Alimta 500mg Inj.

Uses of Alimta 500mg Inj.

Pemetrexed is an antineoplastic drug and is used in the treatment of following types of cancers:

1. Pemetrexed is used along with along with other chemotherapy medicines in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body.
2. Pemetrexed is also a part of other chemotherpay medications used in the treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma (a type of cancer that affects the inside lining of the chest cavity) in people who cannot be treated with surgery.

Side Effects of Alimta 500mg Inj.

Stomatitis, pharyngitis, dyspnoea and neuropathy. Chest pain, oedema, hypertension, fatigue, fever, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, depression. Rash/desquamation and alopecia. Anaemia, leukopenia and neutropenia. Neuropathy and myalgia. Potentially Fatal: Acute renal failure.

Drug Interactions

High doses of NSAIDs and aspirin may reduce the elimination of pemetrexed; avoid usage 2 days (5 days for longer-acting NSAIDs) before, during and 2 days after treatment with pemetrexed in patients with impaired renal function. Additive GI side effects when used with SSRIs, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, aripiprazole or ziprasidone. Additive sedation when used with psychotropics. Concurrent use with nephrotoxic drugs (e.g. aminoglycosides, loop diuretics, platinum compounds and ciclosporin) may decrease pemetrexed clearance, thus increasing the risk of toxicity. Clearance may be reduced when used with drugs that are cleared by tubular secretion e.g. probenecid and penicillin.

Mechanism of Action

Pemetrexed is a thymidylate synthase inhibitor. It works by inhibiting thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase and aminoimidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase, the enzymes involved in folate metabolism and DNA synthesis, thus inhibiting purine and thymidine nucleotide and protein synthesis. Distribution: Protein binding: 81%. Metabolism: Limited hepatic metabolism. Excretion: Elimination half-life: 3.5 hr. Approximately 70-90% of a dose is eliminated unchanged in the urine within 24 hr.

Special Precautions

Monitor CBC. Premedication with folate and vitamin B12 are recommended as prophylaxis against haematological and GI toxicity during treatment. Pre-treatment with a corticosteroid also reduces the incidence and severity of skin reactions. Caution when used in renal or hepatic impairment. Not recommended for use in pregnancy and lactation.

How to Use

Take orally with food and water, as directed by your physician.

How to Store

Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.

Safety Concerns

• Alcohol: Avoid during treatment.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
• Pregnancy: Contraindicated.
• Liver/Kidney: Use with caution.

Content Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before use.