Drug Facts
Composition & Profile
Identifiers & Packaging
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Gemcitabine Injection is a clear colorless to pale yellow solution available in sterile multiple-dose vials containing: Vial NDC number 200 mg/2 mL (100 mg/mL) 1 g/10 mL (100 mg/mL) 1.5 g/15 mL (100 mg/mL) 2 g/ 20 mL (100 mg/mL) 68001-342-34 68001-348-36 68001-350-68 68001-359-37 Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). After initial puncture, Gemcitabine Injection multiple-dose vials are stable for 28 days when stored at room temperature. Gemcitabine is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1; PACKAGE CARTON – 200 mg/2 mL NDC 68001- 342 -34 Gemcitabine Injection 200 mg/2 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Discard 28 days after initial puncture CAUTION: Cytotoxic Agent Rx only Sterile Multiple-Dose Vial Gemcitabine RTU 200mg_2mL Carton Rev 0719; PACKAGE CONTAINER – 200 mg/2 mL NDC 68001-342-34 Rx only Gemcitabine Injection 200 mg/2 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Multiple-Dose Vial Sterile Gemcitabine RTU 200mg_2mL Label Rev 0719; PACKAGE CARTON – 1 g/10 mL NDC 68001- 348 -36 Gemcitabine Injection 1 g/10 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Discard 28 days after initial puncture CAUTION: Cytotoxic Agent Rx only Sterile Multiple-Dose Vial Gemcitabine RTU 1g_10mL Carton Rev 0719; PACKAGE CONTAINER – 1 g/10 mL NDC 68001- 348-36 Rx only Gemcitabine Injection 1 g/10 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Multiple-Dose Vial Sterile Gemcitabine RTU 1g_10mL Label Rev 0719; PACKAGE CARTON – 1.5 g/15 mL NDC 68001- 350 -68 Gemcitabine Injection 1.5 g/15 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Discard 28 days after initial puncture CAUTION: Cytotoxic Agent Rx only Sterile Multiple-Dose Vial Gemcitabine RTU 1.5g_15mL Carton Rev 0719; PACKAGE CONTAINER – 1.5 g/15 mL NDC 68001-350-68 Rx only Gemcitabine Injection 1.5 g/15 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Multiple-Dose Vial Sterile Gemcitabine RTU 1.5g_15mL Label Rev 0719; PACKAGE CARTON – 2 g/20 mL NDC 68001-359-37 Gemcitabine Injection 2 g/20 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Discard 28 days after initial puncture CAUTION: Cytotoxic Agent Rx only Sterile Multiple-Dose Vial Gemcitabine RTU 2g_20mL Carton Rev 0719; PACKAGE CONTAINER – 2 g/20 mL NDC 68001-359-37 Rx only Gemcitabine Injection 2 g/20 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Multiple-Dose Vial Sterile Gemcitabine RTU 2g_20mL Label Rev 0719
- 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Gemcitabine Injection is a clear colorless to pale yellow solution available in sterile multiple-dose vials containing: Vial NDC number 200 mg/2 mL (100 mg/mL) 1 g/10 mL (100 mg/mL) 1.5 g/15 mL (100 mg/mL) 2 g/ 20 mL (100 mg/mL) 68001-342-34 68001-348-36 68001-350-68 68001-359-37 Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). After initial puncture, Gemcitabine Injection multiple-dose vials are stable for 28 days when stored at room temperature. Gemcitabine is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1
- PACKAGE CARTON – 200 mg/2 mL NDC 68001- 342 -34 Gemcitabine Injection 200 mg/2 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Discard 28 days after initial puncture CAUTION: Cytotoxic Agent Rx only Sterile Multiple-Dose Vial Gemcitabine RTU 200mg_2mL Carton Rev 0719
- PACKAGE CONTAINER – 200 mg/2 mL NDC 68001-342-34 Rx only Gemcitabine Injection 200 mg/2 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Multiple-Dose Vial Sterile Gemcitabine RTU 200mg_2mL Label Rev 0719
- PACKAGE CARTON – 1 g/10 mL NDC 68001- 348 -36 Gemcitabine Injection 1 g/10 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Discard 28 days after initial puncture CAUTION: Cytotoxic Agent Rx only Sterile Multiple-Dose Vial Gemcitabine RTU 1g_10mL Carton Rev 0719
- PACKAGE CONTAINER – 1 g/10 mL NDC 68001- 348-36 Rx only Gemcitabine Injection 1 g/10 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Multiple-Dose Vial Sterile Gemcitabine RTU 1g_10mL Label Rev 0719
- PACKAGE CARTON – 1.5 g/15 mL NDC 68001- 350 -68 Gemcitabine Injection 1.5 g/15 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Discard 28 days after initial puncture CAUTION: Cytotoxic Agent Rx only Sterile Multiple-Dose Vial Gemcitabine RTU 1.5g_15mL Carton Rev 0719
- PACKAGE CONTAINER – 1.5 g/15 mL NDC 68001-350-68 Rx only Gemcitabine Injection 1.5 g/15 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Multiple-Dose Vial Sterile Gemcitabine RTU 1.5g_15mL Label Rev 0719
- PACKAGE CARTON – 2 g/20 mL NDC 68001-359-37 Gemcitabine Injection 2 g/20 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Discard 28 days after initial puncture CAUTION: Cytotoxic Agent Rx only Sterile Multiple-Dose Vial Gemcitabine RTU 2g_20mL Carton Rev 0719
- PACKAGE CONTAINER – 2 g/20 mL NDC 68001-359-37 Rx only Gemcitabine Injection 2 g/20 mL (100 mg/mL) For Intravenous Infusion Only Must be Diluted Before Use Multiple-Dose Vial Sterile Gemcitabine RTU 2g_20mL Label Rev 0719
Overview
Gemcitabine is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor. Gemcitabine Hydrochloride is 2’-deoxy-2’,2’-difluorocytidine monohydrochloride (β-isomer) with the following molecular structure: Gemcitabine Hydrochloride is a white to off white crystalline powder. The empirical formula for gemcitabine hydrochloride is C 9 H 11 F 2 N 3 O 4 • HCl and the molecular weight is 299.66. Gemcitabine HCl is soluble in water, slightly soluble in methanol, and practically insoluble in ethanol and polar organic solvents. Gemcitabine Injection is a sterile, clear colorless to pale yellow solution that is provided in 100mg/mL multiple-dose vials for intravenous use only. Gemcitabine Injection is available in four presentations: 200 mg/2 mL, 1 g/10 mL, 1.5 g/15 mL or 2 g/20 mL. Each mL contains 100 mg of gemcitabine free base (equivalent to 113.85 mg of gemcitabine hydrochloride), 250 mg PEG-300, 150 mg propylene glycol, and 16 mg sodium hydroxide in dehydrated alcohol. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may have been added for pH adjustment. Structural Formula
Indications & Usage
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 is indicated in combination with cisplatin 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
Gemcitabine Injection is for intravenous infusion use only. Ovarian cancer: 1000 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. ( 2.1 ) Breast cancer: 1250 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. ( 2.2 ) Non-small cell lung cancer: 1000 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle or 1250 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. ( 2.3 ) Pancreatic cancer: 1000 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes once weekly for the first 7 weeks, then one week rest, then once weekly for 3 weeks of each 28-day cycle. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Ovarian Cancer Recommended Dose and Schedule The recommended dosage of Gemcitabine Injection is 1000 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle, in combination with carboplatin AUC 4 administered intravenously on Day 1 after Gemcitabine Injection administration. Refer to the carboplatin prescribing information for additional information. Dose Modifications Recommended Gemcitabine Injection dose modifications for myelosuppression are described in Table 1 and Table 2 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Refer to the dose modification recommendations for non-hematologic adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )]. Table 1: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Gemcitabine Injection for Myelosuppression on Day of Treatment in Ovarian Cancer Treatment Day Absolute neutrophil count (x 10 6 /L) Platelet count (x 10 6 /L) Dose modification Day 1 Greater than or equal to 1500 Less than 1500 and or Greater than or equal to 100,000 Less than 100,000 None Delay Treatment Cycle Day 8 Greater than or equal to 1500 1000-1499 Less than 1000 and or or Greater than or equal to 100,000 75,000-99,999 Less than 75,000 None 50% of full dose Hold Table 2: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Gemcitabine Injection for Myelosuppression in Previous Cycle in Ovarian Cancer Occurrence Myelosuppression During Treatment Cycle Dose Modification Initial Occurrence Absolute neutrophil count less than500 x 10 6 /L for more than 5 days or Absolute neutrophil count less than 100 x 10 6 /L for more than 3 days or Febrile neutropenia or Platelets less than 25,000x10 6 /L Cycle delay of more than one week due to toxicity Permanently reduce Gemcitabine Injection dose to 800 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 8 Subsequent Occurrence If any of the above toxicities occur after the initial dose reduction Permanently reduce Gemcitabine Injection to 800 mg/m 2 on Day 1 only 2.2 Breast Cancer Recommended Dose and Schedule The recommended dosage of Gemcitabine Injection is 1250 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle in combination with paclitaxel 175 mg/m 2 administered as a 3-hour intravenous infusion on Day 1 before Gemcitabine Injection administration. Refer to the paclitaxel prescribing information for additional information. Dosage Modifications Recommended Gemcitabine Injection dose modifications for myelosuppression are described in Table 3 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Refer to the recommended dosage modifications for non-hematologic adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )]. Table 3: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Gemcitabine Injection