Alimta

Details

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Pemetrexed injection is a type of chemotherapy drug available in two variants of 100mg and 500mg also known by the name of the brand ALIMTA worldwide. It can be used in combination with an immunotherapy called KEYTRUDA and Platinum Chemotherapy.

Uses

• ALIMTA is used to treat the symptoms of lung cancer in the pre-stages. It is used in chemotherapy medications for non-small cell lung cancer also called NSCLC.
• Pemetrexed 100mg, 500mg Injection helps treat non-small cell lung cancer and may be given alone or in combination with other medicines.

Dosage

ALIMTA Pemetrexed injection is specifically given under the guidance of a doctor or a medical assistant in a hospital.

• It comes in a liquid form that needs to be injected into a vein over 10 minutes
• The treatment cycle is of 3 weeks. It is given once every 21 days.
• Regular blood tests are necessary while undergoing this medication. Also, the doctor may change your medication dosage depending on your blood reports and other health conditions.

Precautions to take undergoing this medication

• It is a strong and toxic medicine, so you should discuss all the risk factors with your doctor before starting its course.
• Taking ibuprofen is not advised and restricted before undergoing the ALIMTA medication.
• Conditions like pregnancy, breastfeeding, fathering a child, etc, should be discussed with your doctor first before taking these injections. Normal diet can be continued unless the doctor suggests otherwise.
• Alcohol should be avoided completely as it may lay bad effects during the treatment.
• Staying hydrated throughout the treatment is extremely important, so drink plenty of water.

 

How does it work in the body?

Pemetrexed 100mg, 500mg Injection interferes with the growth of DNA and RNA of the cancer cells by substituting their building blocks. It inhibits the growth and multiplication of cancer cells.

Side effects

Some of the common side effects of taking Pemetrexed can be-

1. Nausea
2. Diarrhoea
3. Constipation
4. Vomiting
5. loss of weight
6. loss of appetite
7. Insomnia

 

It can also cause some major side effects that can prove to be fatal. If you experience any of the following symptoms listed below, immediately contact your doctor.

 

1. Low blood cell count-

Symptoms: infection, fever, bleeding or severe fatigue.

 

2. Kidney issues

Symptoms: less urine.

 

3. Severe skin reactions

Symptoms: blisters, skin peeling, skin sores, or painful sores, or ulcers in your mouth, throat, nose or genital area.

4. Lung issues (pneumonitis)

Symptoms: extreme shortness of breath, cough, or fever.

 

5. Radiation recall

Symptoms: inflammation, blistering, sunburn type of reaction in the radiation treated area.

6. Fertility problems in some males.