Gemcitabine is indicated for treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Gemcitabine, in combination with cisplatin is indicated as first line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Gemcitabine monotherapy can be considered in elderly patients or those with performance status 2.

Gemcitabine is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic epithelial ovarian carcinoma, in combination with carboplatin, in patients with relapsed disease following a recurrence-free interval of at least 6 months after platinum-based, first-line therapy.

Gemcitabine, in combination with paclitaxel, is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable, locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer who have relapsed following adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Prior chemotherapy should have included an anthracycline unless clinically contraindicated.

GEMZAR is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures in section 6.6.

Gemcitabine should only be prescribed by a physician qualified in the use of anti-cancer chemotherapy.

Posology

Pancreatic cancer

The recommended dose of gemcitabine is 1000 mg/m², given by 30‑minute intravenous infusion. This should be repeated once weekly for up to 7 weeks followed by a week of rest. Subsequent cycles should consist of injections once weekly for 3 consecutive weeks out of every 4 weeks. Dosage reduction with each cycle or within a cycle may be applied based upon the grade of toxicity experienced by the patient.

Non small Cell lung cancer

Monotherapy

The recommended dose of gemcitabine is 1000 mg/m², given by 30‑minute intravenous infusion. This should be repeated once weekly for 3 weeks, followed by a 1‑week rest period. This 4‑week cycle is then repeated. Dosage reduction with each cycle or within a cycle may be applied based upon the grade of toxicity experienced by the patient.

Combination use

The recommended dose for gemcitabine is 1250 mg/m² body surface area given as a 30‑minute intravenous infusion on Day 1 and 8 of the treatment cycle (21 days). Dosage reduction with each cycle or within a cycle may be applied based upon the grade of toxicity experienced by the patient.

Cisplatin has been used at doses between 75-100 mg/m² once every 3 weeks.

Breast cancer

Combination use

Gemcitabine in combination with paclitaxel is recommended using paclitaxel (175 mg/m²) administered on Day 1 over approximately 3‑hours as an intravenous infusion, followed by gemcitabine (1250 mg/m²) as a 30‑minute intravenous infusion on Days 1 and 8 of each 21‑day cycle.  Dose reduction with each cycle or within a cycle may be applied based upon the grade of toxicity experienced by the patient. Patients should have an absolute granulocyte count of at least 1,500 (x 10⁶/l) prior to initiation of gemcitabine + paclitaxel combination.

Ovarian cancer

Combination use

Gemcitabine in combination with carboplatin is recommended using gemcitabine 1000 mg/m² administered on Days 1 and 8 of each 21‑day cycle as a 30‑minute intravenous infusion. After gemcitabine, carboplatin will be given on Day 1 consistent with a target Area under curve (AUC) of 4.0 mg/ml∙min. Dosage reduction with each cycle or within a cycle may be applied based upon the grade of toxicity experienced by the patient.

Monitoring for toxicity and dose modification due to toxicity

Dose modification due to non haematological toxicity

Periodic physical examination and checks of renal and hepatic function should be made to detect non-haematological toxicity. Dosage reduction with each cycle or within a cycle may be applied based upon the grade of toxicity experienced by the patient. In general, for severe (Grade 3 or 4) non-haematological toxicity, except nausea/vomiting, therapy with gemcitabine should be withheld or decreased depending on the judgement of the treating physician. Doses should be withheld until toxicity has resolved in the opinion of the physician.

For cisplatin, carboplatin, and paclitaxel dosage adjustment in combination therapy, please refer to the corresponding Summary of Product Characteristics.

Dose modification due to haematological toxicity

Initiation of a cycle

For all indications, the patient must be monitored before each dose for platelet and granulocyte counts. Patients should have an absolute granulocyte count of at least 1,500 (x 10⁶/l) and platelet count of 100,000 (x 10⁶/l) prior to the initiation of a cycle. 

Within a cycle

Dose modifications of gemcitabine within a cycle should be performed according to the following tables:

 

Dose modification of gemcitabine within a cycle for NSCLC and pancreatic cancer, given in monotherapy or in combination with cisplatin
Absolute granulocyte count (x 106/l)	Platelet count (x 106/l)	Percentage of standard dose of Gemzar (%)
> 1,000                                and	> 100,000	100
500-1,000                            or	50,000-100,000	75
<500                                    or	< 50,000	Omit dose *

*Treatment omitted will not be re-instated within a cycle before the absolute granulocyte count reaches at least 500 (x10⁶/l) and the platelet count reaches 50,000 (x10⁶/l).  

