine/Paclitaxel (N=262) Paclitaxel (N=259) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Hematologic Anemia 69 6 1 51 3 <1 Neutropenia 69 31 17 31 4 7 Thrombocytopenia 26 5 <1 7 <1 <1 Hepatobiliary Increased ALT 18 5 <1 6 <1 0 Increased AST 16 2 0 5 <1 0 Clinically relevant Grade 3 or 4 dyspnea occurred with a higher incidence in the gemcitabine with paclitaxel arm compared with the paclitaxel arm (1.9% versus 0). Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Tables 11 and 12 present the incidence of selected adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, occurring in ≥10% of gemcitabine-treated patients and at a higher incidence in the gemcitabine with cisplatin arm, reported in a randomized trial (Study 3) of gemcitabine with cisplatin (n=260) administered in 28-day cycles as compared to cisplatin alone (n=262) in patients receiving first-line treatment for locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . Patients randomized to gemcitabine with cisplatin received a median of 4 cycles of treatment and those randomized to cisplatin alone received a median of 2 cycles of treatment. In this trial, the requirement for dose adjustments (>90% versus 16%), discontinuation of treatment for adverse reactions (15% versus 8%), and the proportion of patients hospitalized (36% versus 23%) were all higher for patients receiving gemcitabine with cisplatin compared to those receiving cisplatin alone. The incidence of febrile neutropenia (3% versus <1%), sepsis (4% versus 1%), Grade 3 cardiac dysrhythmias (3% versus <1%) were all higher in the gemcitabine/cisplatin arm compared to the cisplatin alone arm. The two-drug combination was more myelosuppressive with 4 (1.5%) possibly treatment-related deaths, including 3 resulting from myelosuppression with infection and one case of renal failure associated with pancytopenia and infection. No deaths due to treatment were reported on the cisplatin arm. Table 11: Selected Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥10% of Patients Receiving Gemcitabine with Cisplatin and at Higher Incidence than in Patients Receiving Single Agent Cisplatin [Between Arm Difference of ≥5% (All Grades) or ≥2% (Grades 3 to 4)] in Study 3 Grade based on National Cancer Institute CTC. Adverse Reactions Non-laboratory events were graded only if assessed to be possibly drug-related. Gemcitabine/Cisplatin N=217 to 253; all gemcitabine/cisplatin patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. Cisplatin N=213 to 248; all cisplatin patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Nausea 93 25 2 87 20 <1 Vomiting 78 11 12 71 10 9 Alopecia 53 1 0 33 0 0 Neuro Motor 35 12 0 15 3 0 Diarrhea 24 2 2 13 0 0 Neuro Sensory 23 1 0 18 1 0 Infection 18 3 2 12 1 0 Fever 16 0 0 5 0 0 Neuro Cortical 16 3 1 9 1 0 Neuro Mood 16 1 0 10 1 0 Local 15 0 0 6 0 0 Neuro Headache 14 0 0 7 0 0 Stomatitis 14 1 0 5 0 0 Hemorrhage 14 1 0 4 0 0 Hypotension 12 1 0 7 1 0 Rash 11 0 0 3 0 0 Table 12: Selected Laboratory Abnormalities Occurring in >10% of Patients Receiving Gemcitabine with Cisplatin and at Higher Incidence than in Patients Receiving Single Agent Cisplatin [Between Arm Difference of ≥5% (All Grades) or ≥2% (Grades 3 to 4)] in Study 3 Grade based on National Cancer Institute CTC. Laboratory Abnormality Regardless of causality. Gemcitabine/Cisplatin N=217 to 253; all gemcitabine/cisplatin patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. Cisplatin N=213 to 248; all cisplatin patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Hematologic Anemia 89 22 3 67 6 1 Thrombocytopenia 85 25 25 13 3 1 Neutropenia 79 22 35 20 3 1 Lymphopenia 75 25 18 51 12 5 RBC Transfusion Percent of patients receiving transfusions. Percent transfusions are not CTC-graded events. 39 - - 13 - - Platelet Transfusions 21 - - <1 - - Hepatic Increased Transaminase 22 2 1 10 1 0 Increased Alkaline Phosphatase 19 1 0 13 0 0 Renal Increased Creatinine 38 4 <1 31 2 <1 Proteinuria 23 0 0 18 0 0 Hematuria 15 0 0 13 0 0 Other Laboratory Hyperglycemia 30 4 0 23 3 0 Hypomagnesemia 30 4 3 17 2 0 Hypocalcemia 18 2 0 7 0 <1 Tables 13 and 14 present the incidence of selected adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, occurring in ≥10% of gemcitabine-treated patients and at a higher incidence in the gemcitabine with cisplatin arm, reported in a randomized trial (Study 4) of gemcitabine with cisplatin (n=69) administered in 21-day cycles as compared to etoposide with