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Overview: Inlexzo is used to treat certain people with a type of bladder cancer. The medicine is placed into and removed from your bladder through a tube by a health care provider.  While this medicine is in your bladder, drink about 6 to 7 cups of fluids each day. You need to have pee (urine) in your bladder for this medicine to work, but you do not need to hold your pee. Go to the bathroom when you need to go. Talk with your health care provider about your risk for your bladder cancer spreading beyond your bladder.

Uses

What is Inlexzo used for?

Inlexzo (gemcitabine) is commonly used to treat certain people with a type of bladder cancer.

Inlexzo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

See also: Gemcitabine

How does Inlexzo work (mechanism of action)?

Inlexzo is a medicine that is placed into your bladder to treat bladder cancer (intravesical chemotherapy). It works by preventing DNA in cancer cells from working correctly. This allows it to stop the cancer cells from growing and multiplying, which can help slow or stop the spread of cancer.

How is Inlexzo supplied (dosage forms)?

Inlexzo is available in a form that is inserted into and removed from the bladder by a health care provider.

How should I store Inlexzo?

Inlexzo is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Inlexzo?

The most common side effects of Inlexzo are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Inlexzo that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Inlexzo?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Inlexzo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Inlexzo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Inlexzo?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Inlexzo.

  • Gemcitabine
  • Inlexzo
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Inlexzo.

Hole or Tear in Your Bladder. Inlexzo should not be used in people who have a hole or tear (perforation) in their bladder or damage to the bladder lining. These problems can lead to serious side effects because more of the medicine may enter your bloodstream.

What should I know about Inlexzo before using it?

Inlexzo is placed into the bladder through a tube (urinary catheter) by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Do not pee right before you get this medicine. Pee in your bladder helps the medicine to work. You may pee after Inlexzo is placed into your bladder. After a period of time, Inlexzo will be removed from your bladder by a health care provider. This process may be repeated several times while you are being treated with Inlexzo.

You need to drink about 6 to 7 cups (1,500 milliliters) of fluids (like water) each day while you are using Inlexzo. This amount of fluids is needed so you make enough pee (urine) each day for the medicine to be released into your bladder. Go to the bathroom when you need to go. You do not have to hold your pee.

Do not get any pee on your skin while you are using Inlexzo and for at least 24 hours after your last dose is removed from your bladder. To lower the risk of medicine getting on your skin, sit down on the toilet when you pee. Afterwards, flush the toilet and wash your hands with soap and water and wash your private area with water. If pee gets on any clothing, like underwear, remove it and wash it right away. Do not wash any clothing that has pee on it with other clothing.

You will be given a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Safety Information Card in case you need an MRI. If you need an MRI, you will have to get a very specific type of MRI scan. If you do not get the correct type of MRI, you could be injured. Make sure that all of your health care providers know that you are using this medicine. Show them your MRI Safety Information Card. The card will be used to make sure you safely get an MRI scan. 

If your partner could get pregnant, use effective birth control (such as condoms) during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose of Inlexzo. 

This medicine may make it hard for you to get your partner pregnant. If you may want to have children one day, talk with your health care provider.

Talk with your health care provider about your risk for your cancer spreading (metastatic bladder cancer). In certain people, the risk of cancer spreading beyond the bladder is higher the more time goes by without bladder removal (cystectomy).

Take any medicines, such as antibiotics, that may be given to you. Take these medicines exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions, talk with your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Inlexzo?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Inlexzo is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Inlexzo can cause harm to an unborn baby. Your health care provider may give you a test to make sure you are not pregnant before you start Inlexzo treatment. If you can get pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using Inlexzo and for 6 months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed during Inlexzo treatment and for 1 week after your last dose. It is not known if Inlexzo passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Inlexzo?

For more information about Inlexzo, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.inlexzo.com or call them at 800-526-7736.

Interactions

Does Inlexzo interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Inlexzo and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Inlexzo, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. 

Does Inlexzo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Inlexzo and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Inlexzo?

If you or someone else has used too much Inlexzo, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Inlexzo?

Inlexzo is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It is very important that you go to all of your appointments as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get or remove your Inlexzo dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.