for Myelosuppression on Day of Treatment in Breast Cancer Treatment Day Absolute neutrophil count (x 10 6 /L) Platelet count (x 10 6 /L) Dose modification Day 1 Greater than or equal to 1500 and Greater than or equal to 100,000 None Less than 1500 or Less than 100,000 Hold Day 8 Greater than or equal to 1200 and Greater than 75,000 None 1000-1199 or 50,000-75,000 75% of full dose 700-999 and Greater than or equal to 50,000 50% of full dose Less than 700 or Less than 50,000 Hold 2.3 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Recommended Dose and Schedule 28-day schedule The recommended dosage of Gemcitabine Injection is 1000 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle in combination with cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 administered intravenously on Day 1 after Gemcitabine Injection administration. 21-day schedule The recommended dosage of Gemcitabine Injection is 1250 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle in combination with cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 therapy administered intravenously on Day 1 after Gemcitabine Injection administration. Refer to the cisplatin prescribing information for additional information. Dose Modifications Table 4 presents the recommended dose modifications for Gemcitabine Injection myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Refer to the dose modification recommendations for non-hematologic adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )]. 2.4 Pancreatic Cancer Recommended Dose and Schedule The recommended dose of Gemcitabine Injection is 1000 mg/m 2 over 30 minutes intravenously. The recommended treatment schedule is as follows: Weeks 1-8: weekly dosing for the first 7 weeks followed by one week rest. After week 8: weekly dosing on Days 1, 8, and 15 of 28-day cycles. Dosage Modifications Recommended dosage modifications for Gemcitabine Injection for myelosuppression are described in Table 4 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Refer to the recommended dosage modifications for non-hematologic adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )]. If myelosuppression is detected, therapy should be modified or suspended according to the guidelines in Table 4 . Table 4: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Gemcitabine Injection for Myelosuppression in Pancreatic Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Absolute neutrophil count (x 10 6 /L) Platelet count (x 10 6 /L) Dose modification Greater than or equal to 1000 and Greater than or equal to 100,000 None 500-999 or 50,000-99,999 75% of full dose Less than 500 or Less than 50,000 Hold 2.5 Dose Modifications for Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions Permanently discontinue Gemcitabine Injection for any of the following: Unexplained dyspnea or other evidence of severe pulmonary toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or severe renal impairment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Severe hepatic toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Withhold Gemcitabine Injection or reduce dose by 50% for other Grade 3 or 4 non-hematological adverse reactions until resolved. No dose modifications are recommended for alopecia, nausea, or vomiting. 2.6 Preparation and Administration Gemcitabine Injection is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 Exercise caution and wear gloves when preparing Gemcitabine Injection solutions. Immediately wash the skin thoroughly or rinse the mucosa with copious amounts of water if Gemcitabine Injection contacts the skin or mucus membranes. Death has occurred in animal studies due to dermal absorption. Preparation Inspect solution and discard vial if particulate matter or discoloration is observed. Dilute Gemcitabine Injection with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to a minimum final concentration of at least 0.1 mg/mL. Mix diluted solution by gentle inversion. Do not shake. After dilution with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, inspect the diluted Gemcitabine injection solution visually for particulate matter and discoloration. Discard if particulate matter or discoloration is found. Storage After initial withdrawal with a needle, use the remaining portion in the vial or discard within 28 days. Store diluted Gemcitabine Injection at controlled room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) Discard the diluted solution after 24 hours. Administration Inspect the diluted solution for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not administer if particulate matter or discoloration is found. The compatibility of Gemcitabine Injection with other drugs has not been studied. No incompatibilities have been observed with infusion bottles or polyvinyl chloride bags and administration sets.
