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Information leaflet on gemcitabine
and carboplatin chemotherapy
This leaflet provides information on a course of chemotherapy called gemcitabine and carboplatin. The leaflet will explain what this is and when and how it will be given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on this chemotherapy are given at the end of the leaflet.
This leaflet should be read alongside the ‘General information for patients receiving chemotherapy’ leaflet. If you haven’t received this leaflet please ask your nurse for a copy.
What is gemcitabine and carboplatin chemotherapy?
This is a chemotherapy treatment which consists of two drugs which are given in a drip:
• Gemcitabine
• Carboplatin
Why am I having gemcitabine and carboplatin chemotherapy?
Your doctor has prescribed this chemotherapy because it has been found to be effective in treating your type of cancer.
How often will I receive my chemotherapy?
For this treatment to be most effective it is given at specific time intervals. These intervals are known as cycles. It is usual to have a cycle of carboplatin and gemcitabine every four weeks for up to six cycles. Your doctor will discuss with you the exact number of cycles you will receive.
In each cycle you will receive chemotherapy twice, these are known as day 1 and day 8 treatments. The gemcitabine is given on both day 1 and day 8. Carboplatin is given on either day 1 or day 8. Your doctor or nurse will explain this in more detail.
How often will I have to visit the hospital?
Your chemotherapy treatment will usually be on a different day to your clinic appointment. You will usually need to visit the hospital three times in every four week cycle:
Clinic appointment – at this outpatient clinic appointment you will have a blood test and we will check how you are feeling and discuss any problems you may have. This is so we can check how the chemotherapy is affecting you. If your blood results are satisfactory, your chemotherapy will be prescribed. This appointment is usually a few days before your chemotherapy appointment.
If you live far away your chemotherapy may be arranged for the same day as your clinic appointment. There is always a delay between seeing the doctor and being given your chemotherapy. If your chemotherapy is on the same day as your clinic appointment you should expect to be in the hospital for between four and six hours.
Day 1 chemotherapy appointment – you will spend up to 1½ hours in one of the day case treatment areas. Please allow 30 minutes longer for your first visit. We will give you anti sickness medicine and your chemotherapy.
Day 8 chemotherapy appointment - You will need to allow 2 - 3 hours for this visit. You will have a blood sample taken. The result will be checked before pharmacy can make your chemotherapy. We will give you anti sickness medication and your chemotherapy.
You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during your treatment. Space is limited in the waiting areas and treatment room so there is not usually room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young children
How will my chemotherapy be given?
Your chemotherapy is given through a drip into a vein in the back of your hand or arm. Alternatively it may be suggested that a fine tube called a PICC is inserted into one of the large veins in your upper arm. This line can remain in place for the whole of your treatment. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this further with you.
We have a leaflet that tells you more about PICC lines. Please ask your nurse for a copy.
What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur with this chemotherapy. The doctor, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
Hair loss
You should not lose your hair with this chemotherapy. However, a small number of people experience some hair thinning. We have a leaflet that tells you more about coping with hair loss. Please ask your nurse for a copy.
Sickness
Nausea and vomiting are uncommon these days as we will give you anti-sickness medicines which are usually extremely effective. If you are sick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine, you should contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is on page 7 of this leaflet.
Infection
You are at an increased risk of picking up infections because your white blood cells which help fight infections can be reduced by this treatment. Contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you develop any signs of infection, for example flu like symptoms or a temperature above 37.5°centigrade. The telephone number is on page 7 of this leaflet.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is not common with this chemotherapy. However, if you have four or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is on page 7 of this leaflet.
Tiredness and fatigue
Chemotherapy can make you feel more tired than usual. It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as taking rest.
Sore mouth
Your mouth may become sore or you may notice small ulcers. Please follow the advice on caring for your mouth in the general chemotherapy leaflet. Your doctor may prescribe mouthwashes or medication to prevent or clear any infection.
Flu like symptoms
Approximately 20% of patients may experience flu like symptoms in the first 48 hours following gemcitabine treatment. This is usually mild and short lived. Symptoms may include fever, chills, muscle aching, headaches and tiredness. If your temperature is above 37.5oC please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is on page 7 of this leaflet.
Skin changes
Gemcitabine may cause an itchy rash in some patients. Medication is available to treat this so please tell your doctor or nurse if this occurs.
You may also notice some swelling of your ankles. This is usually mild and will stop when your treatment is completed.
Allergic type reaction
A small number of patients experience an allergic type reaction to carboplatin. If this occurs you may feel hot or flushed, itchy, light-headed or generally unwell whilst receiving your carboplatin. This can be easily treated. Please tell your nurse immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Other side effects
Some patients experience some discomfort along the vein when gemcitabine is being given as a drip. This problem may occur more frequently as you have more treatments. Having a PICC line inserted will prevent this problem from occurring. If you would like more information please speak to your nurse or doctor.
Women sometimes find that chemotherapy treatment can affect their periods. They could become heavier, lighter or even stop altogether.
It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child whilst having chemotherapy treatment as chemotherapy could damage the unborn baby.
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Copies of drug manufacturer’s patient information leaflets are available from the Velindre Pharmacy, or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk These leaflets provide detailed information about individual drugs. They are not given out routinely as they do not usually provide information on combinations of drugs, and can be difficult to read. Please ask if you would like a copy.
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888
Ask for the chemotherapy pager if you are unwell at home and need immediate attention at any time of the day or night. For example you should phone if you:
• Are sick more than once in 24 hours
• Have a temperature of 37.5°C or above
• Have diarrhoea
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm for queries about your medicines
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
Monday – Friday 9am – 4.30 for general queries on cancer
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. The leaflet has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated annually.
Prepared September 2004
Reviewed September 2009
For the original posting CLICK HERE
For leaflets on other Chemotherapy leaflets CLICK HERE
I just want to say sorry for copping out at times and leaving Lee and friends to cope!
Any help and support YOU can give her will be hugely welcome.
I do make a lousy patient!
. If YOU want to follow my fight against Cancer from when it started and I first presented with symptoms see The TAB just below the Header of this Blog. called >DIARY of Cancer< just click and it will give you a long list of the main events in chronological order. . Thoughts and comments will be in chronological order in the main blog and can be tracked in the >ARCHIVE< in the Right Sidebar. You may find the TABS >MEDICAL LINKS< and also >CANCER LINKS< of help. . YOU are welcome to call me if you believe I can help in ANY way. . Posted by: Greg Lance-Watkins
tel: 01291 - 62 65 62
Gemcitabine is a relatively new anticancer drug. It is a type of medicine called a pyrimidine antimetabolite because it interferes with the metabolism and growth of cells. It does this by replacing the pyrimidine deoxycytidine in DNA, thereby preventing the DNA from being manufactured or repaired. As a result, cells cannot reproduce and eventually die. Gemcitabine fights cancer by preventing the growth of cancer cells, which eventually results in their destruction. It is used to treat certain types of lung cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, and cancer of the pancreas. Gemcitabine may temporarily reduce the number of white blood cells, particularly during the first 10–14 days after administration. A low white blood cell count reduces the body's ability to fight infection. Thus, it is very important to avoid exposure to infections and to receive prompt medical treatment.
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