cisplatin (n=66) in patients receiving first-line treatment for locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . Additional clinically significant adverse reactions are provided following Table 14. Patients in the gemcitabine/cisplatin (GC) arm received a median of 5 cycles and those in the etoposide/cisplatin (EC) arm received a median of 4 cycles. The majority of patients receiving more than one cycle of treatment required dose adjustments; 81% in the GC arm and 68% in the EC arm. The incidence of hospitalizations for adverse reactions was 22% in the GC arm and 27% in the EC arm. The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment for adverse reactions was higher in the GC arm (14% versus 8%). The proportion of patients who were hospitalized for febrile neutropenia was lower in the GC arm (7% versus 12%). There was one death attributed to treatment, a patient with febrile neutropenia and renal failure, which occurred in the GC arm. Table 13: Selected Adverse Reactions in Patients Receiving Gemcitabine with Cisplatin in Study 4 Grade based on criteria from WHO. Adverse Reactions Non-laboratory events were graded only if assessed to be possibly drug-related. Pain data were not collected. Gemcitabine/Cisplatin N=67 to 69; all gemcitabine/cisplatin patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. Etoposide/Cisplatin N=57 to 63; all etoposide/cisplatin patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Nausea and Vomiting 96 35 4 86 19 7 Alopecia 77 13 0 92 51 0 Paresthesias 38 0 0 16 2 0 Infection 28 3 1 21 8 0 Stomatitis 20 4 0 18 2 0 Diarrhea 14 1 1 13 0 2 Edema Flu-like syndrome and edema were not graded. 12 - - 2 - - Rash 10 0 0 3 0 0 Hemorrhage 9 0 3 3 0 3 Fever 6 0 0 3 0 0 Somnolence 3 0 0 3 2 0 Flu-like syndrome 3 - - 0 - - Dyspnea 1 0 1 3 0 0 Table 14: Selected Laboratory Abnormalities Occurring in Patients Receiving Gemcitabine with Cisplatin in Study 4 Grade based on criteria from WHO. Laboratory Abnormality Regardless of causality. Gemcitabine/Cisplatin N=67 to 69; all gemcitabine/cisplatin patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. Etoposide/Cisplatin N=57 to 63; all etoposide/cisplatin patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Hematologic Anemia 88 22 0 77 13 2 Neutropenia 88 36 28 87 20 56 Thrombocytopenia 81 39 16 45 8 5 RBC Transfusion Percent of patients receiving transfusions. WHO Grading scale not applicable to proportion patients with transfusions. 29 - - 21 - - Platelet Transfusions 3 - - 8 - - Hepatic Increased Alkaline Phosphatase 16 0 0 11 0 0 Increased ALT 6 0 0 12 0 0 Increased AST 3 0 0 11 0 0 Renal Hematuria 22 0 0 10 0 0 Proteinuria 12 0 0 5 0 0 Increased BUN 6 0 0 4 0 0 Increased Creatinine 2 0 0 2 0 0 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of gemcitabine. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Blood and Lymphatic System: TMA Cardiovascular: Congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, supraventricular arrhythmias Vascular: Peripheral vasculitis, gangrene, capillary leak syndrome Skin: Cellulitis; pseudocellulitis; severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP); desquamation and bullous skin eruptions Hepatic: Hepatic failure, hepatic veno-occlusive disease Pulmonary: Interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary eosinophilia, pulmonary edema, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) Nervous System: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
Warnings & Cautions for Gemcitabine
- 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 )
- Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs): Permanently discontinue Gemcitabine Injection if SCARs occur. ( 5.3 )
- Pulmonary Toxicity and Respiratory Failure: Discontinue Gemcitabine Injection for unexplained dyspnea or other evidence of severe pulmonary toxicity. ( 5.4 )
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Monitor renal function prior to initiation and during treatment. Discontinue Gemcitabine Injection for HUS or severe renal impairment. ( 5.5 )
- Hepatic Toxicity: Monitor hepatic function prior to initiation and during treatment. Discontinue Gemcitabine Injection for severe hepatic toxicity. ( 5.6 )
- Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females and males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception. ( 5.7 , 8.1 )
- Exacerbation of Radiation Therapy Toxicity: May cause severe and life-threatening toxicity when administered during or within 7 days of radiation therapy. ( 5.8 )