 

Dose modification of gemcitabine within a cycle for breast cancer, given in combination with paclitaxel
Absolute granulocyte count (x 106/l)	Platelet count (x 106/l)	Percentage of standard dose of Gemzar (%)
≥ 1,200                                     and	>75,000	100
1,000- <1,200                           or	50,000-75,000	75
700- <1,000                              and	≥ 50,000	50
<700                                         or	<50,000	Omit dose*

*Treatment omitted will not be re-instated within a cycle.  Treatment will start on day 1 of the next cycle once the absolute granulocyte count reaches at least 1,500 (x10⁶/l) and the platelet count reaches 100,000 (x10⁶/l).

 

Dose modification of gemcitabine within a cycle for ovarian cancer, given in combination with carboplatin
Absolute granulocyte count (x 106/l)	Platelet count (x 106/l)	Percentage of standard dose of Gemzar (%)
> 1,500                                and	≥ 100,000	100
1000-1,500                          or	75,000-100,000	50
<1000                                  or	< 75,000	Omit dose*

*Treatment omitted will not be re-instated within a cycle.  Treatment will start on day 1 of the next cycle once the absolute granulocyte count reaches at least 1,500 (x10⁶/l) and the platelet count reaches 100,000 (x10⁶/l).

 

Dose modifications due to haematological toxicity in subsequent cycles, for all indications

The gemcitabine dose should be reduced to 75% of the original cycle initiation dose, in the case of the following haematological toxicities:

• Absolute granulocyte count < 500 x 10⁶/l for more than 5 days
• Absolute granulocyte count < 100 x 10⁶/l for more than 3 days
• Febrile neutropaenia
• Platelets < 25,000 x 10⁶/l
• Cycle delay of more than 1 week due to toxicity

Method of administration

Gemzar is tolerated well during infusion and may be administered ambulant. If extravasation occurs, generally the infusion must be stopped immediately and started again in another blood vessel. The patient should be monitored carefully after the administration.

For instructions on reconstitution, see section 6.6

Special populations

Patients with renal or hepatic impairment

Gemcitabine should be used with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment as there is insufficient information from clinical studies to allow for clear dose recommendations for these patient populations (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Older people (> 65 years)

Gemcitabine has been well tolerated in patients over the age of 65. There is no evidence to suggest that dose adjustments, other than those already recommended for all patients, are necessary in older people (see section 5.2).

Paediatric population (< 18 years)

Gemcitabine is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. Breast-feeding (see section 4.6).

Prolongation of the infusion time and increased dosing frequency have been shown to increase toxicity.

Haematological toxicity

Gemcitabine can suppress bone marrow function as manifested by leucopaenia, thrombocytopaenia and anaemia.

Patients receiving gemcitabine should be monitored prior to each dose for platelet, leucocyte and granulocyte counts. Suspension or modification of therapy should be considered when drug-induced bone marrow depression is detected (see section 4.2). However, myelosuppression is short lived and usually does not result in dose reduction and rarely in discontinuation.

Peripheral blood counts may continue to deteriorate after gemcitabine administration has been stopped. In patients with impaired bone marrow function, the treatment should be started with caution. As with other cytotoxic treatments, the risk of cumulative bone-marrow suppression must be considered when gemcitabine treatment is given together with other chemotherapy.

Hepatic and renal impairment

Gemcitabine should be used with caution in patients with hepatic or renal function impairment as there is insufficient information from clinical studies to allow clear dose recommendation for this patient population (see section 4.2).

Administration of gemcitabine in patients with concurrent liver metastases or a pre-existing medical history of hepatitis, alcoholism or liver cirrhosis may lead to exacerbation of the underlying hepatic impairment.

Laboratory evaluation of renal and hepatic function (including virological tests) should be performed periodically.

Concomitant radiotherapy

Concomitant radiotherapy (given together or £7 days apart): Toxicity has been reported (see section 4.5 for details and recommendations for use).

