Pemetrexed

Pemetrexed  Uses

Pemetrexed is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as lung cancer, mesothelioma). It is a chemotherapy drug that works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

How to use Pemetrexed Solution, Reconstituted (Recon Soln)

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start receiving pemetrexed and each time you receive a dose. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a healthcare professional. It is given over 10 minutes as directed by your doctor, usually once every 3 weeks. The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment. To lower your chance of having a skin reaction while using pemetrexed, your doctor will prescribe a corticosteroid medicine (such as dexamethasone) to take for a short period around the time of each treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

To lower your chance of other side effects, it is very important that you take folic acid vitamins and receive vitamin B12 shots before and during treatment with pemetrexed. Folic acid vitamins are available over-the-counter without a prescription, and folic acid can be found in many multivitamin products. Make sure your vitamin contains between 400 to 1000 micrograms (0.4 to 1 milligram) of folic acid. Take folic acid daily for at least 5 out of 7 days before your first dose of pemetrexed, during treatment, and for 3 weeks after your last dose of pemetrexed. If you need help choosing a folic acid vitamin, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor will give you a vitamin B12 shot into the muscle, usually 1 week before your first dose of pemetrexed and then once every 9 weeks during your treatment. Do not substitute vitamin B12 taken by mouth for the vitamin B12 shots. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Pemetrexed  Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, stomach upset, changes in taste, constipation, mouth sores, and tiredness may occur. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen nausea and vomiting. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.

People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling skin, swelling ankles/feet/hands, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).

This medication may decrease bone marrow function, an effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: unusual tiredness, pale skin, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), easy bruising/bleeding.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: blisters or sores, signs of lung problems (such as new or worsening shortness of breath, cough).

Pemetrexed may cause a serious skin reaction that looks like a severe sunburn (radiation recall) on any area that has been treated with radiation weeks to years before. Get medical help right away if you have skin redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, peeling, or blisters.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Pemetrexed can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious and that can be prevented by taking corticosteroid medication (see How to Use section). However, you may not be able to tell the rash apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Pemetrexed  Precautions

Before using pemetrexed, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, radiation treatment.

Pemetrexed can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication can affect fertility in males. Ask your doctor for more details.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using pemetrexed. Pemetrexed may harm an unborn baby. Female patients should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 6 months after stopping treatment. Male patients with female partners should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 3 months after stopping treatment. If you or your partner become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug and for 1 week after stopping treatment is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Pemetrexed  Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Note:  We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.

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