Pemetrexed
About
Pemetrexed belongs to the group of medicines called folate analogue metabolic inhibitors used alone or in combination with other anti-cancer medicines to treat non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma (cancer affecting the lining of the lung).
Pemetrexed contains Pemetrexed, which works by blocking the action of substances that may help the cancer cells multiply.
In some cases, Pemetrexed may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not use Pemetrexed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pemetrexed is not recommended for children below 18 years. Women and men should use effective contraception during treatment with Pemetrexed and for 6 and 3 months afterwards. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Pemetrexed
Medicinal Benefits
Pemetrexed contains Pemetrexed, which belongs to the group of medicines called anti-folate anti-neoplastic agents indicated in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer in initial treatment in combination with cisplatin, as maintenance treatment of patients whose disease has not progressed after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy and after prior chemotherapy as a single agent. Pemetrexed treats cancer by blocking the action of substances that may help the cancer cells multiply.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pemetrexed
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Pain, redness, swelling or sores in the mouth
- Infection
- Sore throat
- Low white blood cells, haemoglobin levels
- Skin rash
- Flaking skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Pemetrexed if you are allergic to any of its components, pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have taken or plan to receive yellow fever vaccination. Inform the doctor if you have/had heart disease, kidney problems, have had or are going to have radiation therapy, or have accumulation of fluid around the lungs. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of fever or infection; pain, sores, redness or swelling in the mouth; chest pain or a fast heartbeat; allergic reaction (skin rash, burning/prickling sensation, or fever); Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (severe rash, itching, or blistering); low haemoglobin levels (tiredness, feeling faint, paleness, or becoming easily breathless); low platelet count (bleeding from gums/nose/mouth, bleeding that does not stop, unexpected bruising, reddish or pinkish urine); or blood clot in the blood vessels of the lungs (sudden breathlessness, cough with bloody sputum or intense chest pain).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you take NSAIDs (ibuprofen) or nephrotoxic drugs.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems or heart disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Pemetrexed. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafePemetrexed belongs to pregnancy category D. The use of Pemetrexed should be avoided during pregnancy as it might harm the unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
unsafeBreastfeeding must be discontinued during treatment with Pemetrexed.
Driving
cautionPemetrexed may cause tiredness. Caution is advised while driving or operating heavy machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Pemetrexed.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. If you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Pemetrexed.
Children
unsafePemetrexed is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include vegetables and fruits in your diet.
- Avoid fast food, fried, processed food, refined carbs, and added sugar.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Drink enough water and eat fibre-rich foods, vegetables and fruits.
Special Advise
- The doctor may advise blood tests to evaluate your liver/kidney function and blood cell count.
- Women must use effective contraception during treatment and for six months after receiving the last dose.
- Men are advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for three months after the end of the treatment.
- You are recommended to take the supplements as advised by the doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Non-small cell lung cancer: It is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the lungs. The major risk factor for non-small cell lung cancer is smoking. Symptoms include a cough that does not go away and shortness of breath.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma: It is a type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium (a lining that covers the outer surface of organs), predominantly caused by exposure to asbestos. Symptoms of mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs include chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, persistent cough, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, fever and sweating, particularly at night.
FAQs
Pemetrexed works by blocking the action of substances that may help the cancer cells multiply.
Pemetrexed may affect your ability to have children. Seek advice from the doctor about sperm storage before initiation of therapy. Use effective contraception and avoid fathering a child during treatment and for up to 3 months afterwards.
Pemetrexed may suppress bone marrow suppression, resulting in cytopenia (low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets) and increased risk of infection. The doctor may adjust the dose based on the blood cell count and non-hematologic toxicity.
To lower the chances of side effects during anticancer treatment, your doctor may prescribe supplements like folic acid and vitamin B12 prior to and during treatment with Pemetrexed.