Warnings & Precautions
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 , 5.7 ) Pulmonary toxicity and respiratory failure: Discontinue Gemcitabine Injection for unexplained dyspnea or other evidence of severe pulmonary toxicity. ( 5.3 ) Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS): Monitor renal function prior to initiation and during therapy. Discontinue Gemcitabine Injection for HUS or severe renal impairment. ( 5.4 ) Hepatoxicity: Monitor hepatic function prior to initiation and during therapy. Discontinue Gemcitabine Injection for severe hepatic toxicity. ( 5.5 ) Embryo-Fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females and males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception. ( 5.6 , 8.1 ) Exacerbation of radiation therapy toxicity: May cause severe and life-threatening toxicity when administered during or within 7 days of radiation therapy. ( 5.7 ) Capillary leak syndrome: Discontinue Gemcitabine Injection. ( 5.8 ) Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES): Discontinue Gemcitabine Injection. ( 5.9 ) 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 dosing schedule [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , and 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 3-4 neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia occurred in 25%, 8%, and 5%, respectively of the 979 patients who received single-agent gemcitabine. The frequencies of Grade 3-4 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 Gemcitabine Injection dosage as recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , and 2.4 )] . 5.3 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 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 have any evidence of pulmonary toxicity. 5.4 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 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 discontinuation of therapy. 5.5 Hepatic Toxicity Drug-induced liver injury, including liver failure and death, has been reported in patients receiving gemcitabine alone or in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 and 6.2 )] . Administration of gemcitabine in patients with concurrent hepatic metastases or a pre-existing medical history or 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 that develop severe liver injury. 5.6 Embryofetal 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 and for 3 months following the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 ), ( 8.3 )] . 5.7 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 receive gemcitabine after prior radiation. 5.8 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. 5.9 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.
Contraindications
Gemcitabine Injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine. Reactions include anaphylaxis [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Patients with a known hypersensitivity to gemcitabine. ( 4 )
Adverse Reactions
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 )] Pulmonary Toxicity and Respiratory Failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Hepatic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Exacerbation of Radiation Therapy Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Capillary Leak Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] 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 Accord Healthcare Inc. at 1-866-941-7875 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 clinical 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 the 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 and laboratory abnormalities are provided following Table 6 . Table 5: Selected Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥10% of Patients Receiving Single Agent Gemcitabine a Adverse Reactions b Gemcitabine c All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) a Grade based on criteria from the World Health Organization (WHO). b For approximately 60% of patients, non-laboratory adverse reactions were graded only if assessed to be possibly drug-related. c N=699-974; all patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. 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 a Laboratory Abnormality b Gemcitabine c All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) a Grade based on criteria from the WHO. b Regardless of causality. c N=699-974 ; all patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. 