Gemzar - who is on it?

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scungileen
scungileen Member Posts: 22
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi,

My dad is a lung cancer patient taking Gemzar. We understand that Gemzar is mostly given to breast cancer patients. My dad was originally on Abraxene and Carboplatin (abraxene is another breast cancer drug). He had to stop those drugs due to neuropathy. The doctor put him on Gemzar about two cycles ago. Amazingly, he has started getting back some hair growth. Initially, he tolerated this drug much better than the old drugs and he no longer was experiencing the neuropathy. However, this cycle is causing him increasing discomfort. He is having more stomach upsets that when he first started. Today he received his third treatments in his second round (he is off next week) and he became very sick when he got home and vomitted this evening with uncontrollable chills. I don't think he ever got this sick on the abraxene and carbo. We were very concerned. Can anyone tell me how they are tolerating this drug and what side affects they are experiencing? He has mostly chills, stomach upset, and now vomitting.

Thanks

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  • pansylover
    pansylover Member Posts: 80
    #2
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    HI!
    I found this on www.webmd.com under the drug name. there is more information there if you would like to read more,hope this helps somewhat.....SIDE EFFECTS:Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain/redness at the injection site, and flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, muscle aches) may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, drug therapy may be needed to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Changes in diet and lifestyle, such as eating several small meals or limiting activity, may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

    Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.

    Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

    Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness, fainting, mouth sores, numbness/tingling of hands/feet, swelling of ankles/feet.

    Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, easy bleeding/bruising, chest pain, cough, difficulty catching your breath (shortness of breath, wheezing), unusual tiredness, fast/irregular heartbeat, jaw/left arm pain, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, vision changes, confusion, change in amount of urine, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin.

    This medication can lower your ability to fight an infection (bone marrow depression). Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of infection (e.g., high fever, chills, persistent sore throat).

    An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.

    If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

    May your Dad find relief soon and PLEASE contact the doctor on these side effects....he will know how to handle the relief for your Dad.
    Cindie
  • kmmoore
    kmmoore Member Posts: 12
    #3
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    I have had only one treatment of Gemzar for my recurrent ovarian cancer. However, I am experiencing terrible pain and bloating in my abdominal area. I haven't had any nausea or vomiting. Advil seems to help with the pain. I'm sorry I am not of more help to you. I hope your Dad finds some sort of relief soon. Take care. Kim
  • dqueen
    dqueen Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2016 #4
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    Gemzar Fatigue

    i am on a 2 week on, 1 week off regimen for ovarian cancer.  The first few cycles I experienced few side effects. However, in the last 2 cycles, right after the second treatment I become extremely fatigued to the point where I sleep for the entire day and have little to no appetite. I get up to force liquids.  Has anyone else experienced this fatigue the day after treatment?

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