Live vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccine and other live attenuated vaccines are not recommended in patients treated with gemcitabine (see section 4.5).

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

Reports of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) with potentially severe consequences have been reported in patients receiving gemcitabine as single agent or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. Acute hypertension and seizure activity were reported in most gemcitabine patients experiencing PRES, but other symptoms such as headache, lethargy, confusion and blindness could also be present. Diagnosis is optimally confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PRES was typically reversible with appropriate supportive measures. Gemcitabine should be permanently discontinued and supportive measures implemented, including blood pressure control and anti-seizure therapy, if PRES develops during therapy.

Cardiovascular

Due to the risk of cardiac and/or vascular disorders with gemcitabine, particular caution must be exercised with patients presenting a history of cardiovascular events.

Capillary leak syndrome

Capillary leak syndrome has been reported in patients receiving gemcitabine as single agent or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents (see section 4.8). The condition is usually treatable if recognised early and managed appropriately, but fatal cases have been reported. The condition involves systemic capillary hyperpermeability during which fluid and proteins from the intravascular space leak into the interstitium. The clinical features include generalised oedema, weight gain, hypoalbuminaemia, severe hypotension, acute renal impairment and pulmonary oedema.  Gemcitabine should be discontinued and supportive measures implemented if capillary leak syndrome develops during therapy. Capillary leak syndrome can occur in later cycles and has been associated in the literature with adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Pulmonary

Pulmonary effects, sometimes severe (such as pulmonary oedema, interstitial pneumonitis or adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)) have been reported in association with gemcitabine therapy. If such effects develop, consideration should be made to discontinuing gemcitabine therapy. Early use of supportive care measure may help ameliorate the condition.

Renal

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome

Clinical findings consistent with the haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) were rarely reported (post- marketing data) in patients receiving gemcitabine (see section 4.8). HUS is a potentially life-threatening disorder. Gemcitabine should be discontinued at the first signs of any evidence of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, such as rapidly falling haemoglobin with concomitant thrombocytopaenia, elevation of serum bilirubin, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, or LDH. Renal failure may not be reversible with discontinuation of therapy and dialysis may be required.

Fertility

In fertility studies gemcitabine caused hypospermatogenesis in male mice (see section 5.3). Therefore, men being treated with gemcitabine are advised not to father a child during and up to 3 months after treatment and to seek further advice regarding cryoconservation of sperm prior to treatment because of the possibility of infertility due to therapy with gemcitabine (see section 4.6).

 

Sodium

Gemzar 200 mg contains 3.5 mg (<1 mmol) sodium per vial ie essentially sodium free.  

 

Gemzar 1000 mg contains 17.5 mg (< 1 mmol) sodium per vial ie essentially sodium free.

 

No specific interaction studies have been performed (see section 5.2)

 

Radiotherapy

Concurrent (given together or £ 7 days apart) - Toxicity associated with this multimodality therapy is dependent on many different factors, including dose of gemcitabine, frequency of gemcitabine administration, dose of radiation, radiotherapy planning technique, the target tissue, and target volume.  Pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown that gemcitabine has radiosensitising activity. In a single trial, where gemcitabine at a dose of 1,000 mg/m² was administered concurrently for up to 6 consecutive weeks with therapeutic thoracic radiation to patients with non-small cell lung cancer, significant toxicity in the form of severe, and potentially life threatening mucositis, especially oesophagitis, and pneumonitis was observed, particularly in patients receiving large volumes of radiotherapy [median treatment volumes 4,795 cm³]. Studies done subsequently have suggested that it is feasible to administer gemcitabine at lower doses with concurrent radiotherapy with predictable toxicity, such as a phase II study in non-small cell lung cancer, where thoracic radiation doses of 66 Gy were applied concomitantly with an administration with gemcitabine (600 mg/m², four times) and cisplatin (80 mg/m² twice) during 6 weeks. The optimum regimen for safe administration of gemcitabine with therapeutic doses of radiation has not yet been determined in all tumour types.

 

Non-concurrent (given >7 days apart)- Analysis of the data does not indicate any enhanced toxicity when gemcitabine is administered more than 7 days before or after radiation, other than radiation recall. Data suggest that gemcitabine can be started after the acute effects of radiation have resolved or at least one week after radiation.  

