Alimta (Pemetrexed) belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics (anticancer), and specifically to the group of antineoplastics known as antifolates. Alimta (Pemetrexed) interferes with the processes that are necessary for cell growth and replication. Alimta (Pemetrexed) is used in combination with other antineoplastic medications to treat cancer of the lining of the chest cavity, known as pleural mesothelioma.

Alimta (Pemetrexed) is also used alone to treat certain types of Lung Cancer after having received other chemotherapy.

Your doctor may have suggested Alimta (Pemetrexed) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of Alimta (Pemetrexed) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are receiving Alimta (Pemetrexed), speak to your doctor.

The dose of Alimta (Pemetrexed) is based on body size and is usually given by slow infusion into a vein. The infusion process for Alimta (Pemetrexed) often lasts about 10 minutes. You will receive Alimta (Pemetrexed) once every 21 days (3 weeks). If it is administered in combination with another antineoplastic medication, the entire process may take up to 3 hours.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications.

Alimta (Pemetrexed) is always given under the supervision of a doctor. Very careful handling of Alimta (Pemetrexed) is required. It is always administered in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.

As well as interfering with replication of cancer cells, Alimta (Pemetrexed) can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects such as hair loss, mouth sores, nausea, and vomiting. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can advise you on how to reduce the effects of nausea and vomiting.

Before your dose of Alimta (Pemetrexed), you will be given some medication to reduce the symptoms of side effects. To reduce your chances of getting skin reactions from Alimta (Pemetrexed), your doctor will prescribe a corticosteroid to take a day before your treatment. To lower your chances of side effects, you must take folic acid and receive vitamin B12 injections as directed by your doctor. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the section, "What side effects are possible with Alimta (Pemetrexed)?"

It is important Alimta (Pemetrexed) be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive Alimta (Pemetrexed) treatment, contact your doctor immediately to reschedule your appointment and for further instructions on folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation.

Alimta (Pemetrexed) is stored at room temperature.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is used in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who receives Alimta (Pemetrexed). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Alimta (Pemetrexed) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people receiving Alimta (Pemetrexed). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• mild skin rash, redness, or itching
• nausea and vomiting
• numbness, burning, or tingling in hands or feet
• redness, heat, irritation or pain, swelling, or lump at the site of injection
• temporary hair loss
• tiredness
• weight loss

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• black, tarry stools or blood in urine
• dehydration
• fever and chills
• mood changes and Depression
• mouth, throat, or lip sores
• pinpoint-sized red spots on skin
• severe red, scaly, swollen, or peeling areas of skin
• sore throat
• symptoms of Anemia (low red blood cell count) such as tiredness, paleness, or shortness of breath
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting (severe)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• chest pain
• difficulty swallowing
• severe shortness of breath
• severe skin reaction
• signs of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., Hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of the face, throat, or tongue)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Alimta (Pemetrexed).

100 mg
Each single use vial of sterile, white-to-light yellow or white-to-green-yellow lyophilized powder for injection, contains Alimta (Pemetrexed) disodium equivalent to Alimta (Pemetrexed) 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide.

500 mg
Each single use vial of sterile, white-to-light yellow or white-to-green-yellow lyophilized powder for injection, contains Alimta (Pemetrexed) disodium equivalent to Alimta (Pemetrexed) 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide.

Alimta (Pemetrexed) should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to Alimta (Pemetrexed) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has received or is going to receive the yellow Fever vaccine

There may be an interaction between Alimta (Pemetrexed) and any of the following:

• live vaccines (e.g., BCG, MMR II)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Celecoxib)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Alimta (Pemetrexed). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Alimta (Pemetrexed).

Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing and swelling of the throat and mouth, can occur with Alimta (Pemetrexed). If you experience these symptoms, get immediate medical attention.

Blood clotting: Alimta (Pemetrexed) can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.

Fertility: Alimta (Pemetrexed) may cause temporary or permanent fertility problems. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and options.

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Alimta (Pemetrexed) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Avoid contact with people who have contagious infections (e.g., colds, flu), and tell your doctor if you begin to notice signs of an infection such as fever or chills.

Kidney Disease: Alimta (Pemetrexed) may affect your kidneys. You doctor will monitor your kidney function through blood tests while you are receiving Alimta (Pemetrexed). People with significantly decreased kidney function should not receive Alimta (Pemetrexed). People with Diabetes, high blood pressure, or who are dehydrated should discuss with their doctor how Alimta (Pemetrexed) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Alimta (Pemetrexed), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver problems: People with impaired liver function or liver problems (e.g., liver disease, liver cancer) should discuss with their doctor how Alimta (Pemetrexed) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Alimta (Pemetrexed), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Lung problems: Alimta (Pemetrexed) can cause lung problems that can be severe. If you experience shortness of breath and cough while taking Alimta (Pemetrexed), contact your doctor or get immediate medical attention.

Skin reactions: Because skin reactions are known to occur in people who receive treatment with Alimta (Pemetrexed), it is recommended that a corticosteroid be taken a day before scheduled treatment.

Vitamin supplementation: To avoid undesirable side effects, people using Alimta (Pemetrexed) must take a low-dose folic acid supplement or a multivitamin containing folic acid once a day for the week before the start of treatment, and for the 3 weeks after the last dose of treatment. In addition, vitamin B12 injections must be given at least 1 week before the first day of treatment, and then continued every 9 weeks from the previous dose until 3 weeks after the last dose of Alimta (Pemetrexed).

Pregnancy: Alimta (Pemetrexed) may harm a fetus or baby. Women who could become pregnant should have a negative blood pregnancy test before starting Alimta (Pemetrexed) and should use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy during treatment. If you become pregnant while receiving Alimta (Pemetrexed), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Alimta (Pemetrexed) passes into breast milk. Women should not breast-feed while receiving Alimta (Pemetrexed).

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Alimta (Pemetrexed) have not been established for children.