- Capillary Leak Syndrome: Discontinue Gemcitabine Injection. ( 5.9 )
- Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): Discontinue Gemcitabine Injection. ( 5.10 ) 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 Injection 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 to 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 to 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 Injection, 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 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs) SCARs, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported in association with gemcitabine treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Permanently discontinue gemcitabine in patients who develop SCARs. 5.4 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 Injection in patients who develop unexplained dyspnea, with or without bronchospasm, or evidence of severe pulmonary toxicity. 5.5 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 (TMA) other than HUS have been reported with gemcitabine [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Assess renal function prior to initiation of Gemcitabine Injection 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 evidence of renal failure (increased serum creatinine or BUN). Permanently discontinue Gemcitabine Injection in patients with HUS or severe renal impairment. Renal failure may not be reversible even with the discontinuation of therapy. 5.6 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 Injection and periodically during treatment. Permanently discontinue Gemcitabine Injection in patients who develop severe hepatic toxicity. 5.7 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on animal data and its mechanism of action, Gemcitabine Injection 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 Injection 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 Injection and for 3 months following the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] . 5.8 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 1000 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. 5.9 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 Injection if CLS develops during therapy. 5.10 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 Injection if PRES develops during therapy.
Pregnancy Safety for Gemcitabine
Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on animal data and its mechanism of action, Gemcitabine Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman . There are no available data on the use of gemcitabine in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, gemcitabine was teratogenic, embryotoxic, and fetotoxic in mice and rabbits (see Data ). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Gemcitabine is embryotoxic in mice.
Daily dosing of gemcitabine to pregnant mice increased the incidence of fetal malformations (cleft palate, incomplete ossification) at doses of 1.5 mg/kg/day. Gemcitabine is embryotoxic and fetotoxic in rabbits. Daily dosing of gemcitabine to pregnant rabbits resulted in fetotoxicity (decreased fetal viability, reduced litter sizes and developmental delays) and increased the incidence of fetal malformations (fused pulmonary artery, absence of gall bladder) at doses of 0.1 mg/kg/day (about 0.002 times the 1000 mg/m 2 clinical dose based on BSA).
Pediatric Use of Gemcitabine
Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of gemcitabine have not been established in pediatric patients. The safety and pharmacokinetics of gemcitabine were evaluated in a trial in pediatric patients with refractory leukemia. The maximum tolerated dose was 10 mg/m 2 /min for 360 minutes weekly for three weeks followed by a one-week rest period.
The safety and activity of gemcitabine were evaluated in a trial of pediatric patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (22 patients) and acute myelogenous leukemia (10 patients) at a dose of 10 mg/m 2 /min administered over 360 minutes weekly for three weeks followed by a one-week rest period. Patients with M1 or M2 bone marrow on Day 28 who did not experience unacceptable toxicity were eligible to receive a maximum of one additional four-week course. Toxicities observed included myelosuppression, febrile neutropenia, increased serum transaminases, nausea, and rash/desquamation.
No meaningful clinical activity was observed in this trial.
