ALIMTA (Pemetrexed)

Used in the treatment of MPM or malignant pleural mesothelioma and advanced nonsquamousnon-small cell lung cancer NSCLC, ALIMTA (Pemetrexed) i.e., (pemetrexed for injection) therapy has been utilized as a chemotherapy drug. ALIMTA (Pemetrexed) is also known by other trade names such as Pemecad and Pleumet. The chemical name for ALIMTA (Pemetrexed disodium heptahydrate) is LGlutamic acid, N-[4-[2-(2-amino-4, 7-dihydro-4-oxo1H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)ethyl]benzoyl]-, disodium salt, heptahydrate.  Having a white to almost-white solid, light green-yellow or light yellow hue, ALIMTA (Pemetrexed) is available as an intravenous infusion with a sterile lyophilized powder and comes in single-dose vials. Supplied in 100-mg or 500-mg vials, ALIMTA is composed of pemetrexed disodium and a combination to adjust pH with sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid.

The side effects that may be experienced when under ALIMTA therapy are:
Sore throat Pale skin Vomiting Flu-like symptoms Dizziness Allergic reactions Bleeding from any orifice Mouth ulcers Nausea White patches in mouth Body ache Fever Fatigue Chills Hair loss which may be temporary Rapid heartbeat Change in urine such as the outflow amount and/or color Headache Stomach pain Pain or redness of arms and legs Easy bruising Mood swings Tingling or numbness in arms and feet Skin rash Problems in concentration.

Precautions to adhere to while taking ALIMTA (Pemetrexed) treatment:
Take care to tell the doctor if the patient happens to have any other disorders such chronic kidney disease, liver problems or blood disorderssuppresses bone marrow function causing low blood cell count and hence it is necessary to take tests frequently. If the patient has allergic reactions to Pemetrexed(ALIMTA), the doctor should be notified immediately.It is imperative that the patient who is undergoing treatment with ALIMTA (Pemetrexed)should stay away from people who have recently been exposed to polio vaccine, vaccinations and/or immunizations. Sharp instruments shouldnot be handled as easy bruising and bleeding may occur. It is important not to drive or handle any machinery as ALIMTA causes dizziness. Hands should be washed well to prevent any further infection/s. Pregnant and lactating women should not take Pemetrexed (ALIMTA) injections as it is injurious to the fetus and baby. The doctor should be told if the patient is taking any other drugs including vitamins, over-the-counter medications and herbal products. The patient must recount his/her entire medical history to the physician before taking ALIMTA and specifically impart information regarding any fluid around liver or lungs or any other excess fluid around internal organs.

Indications:
The use of Pemetrexed(ALIMTA) indicates treatment for certain kinds of cancer includingnon-small cell lung cancer and pleuralmesothelioma. Pemetrexed is a chemotherapy drug which may be used alone or as a combination in the effort to slow down or stop growth of cancer cells.

Dosage:
Available in 100-mg or 500-mg vials, ALIMTA (Pemetrexed) is given into a vein through an injection over a period of 10 minutes once in 3 weeks. This will be based on the response, body size and medical condition. As there will be side effects while taking Pemetrexed injections, the doctor would prescribe Vitamin B12 injections, folic acid supplements and in some cases steroids may be prescribed.