Alimta is a medicine whose active substance is Pemetrexed. It is used in chemotherapy treatments to fight malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer. Alimta is one of the drugs called antimetabolites. Its job is to interfere with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Alimta comes as an injectable solution containing 500 mg of pemetrexed, applied intravenously; and it must be administered in a health center by a medical professional. The dose to be administered will depend on various factors: weight and height, type of cancer or other health problems that the patient presents. It is usually given every 3 weeks; the specialist will be the one to indicate the treatment cycles to be received.
Generally, people who receive treatment with alimta, should complement said treatment with supplements of vitamin B12 and folic acid, this in order to slightly reduce the side effects related to the treatment. It is possible that the doctor will ask you to carry out constant blood tests during the treatment with alimta, since the doctor through these blood tests will be able to modify the dose or delay the treatment.
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to pemetrexed, much less if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Similarly, it is prohibited in patients who are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or if they suffer from liver problems or have a weak immune system.
Patients who receive medication with this drug, should avoid maintaining contact with sick people or those who have infections, they should not receive "live vaccines" either. This medicine can pass into body fluids (feces, urine, vomit) for at least 48 hours after receiving the dose, so it is recommended to avoid that these fluids come in contact with your hands.
Among the most common side effects that occur during treatment are: weight loss, feeling tired, loss of appetite, hair loss, diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomach, rash, depression. In the same way there are other much more serious reactions such as: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, skin pain, signs of dehydration. It is important for the patient to see a doctor if they have any of these complaints.