Contraindications for Gemcitabine
Gemcitabine Injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine. Reactions include anaphylaxis . Patients with a known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine.
Overdosage Information for Gemcitabine
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.
Clinical Studies of Gemcitabine
- 14.1 Ovarian Cancer The efficacy of gemcitabine was evaluated in a randomized trial (Study 1) conducted in women with advanced ovarian cancer that had relapsed at least 6 months after first-line platinum-based therapy. Patients were randomized to receive either gemcitabine 1000 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle with carboplatin AUC 4 on Day 1 after gemcitabine administration (n = 178) or carboplatin AUC 5 on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle (n = 178). The major efficacy outcome measure was progression-free survival (PFS). A total of 356 patients were enrolled. Demographics and baseline characteristics are shown in Table 16. Efficacy results are presented in Table 17 and Figure 1. The addition of gemcitabine to carboplatin resulted in statistically significant improvements in PFS and overall response rate. Approximately 75% of patients in each arm received additional chemotherapy for disease progression; 13 of 120 patients in the carboplatin alone arm received gemcitabine for treatment of disease progression. There was no significant difference in overall survival between the treatment arms. Table 16: Baseline Demographics and Clinical Characteristics for Study 1 Gemcitabine/Carboplatin (N=178) Carboplatin (N=178) Median age, years Range 59 36 to 78 58 21 to 81 Baseline ECOG performance status 0 to 1 5 patients on gemcitabine/carboplatin arm and 4 patients on carboplatin arm had no baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status. 94% 95% Disease Status Evaluable Bidimensionally measurable 8% 92% 3% 96% Platinum-free interval 2 patients on gemcitabine/carboplatin arm and 1 patient on carboplatin arm had platinum-free interval <6 months. 6 to 12 months >12 months 40% 59% 40% 60% First-line therapy Platinum-taxane combination Platinum-non-taxane combination Platinum monotherapy 70% 29% 1% 71% 28% 1% Table 17: Efficacy Results in Study 1 Efficacy Parameter Gemcitabine/ Carboplatin (N=178) Carboplatin (N=178) Progression-Free Survival Median (95% CI CI=confidence interval. ) in months 8.6 (8.0, 9.7) 5.8 (5.2, 7.1) Hazard Ratio (95% CI) 0.72 (0.57, 0.90) p=value Log rank, unadjusted. p=0.0038 Overall Survival Median (95% CI) in months 18.0 (16.2, 20.3) 17.3 (15.2, 19.3) Hazard Ratio (95% CI) 0.98 (0.78, 1.24) p=value p=0.8977 Overall Response Rate by Investigator Review 47.2% 30.9% p=value Chi square. p=0.0016 CR CR=Complete response PR with PRNM PR with PRNM=Partial response with partial response, non-measurable disease 14.6% 32.6% 6.2% 24.7% Overall Response Rate by Independent Review Independently reviewed cohort - gemcitabine/carboplatin (n=121), carboplatin (n=101); independent reviewers unable to measure disease detected by sonography or physical exam. 46.3% 35.6% p=value p=0.11 CR PR with PRNM 9.1% 37.2% 4.0% 31.7% Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Progression-Free Survival in Study 1 Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Progression-Free Survival in Study 1 14.2 Breast Cancer The efficacy of gemcitabine was evaluated in a multinational, randomized, open-label trial conducted in women receiving initial treatment for metastatic breast cancer and who have received prior adjuvant/neoadjuvant anthracycline chemotherapy unless clinically contraindicated. Patients were randomized to receive gemcitabine 1250 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle with paclitaxel 175 mg/m 2 administered on Day 1 before gemcitabine administration (n = 267) or paclitaxel 175 mg/m 2 on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle (n = 262). The major efficacy outcome measure was time to documented disease progression. A total of 529 patients were enrolled. Demographic and baseline characteristics were similar between treatment arms (Table 18). Efficacy results are presented in Table 19 and Figure 2. The addition of gemcitabine to paclitaxel resulted in statistically significant improvement in