uses
What is pemetrexed used for?Pemetrexed is commonly used to treat certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is also used to treat mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs.Pemetrexed may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does pemetrexed work (mechanism of action)?Pemetrexed is a type of chemotherapy. It may work by blocking certain proteins that cancer cells need to make RNA and DNA. This allows pemetrexed to stop the cancer cells from growing and multiplying, which can help slow or stop the spread of cancer.How is pemetrexed supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesAlimtaAxtlePemfexyDosage forms and strengthsPemetrexed is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.How should I store pemetrexed?Pemetrexed is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
how to use
liquid that is injected into a blood vessel
drug interactions
Does pemetrexed interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between pemetrexed and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect pemetrexed, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.Does pemetrexed interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?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.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking ibuprofen, which is found in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with pemetrexed. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of pemetrexed?The most common side effects of pemetrexed are listed below. These side effects may vary based on whether you are receiving other medicines for your condition. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.TirednessNausea and vomitingLoss of appetiteBlood disorders (see below)Mouth soresSore throatConstipationThere may be other side effects of pemetrexed 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 pemetrexed?While less common, the most serious side effects of pemetrexed are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Pemetrexed 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 wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painBlood Disorders. Pemetrexed can cause blood disorders, such as low red blood cell levels (anemia), low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low neutrophil levels (neutropenia). This can increase your risk of infection. It is important to go to all appointments for blood work to make sure pemetrexed is safe for you. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.FeverShortness of breathPale or yellowish skinEasy bruising or bleedingFrequent infectionUnusual weakness or tirednessDizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass outHeadacheFast or abnormal heartbeatKidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using pemetrexed. The risk of kidney damage may be higher if you are dehydrated, which can happen with severe diarrhea or vomiting. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.Reduced need to pee or making less pee than usualSwelling in your feet, ankles, or legsWeakness or unusual tirednessDifficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressureConfusionNauseaSeizuresSevere Skin Reactions. Pemetrexed can cause severe skin reactions, including severe blisters, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels offFlat red rash or blisters or sores on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitalsRed, painful, watery eyesItchy rash with large blistersFlu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle achesLung Inflammation. Pemetrexed can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing that is new or worse than usual. You may also have a cough, fever, or chest pain.Â
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much pemetrexed?If you or someone else has used too much pemetrexed, 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 pemetrexed?Pemetrexed is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving pemetrexed as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your pemetrexed dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use pemetrexed?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use pemetrexed.PemetrexedAlimtaAxtlePemfexyAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific pemetrexed products they stock.What should I know about pemetrexed before using it?Pemetrexed is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It is given as an infusion into your vein (IV).It is important to attend all appointments for blood work with your health care provider. They will use these tests to make sure it is safe for you to start pemetrexed. They will also use the tests to monitor your body’s response to pemetrexed and make sure it is safe for you to continue using the medicine. You will likely be prescribed certain other medicines and vitamins to take while you are using pemetrexed and afterward. These can help prevent serious side effects from pemetrexed. Take these medicines and vitamins exactly as your health care provider tells you to. Pemetrexed may make it hard for you to get your partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.What should I tell my health care provider before using pemetrexed?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 determine if pemetrexed is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Prior radiation therapyKidney problemsSkin problemsBreathing or lung problems not caused by lung cancerAn infection or symptoms of an infection, such as a feverOther Medicines and Supplements. Pemetrexed may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using pemetrexed, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You may not be able to receive certain vaccines right before or while using pemetrexed. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.Pregnancy. Pemetrexed may cause harm to an unborn baby. You should not be pregnant before starting pemetrexed. If you can get pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using pemetrexed and for six months after your last dose. If you are able to get a partner pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using pemetrexed and for three months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if pemetrexed passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while using pemetrexed and for one week after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
about
Pemetrexed is used to treat a certain kind of lung cancer or mesothelioma. Common side effects include tiredness, nausea and vomiting, and loss of appetite. Serious side effects may include blood disorders and kidney problems. Pemetrexed is given as an infusion into your vein (IV) by a health care provider.Â