Pemeco 500mg Injection is an anticancer medicine containing the active ingredient Pemetrexed.  It belongs to the medication class known as an antifolate agent. It is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma (cancers of the lungs and chest). This medicine is given alone or in combination with another anticancer medicine, such as cisplatin. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to limit the side effects.  

Blood tests will be taken before each infusion to determine whether your kidney and liver functions are adequate and whether you have enough blood cells to receive this medicine. Before starting treatment with Pemeco 500mg Injection, it is very important to tell your physician if you currently or previously had any medical conditions of kidney problems, heart disorders, or fluid accumulation in the lungs. Report to your doctor if you recently had or currently having radiotherapy or any vaccination before taking this medication. 

Inform your doctor immediately if you are planning to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Use effective birth control during the treatment and at least six months after the last dose of Pemeco 500mg Injection. In men, it is recommended not to father a child during and up to 3 months after the treatment. So it is advised to get suggestions about fertility concerns from your doctor. This medication is not recommended for adolescents and children under 18 years of age. 

• Malignant pleural mesothelioma

• Non-small cell lung carcinoma

Pemeco 500mg Injection inhibits the mechanism required for cell division and replication by blocking specific enzymes involved in folate metabolism (essential for cell replication) and DNA synthesis, which will prevent the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

Inform your healthcare provider about all your medicines, including prescribed medications, over-the-counter medicines, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications such as  may interact with Pemeco 500mg Injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

• Keep the tablets away from light and moisture.

• Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C.

• Keep the tablets out of the reach of children and animals.

Pemeco 500mg Injection is administered as an intravenous infusion into the vein. If this injection is recommended for you, it will be given by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer. Your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on the medical condition because it differs for each person.

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

Serious

• Blood infection

• Severe allergic reaction

• Breathlessness, intense chest pain or cough with bloody sputum

• Reduced neutrophil granulocytes (white blood cells)

• Kidney failure

• Pharyngitis (a sore throat)

• Abnormal liver function

Common

• Fatigue

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• Redness, swelling or sores in the mouth

• Loss of appetite, sensation

• Reduced hemoglobin level

• Increased skin pigmentation

• Watery and inflamed eyes, taste change

• Fever

• Muscle weakness

• Dehydration

• Constipation

• Skin rash

• Hair loss

• Do not plan for pregnancy during treatment. Men should avoid fathering a child during treatment and for at least 3 months after the final dose.

• Discuss any fertility concerns with your doctor before starting this medication.

• Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms listed under side effects.

• Let your doctor know if you have undergone radiotherapy, taken any vaccines, or are using other medications, as they may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine or increase side effects.

• Share your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have or had heart disease, kidney issues, or liver problems.