time to documented disease progression and overall response rate compared to paclitaxel alone. There was no significant difference in overall survival. Table 18: Baseline Demographics and Clinical Characteristics for Study 2 Gemcitabine/Paclitaxel (N=267) Paclitaxel (N=262) Median age, years Range 53 26 to 83 52 26 to 75 Metastatic disease 97% 97% Baseline KPS Karnofsky Performance Status. ≥90 70% 74% Number of tumor sites 1 to 2 ≥3 57% 43% 59% 41% Visceral disease 73% 73% Prior anthracycline 97% 96% Table 19: Efficacy Results in Study 2 Efficacy Parameter Gemcitabine/Paclitaxel (N=267) Paclitaxel (N=262) Time to Documented Disease Progression These represent reconciliation of investigator and Independent Review Committee assessments according to a predefined algorithm. Median (95% CI) in months 5.2 (4.2, 5.6) 2.9 (2.6, 3.7) Hazard Ratio (95% CI) 0.650 (0.524, 0.805) p-value p<0.0001 Overall Survival Based on the ITT population. Median (95% CI) in months 18.6 (16.5, 20.7) 15.8 (14.1, 17.3) Hazard Ratio (95% CI) 0.86 (0.71, 1.04) p-value Not Significant Overall Response Rate (95% CI) 40.8% (34.9, 46.7) 22.1% (17.1, 27.2) p-value p<0.0001 Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Time to Documented Disease Progression in Study 2 Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Time to Documented Disease Progression in Study 2 14.3 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer The efficacy of gemcitabine was evaluated in two randomized, multicenter trials. Study 3: 28-Day Schedule A multinational, randomized trial (Study 3) compared gemcitabine with cisplatin to cisplatin alone in the treatment of patients with inoperable Stage IIIA, IIIB, or IV NSCLC who had not received prior chemotherapy. Patients were randomized to receive either gemcitabine 1000 mg/m 2 on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle with cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 on Day 1 after gemcitabine administration (N=260) or cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 on Day 1 of each 28-day cycle (N=262). The major efficacy outcome measure was overall survival. A total of 522 patients were enrolled. Demographics and baseline characteristics (Table 20) were similar between arms with the exception of histologic subtype of NSCLC, with 48% of patients on the cisplatin arm and 37% of patients on the gemcitabine with cisplatin arm having adenocarcinoma. Efficacy results are presented in Table 21 and Figure 3. Study 4: 21-Day Schedule A randomized (1:1), multicenter trial (Study 4) was conducted in patients with Stage IIIB or IV NSCLC. Patients were randomized to receive gemcitabine 1250 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle with cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 on Day 1 after gemcitabine administration or etoposide 100 mg/m 2 intravenously on Days 1, 2, and 3 with cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle. The major efficacy outcome measure was response rate. A total of 135 patients were enrolled. Demographics and baseline characteristics are summarized in Table 20. Efficacy results are presented in Table 21. There was no significant difference in survival between the two treatment arms. The median survival was 8.7 months for the gemcitabine with cisplatin arm versus 7 months for the etoposide with cisplatin arm. Median time to disease progression for the gemcitabine with cisplatin arm was 5 months compared to 4.1 months on the etoposide with cisplatin arm (Log rank p=0.015, two-sided). The objective response rate for the gemcitabine with cisplatin arm was 33% compared to 14% on the etoposide with cisplatin arm (Fisher’s Exact p=0.01, two-sided). Figure 3: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Overall Survival in Study 3 Table 20: Baseline Demographics and Clinical Characteristics for Studies 3 and 4 Trial 28-day Schedule (Study 3) 21-day Schedule (Study 4) Gemcitabine/Cisplatin (N=260) Cisplatin (N=262) Gemcitabine/Cisplatin (N=69) Etoposide/Cisplatin (N=66) Male 70% 71% 93% 92% Median age, years 62 63 58 60 Range 36 to 88 35 to 79 33 to 76 35 to 75 Stage IIIA 7% 7% N/A N/A Not applicable. N/A Stage IIIB 26% 23% 48% 52% Stage IV 67% 70% 52% 49% Baseline KPS Karnofsky Performance Status. 