gemcitabine-injection (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: recent illness, radiation therapy, kidney problems, liver problems, bone marrow problems (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), heart disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any sign of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages as they may aggravate certain side effects (e.g., tiredness). Caution is advised when using this drug in women because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: other anti-cancer drugs, recent/upcoming vaccinations (e.g., oral polio, measles). Also report your use of drugs that cause drowsiness such as: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drug (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines or tricyclics), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels carefully on all medicines (e.g., cough-and- cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include severe tiredness, rash, or tingling or numbness of the hands or feet.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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