Gemtor 200 mg (Gemcitabine) Injection – Comprehensive Guide for Cancer Patients
Gemtor 200 mg Injection is a highly effective chemotherapy medication containing Gemcitabine, a cytotoxic nucleoside analog. Manufactured by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a trusted name in global healthcare solutions, and supplied by Saif Pharma, Gemtor 200 mg is designed to target and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. It plays a crucial role in the treatment of various cancers, including ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
This comprehensive description covers everything patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals need to know about Gemtor 200 mg – from how it works and its indications to dosage guidelines, side effects, and safety precautions.
What is Gemtor 200 mg (Gemcitabine)?
Gemtor 200 mg is an intravenous (IV) injection that contains the active ingredient Gemcitabine. Gemcitabine is an antimetabolite that interferes with the DNA synthesis process in cancer cells. It inhibits DNA replication and triggers cell death (apoptosis), making it a potent treatment for tumors that rely on rapid cell division.
Once administered, Gemcitabine undergoes a transformation in the body. It converts into its active metabolites – dFdCDP and dFdCTP. These compounds work in tandem to disrupt DNA synthesis, depleting nucleotide pools and incorporating themselves into the DNA strand. This dual action not only halts cancer cell proliferation but also enhances the drug’s own effectiveness through a process known as self-potentiation.
Indications – What is Gemtor 200 mg Used For?
Gemtor 200 mg is prescribed for the following cancer conditions:
Ovarian Cancer
Used with Carboplatin for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer after platinum-based therapy.Metastatic Breast Cancer
Combined with Paclitaxel for patients whose cancer has spread and who previously received anthracycline-based chemotherapy.Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Administered in combination with Cisplatin for advanced or metastatic stages.Pancreatic Cancer
Used as a single-agent treatment for locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Dosage and Administration
Gemtor 200 mg should be administered by qualified medical professionals under controlled clinical settings. The dosage depends on the type of cancer being treated:
Ovarian Cancer:
1000 mg/m² over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle (with Carboplatin).Breast Cancer:
1250 mg/m² over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle (with Paclitaxel).NSCLC:
1000 mg/m² over 30 minutes on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle
Or 1250 mg/m² on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle (with Cisplatin)
Pancreatic Cancer:
1000 mg/m² once a week for 7 weeks, followed by one week rest, then once weekly for 3 weeks every 28-day cycle.
Note: Dosage adjustments may be required based on individual health conditions and hematologic responses.
Warnings and Precautions
Gemtor 200 mg is a powerful anticancer drug and must be used with caution:
Schedule-Dependent Toxicity: Infusions longer than 60 minutes or more frequent than once a week increase toxicity risk.
Myelosuppression: Regular blood tests are required to monitor bone marrow function. Dosage may need to be reduced or delayed if neutropenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia occurs.
Pulmonary Toxicity: Discontinue if unexplained breathing difficulty or lung inflammation appears.
Renal Risk: Cases of Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS) have been reported. Monitor kidney function.
Hepatic Monitoring: Liver enzymes may become elevated.
Use in Pregnancy and Lactation
Gemtor 200 mg is categorized as Pregnancy Category D, meaning it can harm an unborn baby. It should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. In animal studies, Gemcitabine has shown teratogenic and fetotoxic effects.
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment as it’s unknown whether the drug passes into human milk. A decision should be made between discontinuing nursing or halting treatment based on the patient’s needs.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to Gemcitabine or any component of the formulation.
Common Side Effects of Gemtor 200 mg
Patients receiving Gemtor 200 mg may experience:
Nausea and vomiting
Low blood cell counts (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia)
Elevated liver enzymes
Proteinuria or hematuria
Fatigue and fever
Skin rash
Breathing difficulties
Swelling of hands/feet (peripheral edema)
Storage and Handling
Store below 30°C.
Keep away from light, heat, and moisture.
Keep out of reach of children.
Use in a clinical setting with emergency support available.
Manufacturer: Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (SK+F) is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh. Since 1990, it has been producing top-quality medicines in line with global standards. Their reputation for quality, affordability, and innovation makes Eskayef a trusted name across 50+ countries.
Visit Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Global Supplier: Saif Pharma
Saif Pharma is a leading oncology medicine supplier based in Bangladesh. Established in 2014, the company exports to over 60 countries, including the USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia, UAE, China, India, and Pakistan. With a commitment to affordability and quality, Saif Pharma is making a difference in the fight against cancer by providing accessible, life-saving drugs like Gemtor 200 mg.
