What is Alimta (Pemetrexed)?

Pemetrexed is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Pemetrexed is used to treat mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer associated with exposure to asbestos. Pemetrexed is also used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has already been treated with other cancer medications.

Pemetrexed may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Alimta (Pemetrexed)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to pemetrexed.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you receive pemetrexed, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• bone marrow suppression
• a weak immune system; or
• excess fluid in the space around your lung, liver, or other internal organs, including pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs) or ascites (fluid around the liver)

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive pemetrexed without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether pemetrexed passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Alimta Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Alimta (Pemetrexed)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
• urinating less than usual, or not at all
• chest pain, trouble breathing
• swelling, rapid weight gain

Less serious side effects may include:

• skin rash
• numbness or tingling
• depressed mood
• sore throat
• tired feeling
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, loss of appetite; or
• muscle pain

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Alimta Interactions

What other drugs affect Alimta (Pemetrexed)?

Before receiving pemetrexed, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• probenecid (Benemid)
• an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with pemetrexed. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Alimta (Pemetrexed)?

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Alimta Dosage

How should I take Alimta (Pemetrexed)?

Pemetrexed is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 10 minutes to complete.

Throughout your treatment with pemetrexed, you will need to take folic acid and vitamin B-12 to protect your stomach, blood cells, and bone marrow from the side effects of pemetrexed. You will need to start taking these supplements a week before receiving your first pemetrexed infusion, and will keep taking them for 3 weeks after your treatment ends.

Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are available over the counter. Be sure to take only the forms and strengths of these supplements that your doctor has recommended.

Your doctor may also prescribe steroid medications to reduce certain side effects of pemetrexed.

To treat mesothelioma, the pemetrexed injection is usually followed by infusion of cisplatin (Platinol) 30 minutes later. Cisplatin must be given very slowly, and is usually infused over 2 hours.

Pemetrexed is usually given every 3 weeks. Your doctor will determine how many treatment cycles you should receive.

Pemetrexed can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

What happens if I overdose on Alimta (Pemetrexed)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose may cause fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, mouth sores or white patches, and severe diarrhea.

What happens if I miss a dose of Alimta (Pemetrexed)?

Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment to have your pemetrexed injection.

Edited from everydayhealth.com