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Gemcitabine

Prescription

Pyrimidine Nucleoside Analog (Chemotherapy)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

1 available

Interactions

1 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Difluorodeoxycytidine analog that is phosphorylated intracellularly to active metabolites (dFdCDP and dFdCTP) which inhibit ribonucleotide reductase and incorporate into DNA causing chain termination. S-phase specific with self-potentiating mechanism.

At a glance

Class

Pyrimidine Nucleoside Analog (Chemotherapy)

Schedule

Prescription (Chemotherapy)

Storage

Store at room temperature; reconstituted stable 24h at room temperature; chemotherapy precautions

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), pancreatic carcinoma, and various ca

Dose

2 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Weekly or every 2 weeks per protocol

🐈

Cat

Limited feline pharmacokinetic data

Dose

2 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Weekly

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature; reconstituted stable 24h at room temperature; chemotherapy precautions

Safety

Monitoring parameters

CBC at nadir (day 7–10) and before each doseHepatic enzymesRenal functionChest radiographs if pulmonary signs

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Cisplatin

moderate

Gemcitabine increases cisplatin intracellular accumulation (synergistic antitumor effect). However, also increased nephrotoxicity when cisplatin given before gemcitabine.

Management: If combined, give gemcitabine BEFORE cisplatin (reduces nephrotoxicity). Ensure aggressive hydration.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Gemzar

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Gemcitabine?

Gemcitabine is a pyrimidine nucleoside analog (chemotherapy) used in pets. Difluorodeoxycytidine analog that is phosphorylated intracellularly to active metabolites (dFdCDP and dFdCTP) which inhibit ribonucleotide reductase and incorporate into DNA causing chain termination. S-phase specific with self-potentiating mechanism.

›What is Gemcitabine used for in pets?

Gemcitabine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), pancreatic carcinoma, and various ca; Limited feline pharmacokinetic data.

›What is the Gemcitabine dose for dogs?

For dogs, Gemcitabine is typically dosed as follows — Used for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), pancreatic carcinoma, and various ca: 2 mg/kg PO Weekly or every 2 weeks per protocol. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Gemcitabine dose for cats?

For cats, Gemcitabine is typically dosed as follows — Limited feline pharmacokinetic data: 2 mg/kg IV Weekly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Gemcitabine need a prescription?

Yes. Gemcitabine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Pyrimidine Nucleoside Analog).

Cytarabine

Antimetabolite that is phosphorylated intracellularly and incorporates into DNA as a false nucleotide, inhibiting DNA polymerase and terminating DNA chain elongation. S-phase specific.

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