 

Radiation injury has been reported on targeted tissues (e.g. oesophagitis, colitis, and pneumonitis) in association with both concurrent and non-concurrent use of gemcitabine.  

 

Others

Yellow fever and other live attenuated vaccines are not recommended due to the risk of systemic, possibly fatal, disease, particularly in immunosuppressed patients.

 

Women of childbearing potential/contraception in men and women

Due to the genotoxic potential of gemcitabine (see section 5.3), women of childbearing potential should use effective contraceptive measures while being treated with gemcitabine and for 6 months following completion of treatment.

Men are recommended to use effective contraceptive measures and to not father a child while receiving gemcitabine and for 3 months following completion of treatment.

Pregnancy

There are no adequate data from the use of gemcitabine in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Based on results from animal studies and the mechanism of action of gemcitabine, this substance should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Women should be advised not to become pregnant during treatment with gemcitabine and to warn their attending physician immediately, should this occur after all.

Breast-feeding

It is not known whether gemcitabine is excreted in human milk and adverse effects on the suckling child cannot be excluded. Breast-feeding must be discontinued during gemcitabine therapy.

Fertility

In fertility studies gemcitabine caused hypospermatogenesis in male mice (see section 5.3). Therefore, men being treated with gemcitabine are advised not to father a child during and up to 3 months after treatment and to seek further advice regarding cryoconservation of sperm prior to treatment because of the possibility of infertility due to therapy with gemcitabine.

 

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, gemcitabine has been reported to cause mild to moderate somnolence, especially in combination with alcohol consumption. Patients should be cautioned against driving or operating machinery until it is established that they do not become somnolent. 

The most commonly reported adverse drug reactions associated with Gemzar treatment include: nausea with or without vomiting, raised liver transaminases (AST/ALT) and alkaline phosphatase, reported in approximately 60% of patients; proteinuria and haematuria reported in approximately 50% patients; dyspnoea reported in 10‑40% of patients (highest incidence in lung cancer patients); allergic skin rashes occur in approximately 25% of patients and are associated with itching in 10% of patients.

 

The frequency and severity of the adverse reactions are affected by the dose, infusion rate and intervals between doses (see section 4.4). Dose‑limiting adverse reactions are reductions in thrombocyte, leucocyte and granulocyte counts (see section 4.2).

 

Clinical trial data

Frequencies are defined as: Very common (≥1/10), Common (³1/100 to <1/10), Uncommon (≥1/1000 to <1/100), Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1000), Very Rare (<1/10,000). 

 

The following table of undesirable effects and frequencies is based on data from clinical trials. Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

 

System Organ Class	Frequency grouping
Infections and infestations	Common Infections   Not known Sepsis
Blood and lymphatic system disorders	Very common Leucopaenia (Neutropaenia Grade 3 = 19.3 %; Grade 4 = 6 %). Bone-marrow suppression is usually mild to moderate and mostly affects the granulocyte count (see section 4.2 and 4.4) Thrombocytopaenia Anaemia   Common Febrile neutropaenia   Very rare Thrombocytosis Thrombotic microangiopathy
Immune system disorders	Very Rare Anaphylactoid reaction
Metabolism and nutrition disorders	Common Anorexia
Nervous system disorders	Common Headache Insomnia Somnolence Uncommon Cerebrovascular accident Very rare Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (see section 4.4.)
Cardiac disorders	Uncommon Arrhythmias, predominantly supraventricular in nature   Heart failure Rare Myocardial infarct
Vascular disorders	Rare   Clinical signs of peripheral vasculitis and gangrene Hypotension   Very rare Capillary leak syndrome (see section 4.4)
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders	Very common Dyspnoea –usually mild and passes rapidly without treatment   Common Cough Rhinitis   Uncommon Interstitial pneumonitis (see section 4.4) Bronchospasm –usually mild and transient but may require parenteral treatment   Rare    Pulmonary oedema Adult respiratory distress syndrome (see section 4.4.)
Gastrointestinal disorders	Very common Vomiting Nausea   Common ·         Diarrhoea ·         Stomatitis and ulceration of the mouth ·         Constipation   Very rare   Ischaemic colitis
Hepatobiliary disorders	Very common Elevation of liver transaminases (AST and ALT) and alkaline phosphatase   Common Increased bilirubin   Uncommon    Serious hepatotoxicity, including liver failure and death   Rare Increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders	Very common Allergic skin rash frequently associated with pruritus Alopecia   Common Itching Sweating   Rare    Severe skin reactions, including desquamation and bullous skin eruptions Ulceration Vesicle and sore formation Scaling   Very rare  Toxic epidermal necrolysis Stevens-Johnson Syndrome    Not known: Pseudocellulitis
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders	Common Back pain Myalgia
Renal and urinary disorders	Very Common Haematuria Mild proteinuria   Uncommon Renal failure (see section 4.4) Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (see section 4.4)
General disorders and administration site conditions	Very common Influenza-like symptoms - the most common symptoms are fever, headache, chills, myalgia, asthenia and anorexia. Cough, rhinitis, malaise, perspiration and sleeping difficulties have also been reported. Oedema/peripheral oedema-including facial oedema.  Oedema is usually reversible after stopping treatment   Common Fever Asthenia Chills   Rare Injection site reactions-mainly mild in nature
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications	Rare   Radiation toxicity (see section 4.5)   Radiation recall

 

Combination use in breast cancer

The frequency of grade 3 and 4 haematological toxicities, particularly neutropaenia, increases when gemcitabine is used in combination with paclitaxel. However, the increase in these adverse reactions is not associated with an increased incidence of infections or haemorrhagic events. Fatigue and febrile neutropaenia occur more frequently when gemcitabine is used in combination with paclitaxel. Fatigue, which is not associated with anaemia, usually resolves after the first cycle.

 

 

Grade 3 and 4 Adverse Events Paclitaxel versus gemcitabine plus paclitaxel
	Number (%) of Patients
	Paclitaxel arm (N=259)		Gemcitabine plus Paclitaxel arm (N=262)
	Grade 3	Grade 4	Grade 3	Grade 4
Laboratory
Anaemia	5 (1.9)	1 (0.4)	15 (5.7)	3 (1.1)
Thrombocytopaenia	0	0	14 (5.3)	1 (0.4)
Neutropaenia	11 (4.2)	17 (6.6)*	82 (31.3)	45 (17.2)*
Non-laboratory
Febrile neutropaenia	3 (1.2)	0	12 (4.6)	1(0.4)
Fatigue	3 (1.2)	1 (0.4)	15 (5.7)	2 (0.8)
Diarrhoea	5 (1.9)	0	8 (3.1)	0
Motor neuropathy	2(0.8)	0	6(2.3)	1(0.4)
Sensory neuropathy	9(3.5)	0	14(5.3)	1(0.4)

*Grade 4 neutropaenia lasting for more than 7 days occurred in 12.6% of patients in the combination arm and 5.0% of patients in the paclitaxel arm. 

 

Combination use in ovarian cancer

 

Grade 3 and 4 Adverse Events Carboplatin versus Gemcitabine plus carboplatin
	Number (%) of Patients
	Carboplatin arm (N=174)		Gemcitabine plus carboplatin arm (N=175)
	Grade 3	Grade 4	Grade 3	Grade 4
Laboratory
Anaemia	10(5.7)	4(2.3)	39(22.3)	9(5.1)
Neutropaenia	19(10.9)	2(1.1)	73(41.7)	50(28.6)
Thrombocytopaenia	18(10.3)	2(1.1)	53(30.3)	8(4.6)
Leucopaenia	11(6.3)	1(0.6)	84(48.0)	9(5.1)
Non-laboratory
Haemorrhage	0(0.0)	0(0.0)	3(1.8)	(0.0)
Febrile neutropaenia	0(0.0)	0(0.0)	2(1.1)	(0.0)
Infection without           neutropaenia	0(0)	0(0.0)	(0.0)	1(0.6)

Sensory neuropathy was also more frequent in the combination arm than with single agent carboplatin

 

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system listed below.

 

Please report adverse drug events to:

The National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC):

SFDA Call Center: 19999

E-mail: npc.drug@sfda.gov.sa

Website: https://ade.sfda.gov.sa

 

There is no known antidote for overdose of gemcitabine. Doses as high as 5700 mg/m² have been administered by intravenous infusion over 30‑minutes every 2 weeks with clinically acceptable toxicity. In the event of suspected overdose, the patient should be monitored with appropriate blood counts and receive supportive therapy, as necessary.