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%), and 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 with carboplatin arm, reported in a randomized trial (Study 1) of gemcitabine plus 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 >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 3-4)] in Study 1 a a Grade based on National Cancer Institute CTC Version 2.0. b Regardless of causality. Adverse Reactions b 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 3-4)] a Grade based on National Cancer Institute CTC Version 2.0. b Regardless of causality. c Percent of patients receiving a transfusion. Transfusions are not CTC-graded events. Blood transfusions included both packed red blood cells and whole blood. Laboratory Abnormality b 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 Transfusions c 38 - - 15 - - Platelet Transfusions c 9 - - 3 - - Hematopoietic growth factors were administered more frequently in the gemcitabine-containing arm: leukocyte growth factor (24% and 10%) and erythropoiesis agents (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 Table 9 and 1 0 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 plus 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 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 3-4)] a Grade based on National Cancer Institute CTC Version 2.0. b Non-laboratory events were graded only if assessed to be possibly drug-related. Adverse Reactions b 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 Higher Incidence than Patients Receiving Single Agent Paclitaxel [Between Arm Difference of ≥5% (All Grades) or ≥2% (Grades 3-4)] in Study 2 a a Grade based on National Cancer Institute CTC Version 2.0. b Regardless of causality. Laboratory Laboratory Abnormality b 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: Table 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 with 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 3-4)] in Study 3 a a Grade based on National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC). b Non-laboratory events were graded only if assessed to be possibly drug-related. c N=217-253; all gemcitabine/ cisplatin patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data d N=213-248; all cisplatin patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. Adverse Reactions b Gemcitabine/ Cisplatin c Cisplatin d 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 at Higher Incidence than in Patients Receiving Single-Agent Cisplatin [Between Arm Difference of ≥5% (All Grades) or ≥2% (Grades 3-4)] in Study 3 a Grade based on National Cancer Institute CTC. b Regardless of causality. c N=217-253; all gemcitabine/ cisplatin patients with laboratory or non-laboratory. d N=213-248; all cisplatin patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. e Percent of patients receiving a transfusion. Percent transfusions are not CTC-graded events. Laboratory Abnormality b Gemcitabine/ Cisplatin c Cisplatin d 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 transfusions e 39 - - 13 - - Platelet transfusions e 21 - - <1 - - 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 Hepatic Increased transaminases 22 2 1 10 1 0 Increased alkaline Phosphatase 19 1 0 13 0 0 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 a a Grade based on criteria from the World Health Organization (WHO). b Non-laboratory events were graded only if assessed to be possibly drug-related. c N=67-69; all gemcitabine/ cisplatin patients with non-laboratory data. d N=57-63; all cisplatin plus etoposide patients with non-laboratory data. e Flu-like syndrome and edema were not graded. Adverse Reactions d Gemcitabine/ Cisplatin c Etoposide/ Cisplatin d 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 e 12 - - 2 - - Rash 10 0 0 3 0 0 Hemorrhage 9 0 3 3 0 3 Fever 6 0 0 3 0 0 Flu-like syndrome e 3 - - 0 - - Somnolence 3 0 0 3 2 0 Dyspnea 1 0 1 3 0 0 Table 14: Selected Laboratory Abnormalities Occurring in Patients Receiving Gemcitabine with Cisplatin in Study 4 a a Grade based on criteria from the WHO. b Regardless of causality. c N=67-69; all gemcitabine/ cisplatin patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. d N=57-63; all cisplatin/ etoposide patients with laboratory or non-laboratory data. e WHO grading scale not applicable to proportion of patients with transfusions. Laboratory Abnormalities d Gemcitabine/ Cisplatin c Etoposide/ Cisplatin d All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Hematologic Anemia 88 22 0 77 13 2 RBC Transfusions e 29 - - 21 - - Neutropenia 88 36 28 87 20 56 Thrombocytopenia 81 39 16 45 8 5 Platelet Transfusions e 3 - - 8 - - Hepatic Increased ALT 6 0 0 12 0 0 Increased AST 3 0 0 11 0 0 Increased alkaline 16 0 0 11 0 0 phosphatase Renal Proteinuria 12 0 0 5 0 0 Hematuria 22 0 0 10 0 0 Increased BUN 6 0 0 4 0 0 Increased Creatinine 2 0 0 2 0 0 6.2 Post-Marketing 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 Disorders — peripheral vasculitis, gangrene, and capillary leak syndrome Skin — cellulitis, pseudocellulitis, severe skin reactions, including desquamation and bullous skin eruptions Hepatic — hepatic failure, hepatic veno-occlusive disease Pulmonary — interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary edema, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary eosinophilia Nervous System — posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
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