ALIMTA 100MG INJECTION

Introduction:

Alimta 100mg Injection is an anticancer medicine containing the active ingredient pemetrexed. It is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma (cancers of lungs and chest). Cancer is a disorder in which cells multiply in an uncontrolled and abnormal manner. 

Alimta 100mg Injection is given alone or in combination with other anticancer medicine called cisplatin. You need to inform your physician if you have kidney problems, heart disorders, fluid accumulation in the lungs, have recently had or going to have radiotherapy or any vaccination before taking this medication.

Use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least six months after the last dose of Alimta 100mg Injection. This medication is not recommended for adolescents and children under 18 years of age. Your doctor may prescribe medications containing corticosteroids, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to limit the side effects.

Uses of Alimta 100mg Injection:

• Malignant pleural mesothelioma
• Non-small cell lung cancer

How Alimta 100mg Injection works:

It works by inhibiting the enzymes involved in folate production (essential for cell replication) and prevents the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

Interaction with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before.

More information:

• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C.

References:

1. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs,7th edition, 2013, 863.
2. Eagle Pharmaceuticals, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Feb 2020] [ Accessed on 1st April 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/209472s000lbl.pdf
3. Seacross Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Accessed on 1st April 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8887.pdf

How to use Alimta 100mg Injection:

It will be given to you by a health care professional.

Safety advice:

Pregnancy: 

The use of Alimta 100mg Injection should be avoided during the pregnancy. Consult your doctor for potential risks of this medication. 

Breastfeeding:

The use of Alimta 100mg Injection should be avoided during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for risks and benefits.

Kidney:

Inform your doctor if you have any kidney diseases before taking Alimta 100mg Injection as this medicine should be used with caution in kidney disease patients.

Driving: 

Alimta 100mg Injection may make you feel tired. So be careful while driving after taking the injection

Others:

• Inform your physician if you have heart disorders, fluid accumulation in the lungs, have recently had or going to have radiotherapy or vaccination before taking this medication.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious:

• Infection
• Severe allergic reaction
• Breathlessness, intense chest pain or cough with bloody sputum
• Low blood count
• Kidney failure
• Abnormal liver function

Common:

• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting diarrhea
• Redness, swelling or sores in mouth
• Loss of appetite, sensation
• Increased skin pigmentation
• Watery and inflamed eyes, taste change
• Fever
• Muscle weakness
• Dehydration
• Constipation
• Skin rash
• Hair loss