 

Pharmacotherapeutic group: pyrimidine analogues ATC code: L01BC05

 

Cytotoxic activity in cell cultures

Gemcitabine shows significant cytotoxic effects against a variety of cultured murine and human tumour cells. Its action is phase-specific such that gemcitabine primarily kills cells that are undergoing DNA synthesis (S‑phase) and, under certain circumstances, blocks the progression of cells at the junction of the G₁/S phase boundary. In vitro, the cytotoxic effect of gemcitabine is dependent on both concentration and time.

 

Antitumoral activity in preclinical models

In animal tumour models, antitumoural activity of gemcitabine is schedule-dependent. When gemcitabine is administered daily, high mortality among the animals but minimal antitumoural activity is observed. If, however, gemcitabine is given every third or fourth day, it can be administered in non-lethal doses with substantial antitumoural activity against a broad spectrum of mouse tumours.

 

Mechanism of action

Cellular metabolism and mechanism of action: Gemcitabine (dFdC), which is a pyrimidine antimetabolite, is metabolised intracellularly by nucleoside kinase to the active diphosphate (dFdCDP) and triphosphate (dFdCTP) nucleosides. The cytotoxic effect of gemcitabine is due to inhibition of DNA synthesis by two mechanisms of action by dFdCDP and dFdCTP. First, dFdCDP inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, which is uniquely responsible for catalysing the reactions that produce deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dCTP) for DNA synthesis. Inhibition of this enzyme by dFdCDP reduces the concentration of deoxynucleosides in general and, in particular, dCTP. Second, dFdCTP competes with dCTP for incorporation into DNA (self-potentiation).

 

Likewise, a small amount of gemcitabine may also be incorporated into RNA. Thus, the reduced intracellular concentration of dCTP potentiates the incorporation of dFdCTP into DNA. DNA polymerase epsilon lacks the ability to eliminate gemcitabine and to repair the growing DNA strands. After gemcitabine is incorporated into DNA, one additional nucleotide is added to the growing DNA strands. After this addition there is essentially a complete inhibition in further DNA synthesis (masked chain termination). After incorporation into DNA, gemcitabine appears to induce the programmed cell death process known as apoptosis.

 

Clinical data

 

Pancreatic cancer

In a randomised phase III study of 126 patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer, gemcitabine showed a statistically significant higher clinical benefit response rate than 5-fluorouracil (23.8% and 4.8% respectively, p=0.0022). Also, a statistically significant prolongation of the time to progression from 0.9 to 2.3 months (log-rank p<0.0002) and a statistically significant prolongation of median survival from 4.4 to 5.7 months (log-rank p<0.0024) was observed in patients treated with gemcitabine compared to patients treated with 5-fluorouracil.

 

Non small cell lung cancer

In a randomised phase III study of 522 patients with inoperable, locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC, gemcitabine in combination with cisplatin showed a statistically significant higher response rate than cisplatin alone (31.0% and 12.0%, respectively, p<0.0001). A statistically significant prolongation of the time to progression, from 3.7 to 5.6 months (log-rank p<0.0012) and a statistically significant prolongation of median survival from 7.6 months to 9.1 months (log-rank p<0.004) was observed in patients treated with gemcitabine/cisplatin compared to patients treated with cisplatin.

In another randomised phase III study of 135 patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC, a combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin showed a statistically significant higher response rate than a combination of cisplatin and etoposide (40.6% and 21.2%, respectively, p=0.025). A statistically significant prolongation of the time to progression, from 4.3 to 6.9 months (p=0.014) was observed in patients treated with gemcitabine/cisplatin compared to patients treated with etoposide/cisplatin.

In both studies it was found that tolerability was similar in the two treatment arms.

 

Ovarian carcinoma

In a randomised phase III study, 356 patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma who had relapsed at least 6 months after completing platinum based therapy were randomised to therapy with gemcitabine and carboplatin (GCb), or carboplatin (Cb). A statistically significant prolongation of the time to progression of disease, from 5.8 to 8.6 months (log-rank p= 0.0038) was observed in the patients treated with GCb compared to patients treated with Cb. Differences in response rate of 47.2% in the GCb arm versus 30.9% in the Cb arm (p=0.0016) and median survival 18 months (GCb) versus 17.3 (Cb) (p=0.73) favoured the GCb arm.

