Pemetrexed
About Pemetrexed
Pemetrexed is an injection used to treat certain types of cancers, such as non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. It is a medical treatment designed to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells in the body. By targeting these abnormal cells, the medicine helps manage the disease and prevent it from spreading further.
This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein on a schedule determined by your doctor, usually once every three weeks. Because it is given in a clinical setting by healthcare professionals, maintaining your scheduled appointments is vital for consistent results. Staying well-hydrated and eating balanced, small meals during your treatment cycle can support your body through therapy.
Common side effects of this treatment include fatigue, nausea, and low blood cell counts. You must contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of an infection, such as a fever, or experience unusual bleeding and bruising. Your healthcare team will monitor your blood counts regularly to ensure it is safe for you to continue treatment.
Before you begin taking Pemetrexed, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, as this condition can affect how your body clears the medicine. Do not take this if you have had a severe allergic reaction to this medicine or any of its ingredients. It is also important to share your complete medical history with your oncologist before your first session.
Certain medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can interact with Pemetrexed and increase your risk of severe side effects. Avoid alcohol and smoking during treatment, as they can place extra strain on your liver and worsen fatigue. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should not take this medicine, and elderly patients may require closer monitoring of their kidney function.
Uses of Pemetrexed
Medicinal Benefits
Pemetrexed helps treat certain types of cancer by slowing the growth and spread of cancer cells. With regular use as prescribed, it helps control disease progression, relieve tumour-related symptoms, and support long-term treatment outcomes.
- Helps Control Cancer Progression: By slowing the growth or stabilising tumours, this medicine helps manage the disease and delay its progression.
- Relieves Cancer-Related Symptoms: As tumour growth is controlled, this medicine may help reduce persistent coughing, chest pain, breathing difficulties, and other symptoms caused by cancer, improving daily comfort.
- Supports Long-Term Disease Management: When used as maintenance therapy after initial treatment, this medicine helps delay the return of cancer, prolong disease control, and support better quality of life and overall treatment outcomes.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Pemetrexed will be administered by a nurse or doctor.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Pemetrexed
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
- Loss of appetite
- Mild skin rash or peeling
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Signs of infection, such as a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, chills, or sore throat
- Unusual bleeding, easy bruising, or extreme paleness
- Shortness of breath, dry cough, or chest pain
- Decreased urination, blood in the urine, or swelling in your legs and ankles
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the solution: If you observe your treatment being prepared, ensure the liquid is clear, colourless to light yellow, and free of visible particles before it is injected.
- Monitor your temperature: Keep a reliable digital thermometer at home and check your temperature immediately if you feel warm, cold, or unwell.
- Avoid certain pain relievers: Do not take ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDs for a few days before and after your infusion without consulting your doctor first, as they can increase the medicine's toxicity.
- Protect your skin: Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers and wear sunscreen when outdoors, as your skin may become highly sensitive during treatment.
Drug Interactions
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen can slow down the removal of Pemetrexed from your body, increasing the risk of severe side effects.
- Kidney-damaging medicines: Other medications that can strain the kidneys may increase the toxicity of Pemetrexed if used at the same time.
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
- Take your prescribed supplements: Always take your folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements exactly as directed to help protect your healthy blood cells from the medicine.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water and clear fluids, especially on the days surrounding your treatment, to help support your kidney function.
- Eat small, frequent meals: If you experience nausea or a loss of appetite, eating smaller portions five to six times a day can help maintain your nutrition.
- Avoid infections: Wash your hands frequently, practice good personal hygiene, and avoid close contact with anyone who is currently sick.
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
Your doctor may prescribe folic acid and vitamin B12 before and during treatment with Pemetrexed to help protect healthy cells and reduce the risk and severity of certain side effects, particularly blood-related and gastrointestinal side effects. Take these supplements exactly as directed by your doctor.
Hair thinning or mild hair loss can occur during treatment with Pemetrexed, although complete hair loss is less common than with many other chemotherapy medicines. Speak with your doctor if you are concerned or if hair loss becomes troublesome.
This medicine can cause severe fatigue, dizziness, or weakness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the treatment affects you. Talk to your doctor.
No, this medicine can cause severe harm to an unborn baby. Both men and women should use highly effective birth control during treatment and for several months afterwards. Talk to your doctor.
The medicine is typically given once every three weeks, but your oncologist will determine the exact schedule based on your response to the therapy. Talk to your doctor.
It is best to avoid alcohol, as it can worsen liver strain, dehydration, and fatigue associated with your treatment. Talk to your doctor.
You should avoid live vaccines because your immune system may be weakened by the treatment, which could make the vaccine unsafe. Talk to your doctor.
Skin rashes are a known side effect. Your doctor may prescribe steroid tablets to take before your injection to prevent this, but you should report any new skin changes immediately. Talk to your doctor.
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