70 to 80 41% 44% 45% 52% Baseline KPS 90 to 100 57% 55% 55% 49% Table 21: Efficacy Results for Studies 3 and 4 Trial 28-day Schedule (Study 3) 21-day Schedule (Study 4) Efficacy Parameter Gemcitabine/Cisplatin (N=260) Cisplatin (N=262) Gemcitabine/ Cisplatin (N=69) Etoposide/ Cisplatin (N=66) Survival Median (95% CI a CI=confidence intervals. ) in months 9.0 (8.2, 11.0) 7.6 (6.6, 8.8) 8.7 (7.8, 10.1) 7.0 (6.0, 9.7) p-value b p-value two-sided Fisher’s Exact test for difference in binomial proportions; log rank test for time-to-event analyses. p=0.008 p=0.18 Time to Disease Progression Median (95% CI ) in months 5.2 (4.2, 5.7) 3.7 (3.0, 4.3) 5.0 (4.2, 6.4) 4.1 (2.4, 4.5) p-value p=0.009 p=0.015 Tumor Response 26% 10% 33% 14% p-value p<0.0001 p=0.01 Figure 3: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Overall Survival in Study 3 14.4 Pancreatic Cancer The efficacy of gemcitabine was evaluated in two trials (Studies 5 and 6), a randomized, single-blind, two-arm, active-controlled trial (Study 5) conducted in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer who had received no prior chemotherapy and in a single-arm, open-label, multicenter trial (Study 6) conducted in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer previously treated with fluorouracil or a fluorouracil-containing regimen. In Study 5, patients were randomized to receive either gemcitabine 1000 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes once weekly for 7 weeks followed by a one-week rest, then once weekly for 3 consecutive weeks every 28-days in subsequent cycles (n=63) or fluorouracil 600 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes once weekly (n=63). In Study 6, all patients received gemcitabine 1000 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes once weekly for 7 weeks followed by a one-week rest, then once weekly for 3 consecutive weeks every 28-days in subsequent cycles. The major efficacy outcome measure in both trials was “clinical benefit response”. A patient was considered to have had a clinical benefit response if either of the following occurred:
- The patient achieved a ≥50% reduction in pain intensity (Memorial Pain Assessment Card) or analgesic consumption, or a 20-point or greater improvement in performance status (Karnofsky Performance Status) for a period of at least 4 consecutive weeks, without showing any sustained worsening in any of the other parameters. Sustained worsening was defined as 4 consecutive weeks with either any increase in pain intensity or analgesic consumption or a 20-point decrease in performance status occurring during the first 12 weeks of therapy. OR
- The patient was stable on all of the aforementioned parameters, and showed a marked, sustained weight gain (≥7% increase maintained for ≥4 weeks) not due to fluid accumulation. Study 5 enrolled 126 patients. Demographics and baseline characteristics were similar between the arms (Table 22). The efficacy results are shown in Table 23 and Figure 4. Patients treated with gemcitabine had statistically significant increases in clinical benefit response, survival, and time to disease progression compared to those randomized to receive fluorouracil. No confirmed objective tumor responses were observed in either treatment arm. Table 22: Baseline Demographics and Clinical Characteristics for Study 5 Gemcitabine (N=63) Fluorouracil (N=63) Male 54% 54% Median age 62 years 61 years Range 37 to 79 36 to 77 Stage IV disease 71% 76% Baseline KPS Karnofsky Performance Status. ≤70 70% 68% Table 23: Efficacy Results in Study 5 Efficacy Parameter Gemcitabine (N=63) Fluorouracil (N=63) Clinical Benefit Response p-value a p-value for clinical benefit response calculated using the two-sided test for difference in binomial proportions. All other p-values are calculated using log rank test. 22.2% 4.8% p=0.004 Overall Survival Median (95% CI) in months p-value 5.7 (4.7, 6.9) 4.2 (3.1, 5.1) p=0.0009 Time to Disease Progression Median (95% CI) in months p-value 2.1 (1.9, 3.4) 0.9 (0.9, 1.1) p=0.0013 Figure 4: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Overall Survival in Study 5 Figure 4: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Overall Survival in Study 5
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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