What is Pemetrexed?
Pemetrexed is a treatment for people suffering from non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer in cases where it is found that the tumor has been re-infected or has spread following chemotherapy.
Pemetrexed can also be used to treat people suffering from malignant mesothelioma pleural (a type of lung cancer due to the exposure of asbestos) that cannot be treated through surgical procedures or aren't allowed to undergo surgery.Pemetrexed may be used in conjunction with other cancer drugs.Pemetrexed can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this medication guideline.
Side effects of Pemetrexed
Contact emergency medical assistance. If you notice symptoms warning signs of an allergic response (hives or breathing difficulties and swelling in your throat or face) or an intense skin reaction (fever and throat soreness, burnt eyes, irritation, and an ailment that is purple or red that blisters and peels),
Pemetrexed can result in serious side effects. Contact your physician immediately if you experience:
- Very little or no urine;
- A new or more severe cough and fever, as well as difficulty breathing;
- Swelling, redness, or blistering of the skin treated by treatment with radiation previously
- Low blood cell counts, fever, chills, fatigue, oral and skin sores, frequent bleeding, easy bruising, pale skin, cold feet and hands, and feeling lightheaded or sluggish
Common adverse effects of pemetrexed could include:
- Fatigue in the morning, feeling tired, and coughing;
- Swelling or sores in the throat or mouth.
- Fever, rash;
- Low blood cell count
- Loss of appetite;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
This is not an exhaustive overview of the various adverse negative effects. There are other side effects that could happen. Talk to your doctor for medical advice regarding adverse reactions. It is possible to report any problem to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar or related drugs
Opdivo, Retevmo, Rybrevant, Lumakras, methotrexate, Keytruda, and Avastin
Warnings
Follow the directions on the medicine label and the package. Inform your healthcare professionals about your medical ailments and allergies, as well as the medicines you are taking.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to treat it with pemetrexed if you are sensitive to it.
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Kidney disease kidney disease
- Radiation treatment.
You might need to undergo an unfavorable pregnancy test prior to commencing this treatment.
Pemetrexed could cause harm to an unborn baby and cause a birth defect when either the father or mother is taking it.
- If you're a woman, do not use pemetrexed if you're expecting. Utilize effective contraception to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication and for a minimum of 6 months after the last dose.
- If you're male, use effective birth control when your partner is capable of becoming pregnant. Use birth control for a minimum of three months following your last dose.
- Contact your physician immediately when you notice a pregnancy when either the mother or the father is taking pemetrexed.
The medicine can affect fertility (the ability to have children) in males. It is nevertheless important to utilize birth control to avoid pregnancy since pemetrexed may affect the unborn baby.It is not recommended to breastfeed while you are taking pemetrexed or for at least one week following your last dose.
How to take Pemetrexed?
Pemetrexed can be administered as an injection into the vein. The healthcare professional will give you the injection.Pemetrexed is typically administered every three weeks. Your physician will decide the number of treatment cycles you'll need to receive.
To reduce the risk of certain side effects of pemetrexed, you must be taking folic acid supplements and getting vitamin B12 injections (starting 7 days prior to your initial doses of pemetrexed). Only take the dose of folic acid your physician has recommended.
The doctor could also prescribe the use of steroid medications to minimize certain adverse effects associated with pemetrexed. Follow the doctor's instructions for dosage extremely carefully.Consult your physician if you have a stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, or if you're sweating more than normal. You could easily get dehydrated when taking pemetrexed. This could lead to high blood pressure, a significant electrolyte imbalance, or kidney failure.
Pemetrexed is a drug that can reduce blood cells, which helps your body fight off infections and assist in the clotting of blood. Your blood needs to be checked regularly. The treatment for cancer may be delayed depending on the outcomes of the tests.
What happens If I miss a dose?
Consult your physician for the appropriate treatment if you do not make an appointment to receive the pemetrexed injection.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
If you suffer from kidney problems, avoid taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for two days prior to or two days after you have been treated with pemetrexed.Do not be around those who are sick or suffer from infections. Contact your doctor right away when you begin to show symptoms of an infection.Avoid activities that could increase the chances of sustaining injuries or bleeding. Take extra care to avoid bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.
Interaction with other drugs
Pemetrexed may affect your kidneys, particularly in conjunction with specific medicines to treat osteoporosis, cancer, infections, rejection of organ transplants, digestive issues, high blood pressure, or arthritis pain (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).
Other medications may interact with pemetrexed, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about the medicines you are currently taking as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.