 

Breast cancer

In a randomised phase III study of 529 patients with inoperable, locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer with relapse after adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy, gemcitabine in combination with paclitaxel showed a statistically significant prolongation of time to documented disease progression from 3.98 to 6.14 months (log-rank p=0.0002) in patients treated with gemcitabine/paclitaxel compared to patients treated with paclitaxel. After 377 deaths, the overall survival was 18.6 months versus 15.8 months (log rank p=0.0489, HR 0.82) in patients treated with gemcitabine/paclitaxel compared to patients treated with paclitaxel and the overall response rate was 41.4% and 26.2% respectively (p= 0.0002).

 

The pharmacokinetics of gemcitabine have been examined in 353 patients in seven studies. The 121 women and 232 men ranged in age from 29 to 79 years. Of these patients, approximately 45% had non‑small cell lung cancer and 35% were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The following pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained for doses ranging from 500 to 2,592 mg/m² that were infused from 0.4 to 1.2 hours.

 

Peak plasma concentrations (obtained within 5 minutes of the end of the infusion) were 3.2 to 45.5 µg/ml. Plasma concentrations of the parent compound following a dose of 1,000 mg/m²/30‑minutes are greater than 5 µg/ml for approximately 30‑minutes after the end of the infusion, and greater than 0.4 µg/ml for an additional hour.

 

Distribution

The volume of distribution of the central compartment was 12.4 l/m² for women and 17.5 l/m² for men (inter‑individual variability was 91.9%). The volume of distribution of the peripheral compartment was 47.4 l/m². The volume of the peripheral compartment was not sensitive to gender.

The plasma protein binding was considered to be negligible.

Half‑life: This ranged from 42 to 94 minutes depending on age and gender. For the recommended dosing schedule, gemcitabine elimination should be virtually complete within 5 to 11 hours of the start of the infusion. Gemcitabine does not accumulate when administered once weekly.

 

Biotransformation

Gemcitabine is rapidly metabolised by cytidine deaminase in the liver, kidney, blood and other tissues. Intracellular metabolism of gemcitabine produces the gemcitabine mono, di and triphosphates (dFdCMP, dFdCDP and dFdCTP) of which dFdCDP and dFdCTP are considered active. These intracellular metabolites have not been detected in plasma or urine. The primary metabolite, 2'‑deoxy‑2', 2'‑difluorouridine (dFdU), is not active and is found in plasma and urine.

 

Elimination

Systemic clearance ranged from 29.2 l/hr/m² to 92.2 /hr/m² depending on gender and age (inter‑individual variability was 52.2%). Clearance for women is approximately 25% lower than the values for men. Although rapid, clearance for both men and women appears to decrease with age. For the recommended gemcitabine dose of 1000 mg/m² given as a 30‑minute infusion, lower clearance values for women and men should not necessitate a decrease in the gemcitabine dose.

Urinary excretion: Less than 10% is excreted as unchanged drug.

Renal clearance was 2 to 7 l/hr/m².

 

During the week following administration, 92 to 98% of the dose of gemcitabine administered is recovered, 99% in the urine, mainly in the form of dFdU and 1% of the dose is excreted in faeces.

 

dFdCTP kinetics

This metabolite can be found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the information below refers to these cells. Intracellular concentrations increase in proportion to gemcitabine doses of 35‑350 mg/ m²/30‑minutes, which give steady state concentrations of 0.4‑5 µg/ml. At gemcitabine plasma concentrations above 5 µg/ml, dFdCTP levels do not increase, suggesting that the formation is saturable in these cells.

Half‑life of terminal elimination: 0.7‑12 hours.

 

dFdU kinetics
Peak plasma concentrations (3‑15 minutes after end of 30‑minute infusion, 1000 mg/m²): 28‑52 µg/ml.  Trough concentration following once weekly dosing: 0.07‑1.12 µg/ml, with no apparent accumulation.  Triphasic plasma concentration versus time curve, mean half‑life of terminal phase ‑ 65 hours (range 33‑84 hr).

