Alimta 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 Alimta 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 Alimta 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

Alimta 500mg 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.

Alimta 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.

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

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

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 Alimta 500mg 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.

Discuss your fertility problem with the doctor since, in men, it is advised not to father a child during and after the 3 months of treatment. So it is advised to get suggestions about fertility concerns. Avoid planning for the pregnancy. If you experience any symptoms mentioned as a side effect, consult your doctor immediately. Notify your doctor immediately if you have undergone any radiotherapy or taken any vaccines and other medications before starting with Alimta 500mg because it might reduce the effectiveness of this medicine and may cause side effects. Inform your doctor if you have or had any history of heart disease, kidney problems or liver problems.