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Pemetrexed is a chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of cancers such as: lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma... Pemetrexed helps slow or stop the spread and growth of cancerous cells. Pemetrexed should only be used with a doctor's prescription.
1. What is Pemetrexed?
Pemetrexed, also known by the common name Alimta, belongs to the folate antimetabolites class of chemotherapy drugs. The drug works by inhibiting three enzymes in the synthesis: purine and pyrimidine - thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFT).Pemetrexed is a lyophilized powder for solution for infusion, lyophilized powder for solution for intravenous infusion.
2. Uses of Pemetrexed
Pemetrexed is prescribed by doctors to treat certain types of cancer such as: non-small cell lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma.Non-small cell lung cancer: Pemetrexed is indicated in combination with cisplatin, for use in locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Pemetrexed is also used to treat certain other cancers, such as: metastatic cervical or bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, or metastatic thymoma
3. Dosage - how to take Pemetrexed
3.1. How to use Pemetrexed Drug Pemetrexed is used to inject directly into the patient's vein for 10 minutes, the injection time is 3 weeks.
To limit unwanted side effects, doctors will often recommend that patients take folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements before and during treatment with pemetrexed.
For folic acid: Take folic acid daily and it should be taken 5 to 7 days before the first dose of pemetrexed is given. For vitamin B12: Use the injectable form, injected into the muscle 1 week before the patient receives pemetrexed injection. Note, patients must not arbitrarily replace vitamin B12 from oral to injectable form, before changing, must consult a doctor. 3.2. Dosage Dosage for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma: When used in combination with cisplatin, pemetrexed will be injected at a dose of about 500mg/m2 over 10 minutes on the first day, used in the cycle 21 days.
After about 30 minutes, when pemetrexed infusion is finished, add 75mg/m2 of cisplatin within 2 hours.
The usual adult dose for non-small cell lung cancer is used in the same way as for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. For patients with metastatic bladder cancer: 500 mg/m2 BSA is applied on the first day of each 21-day treatment cycle. For ovarian cancer patients: Apply the first dose of 500 mg/m2 BSA on the first day of each 21-day treatment cycle. For patients with cervical cancer or recurrence: The dose is 500 mg/m2 BSA or 900 mg/m2 BSA on the first day of each 21-day treatment cycle. For patients with metastatic thymic malignancies: 500 mg/m2 BSA should be applied on the first day of each 6-day treatment cycle. Special note with:
For children, pregnant women and lactating women, there is currently no specific general dosage, so when using it, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
4. Drug interactions
Pemetrexed may change the way other medicines work or increase side effects. To avoid drug interactions when using Pemetrexed you need to tell your doctor about the list of drugs you are currently taking including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs or supplements. Specifically:
Care should be taken when combining with drugs containing Aminoglycosides, diuretics, probenecid compounds, penicillins, anticoagulants. Do not use concurrently with yellow fever vaccine: it can cause death. Do not use Pemetrexed with live attenuated vaccines, it may cause systemic adverse reactions. When used with Lansoprazole, Aspartame, Pravastatin, Liothyronine, Lansoprazole: Decreased excretion of Pemetrexed.
5. Unwanted side effects
Pemetrexed, whether used alone or in combination with cisplatin, will bring unwanted side effects to patients.
5.1. Some common side effects Constipation Rash: To limit the rash, your doctor will usually prescribe an extra dose of steroids the day before and the day you take Pemetrexed Loss of appetite Inflammation of the oral mucosa such as sore throat, mouth ulcers , lip. To reduce this situation, the patient should clean the mouth by rinsing with salt water after eating or drinking Diarrhea Nausea or vomiting: The patient can use anti-emetics to minimize this side effect Mentality fatigue, or feeling drowsy Decreased blood cell count 5.2. More serious reactions When using Pemetrexed will affect fertility in men, so before use should consult a doctor. If you experience more severe symptoms such as swollen ankles/swelling of feet/hands or signs of kidney problems (change in the amount of urine), signs of liver disease (consisting abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin/eyes) , dark urine) should immediately call a doctor for timely advice. Pemetrexed also causes a serious allergic skin reaction, if you feel your skin is swollen, peeling, or blistering, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible. Above is important information about Pemetrexed medicine. Understanding the mechanism and effects will help the treatment process to be highly effective. If you have any further questions, you can talk to your treating doctor.
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