Formation of dFdU from parent compound: 91%‑98%.

Mean volume of distribution of central compartment: 18 l/m² (range 11‑22 l/m²).

Mean steady state volume of distribution (Vss): 150 l/m² (range 96‑228 l/m²).

Tissue distribution: Extensive.

Mean apparent clearance: 2.5 l/hr/m² (range 1‑4 l/hr/m²).

Urinary excretion: All.

 

Gemcitabine and paclitaxel combination therapy

Combination therapy did not alter the pharmacokinetics of either gemcitabine or paclitaxel.

 

Gemcitabine and carboplatin combination therapy

When given in combination with carboplatin the pharmacokinetics of gemcitabine were not altered

 

Renal impairment

Mild to moderate renal insufficiency (GFR from 30 ml/min to 80 ml/min) has no consistent, significant effect on gemcitabine pharmacokinetics.

In repeat-dose studies of up to 6 months in duration in mice and dogs, the principal finding was schedule and dose-dependent haematopoietic suppression which was reversible.

 

Gemcitabine is mutagenic in an in vitro mutation test and an in vivo bone marrow micronucleus test. Long term animal studies evaluating the carcinogenic potential have not been performed.

 

In fertility studies, gemcitabine caused reversible hypospermatogenesis in male mice. No effect on the fertility of females has been detected.

 

Evaluation of experimental animal studies has shown reproductive toxicity e.g. birth defects and other effects on the development of the embryo or foetus, the course of gestation or peri- and postnatal development.

Gemzar 200 mg contains:

Mannitol (E421)

Sodium acetate (E262)

Hydrochloric acid (E507) (for pH adjustment)

Sodium hydroxide (E524) (for pH adjustment)

 

Gemzar 1000 mg contains

Mannitol (E421)

Sodium acetate (E262)

Hydrochloric acid (E507) (for pH adjustment)

Sodium hydroxide (E524) (for pH adjustment)

This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in section 6.6.

Unopened vials: 3 years. Reconstituted solution: Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 24 hours at 30C. From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at room temperature, unless reconstitution (and further dilution, if applicable) has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions. Solutions of reconstituted gemcitabine should not be refrigerated, as crystallisation may occur.

Unopened vial: Store below 30°C

For storage conditions of the reconstituted medicinal product, see section 6.3

Type I flint glass vials, with a rubber stopper and sealed with an aluminium seal, combined with a polypropylene cap.

Each pack contains 1 vial.

GEMZAR is a hazardous drug.

Handling

The normal safety precautions for cytostatic agents must be observed when preparing and disposing of the infusion solution. Handling of the solution for infusion should be done in a safety box and protective coats and gloves should be used. If no safety box is available, the equipment should be supplemented with a mask and protective glasses.

If the preparation comes into contact with the eyes, this may cause serious irritation. The eyes should be rinsed immediately and thoroughly with water. If there is lasting irritation, a doctor should be consulted. If the solution is spilled on the skin, rinse thoroughly with water.

 

Instructions for reconstitution (and further dilution, if performed)

The only approved diluent for reconstitution of gemcitabine sterile powder is sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection (without preservative). Due to solubility considerations, the maximum concentration for gemcitabine upon reconstitution is 40 mg/ml. Reconstitution at concentrations greater than 40 mg/ml may result in incomplete dissolution and should be avoided.  

 

1.              Use aseptic technique during the reconstitution and any further dilution of gemcitabine for intravenous infusion administration.

 

2.              To reconstitute, add 5 ml of sterile sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) solution for injection, without preservative, to the 200 mg vial or 25 ml sterile sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) solution for injection, without preservative, to the 1000 mg vial. The total volume after reconstitution is 5.26 ml (200 mg vial) or 26.3 ml (1000 mg vial) respectively. This yields a gemcitabine concentration of 38 mg/ml, which includes accounting for the displacement volume of the lyophilised powder. Shake to dissolve. Further dilution with sterile sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) solution for injection, without preservative can be done.   Reconstituted solution is a clear colourless to light straw-coloured solution.  

 

3.              Parenteral medicinal products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration prior to administration. If particulate matter is observed, do not administer.

 

Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.