Alimta
Form: Injection
Strength: 100mg/Vial
Generic Name: Pemetrexed
Company: Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
MRP:৳ 15500.0 (100mg Vial)
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Alimta is used for treating Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC):
– Along with Pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy, for the initial treatment of patients with metastatic non-squamous NSCLC that do not have EGFR or ALK genomic tumor changes.
– With Cisplatin for the initial treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC.
– Alone for the maintenance treatment of patients whose disease has not progressed after 4 cycles of platinum chemotherapy.
– Alone for patients with recurrent, metastatic non-squamous NSCLC after prior chemotherapy.
Alimta is not used for treating squamous cell lung cancer.
For Mesothelioma, Alimta is used with Cisplatin for the initial treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma that cannot be surgically treated or are not candidates for surgery.
Pharmacology
Alimta is a folate analog that stops folate-dependent processes needed for cell division. Alimta blocks enzymes like thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase, which are needed to make important building blocks for DNA. Alimta enters cells through transporters and is turned into a form that stays inside the cells, blocking these enzymes.
Dosage & Administration
For Non-Squamous NSCLC:
– 500 mg/m² given through an IV over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for 4 cycles when used with Pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy. After that, Alimta can be used alone until disease progression or unacceptable side effects.
– 500 mg/m² IV for up to six cycles with Cisplatin for the initial treatment.
– 500 mg/m² IV for maintenance after 4 cycles of platinum chemotherapy until disease progression or unacceptable side effects.
– 500 mg/m² IV for treatment of recurrent non-squamous NSCLC until disease progression or unacceptable side effects.
For Mesothelioma: 500 mg/m² IV for the initial treatment with Cisplatin until disease progression or unacceptable side effects.
Interaction
Ibuprofen can increase the exposure to Alimta. If you have a creatinine clearance between 45-79 mL/min, avoid taking Ibuprofen 2 days before, the day of, and 2 days after taking Alimta. If Ibuprofen cannot be avoided, doctors should monitor you more often for side effects.
Contraindications
Alimta should not be used by people who have had a severe allergic reaction to Alimta.
Side Effects
Side effects include:
– Low blood cell count (myelosuppression)
– Kidney problems
– Skin issues like blisters and peeling
– Lung problems (pneumonitis)
– Skin reactions from previous radiation treatment.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Alimta can harm the baby if taken during pregnancy. Pregnant women should be informed about the potential risks. There is no information on whether Alimta passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment and for one week after the last dose.
Precautions & Warnings
Before taking Alimta, make sure to:
– Take vitamin supplements to prevent low blood cell counts.
– Check kidney function regularly.
– Stop using Alimta if there are serious skin reactions or lung problems.
– Be cautious if you have a history of radiation treatment.
Overdose Effects
If you overdose, treatment is not available. Leucovorin may help reduce toxic effects in animal studies, but Alimta is unclear if Alimta helps humans.
Therapeutic Class
Alimta is a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug.
Storage Conditions
Store Alimta below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, and out of the reach of children.