Gemcitabine is used in the treatment of pancreatic, lung, bladder, and breast cancers. It is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.

It is an antimetabolite agent that interferes with DNA replication.

Gemcitabine works by incorporating itself into DNA strands during replication. Once incorporated, it may halt the replication process and trigger cell death.

Because it also affects normal dividing cells, it may lead to side effects such as low blood counts, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections.