Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial (brand name Alimta) is a chemotherapy medication used to treat several types of cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer, mesothelioma, and ovarian cancer. It's a type of anti-folate, which interrupts the growth of cancer cells by prohibiting them from producing the proteins needed for growth and survival. Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial is usually administered in combination with other medications.
Uses for Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial is most commonly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, both as a single-drug therapy and in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin. It can reduce potential lung cancer tumor size and slow progression of the disease. Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial is also approved for the treatment of mesothelioma, specifically the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma in combination with cisplatin, and is also used to treat ovarian cancer, especially in combination with cisplatin.
| Brand Name | Alimta |
|---|---|
| Type | IV Infusion |
| Weight | 500 mg/vial |
| Generic | Pemetrexed |
| Manufacturer | Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Mfg. by: Eli Lilly and Company) |
| Available in | English বাংলা |
Mechanism of Action
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial is a type of antifolate chemotherapeutic drug, which works by blocking the production of the proteins necessary for cancer cell growth and survival. The drug stops the action of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which is responsible for the production of the necessary proteins.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial typically begins to work within the first few weeks of treatment. Patients will typically experience a decrease in disease symptoms, shrinkage of tumor size, and a decrease in cancer cell count.
Absorption, Route of Elimination, and Dosage
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial is administered by intravenous infusion. It is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and is eliminated through the kidneys in approximately 8-10 hours after administration. The recommended dose of pemetrexed is 500mg/m2 intravenous infusion every 21 days.
Administration and Dose Information
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial is administered as a single intravenous infusion, typically every 21 days. The recommended dosage of pemetrexed is 500 mg/m2. The infusion should be completed over 10 minutes.
Side Effects
Common side effects associated with pemetrexed treatment include fatigue, anemia, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, constipation, mouth/throat sores, taste changes, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. More severe side effects may include hair loss, decreased white blood cells, decreased red blood cells, liver or kidney damage, and lung inflammation.
Toxicity
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial may be toxic in high doses and may cause severe side effects. Potential toxicity includes liver, kidney, and lung damage, decreased white blood cells, anemia, hair loss, and decreased appetite.
Precautions
Before taking pemetrexed, be sure to talk to your doctor if have disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), are pregnant, are breastfeeding, have any type of liver or kidney disease, have any type of infection, or are taking any other medications. Be sure to disclose all medications to your doctor, including vitamins and supplements.
Interactions
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial may interact with other medications and should not be taken in combination with certain drugs, such as carboplatin, cisplatin, etoposide, methotrexate, piperaquine, polymyxin, trimethoprim, or ribavirin. It may also interact with certain herbal supplements, vitamins, or minerals, so be sure to talk to your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.
Disease Interactions
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial may worsen certain diseases or medical conditions, including bone marrow suppression, pulmonary toxicity, severe skin reactions, and/or tumors. Therefore, it is important to disclose any medical or personal history of liver or kidney disease, as well as any current infections, pregnancy, or lactation to your doctor before taking pemetrexed.
Drug Interactions
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial may interact with certain drugs. For example, it should not be taken with carboplatin, cisplatin, etoposide, methotrexate, piperaquine, polymyxin, trimethoprim, or ribavirin, as these drugs may increase the risk of toxicity.
Food Interactions
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial may interact with certain foods. It is best to avoid or limit alcohol intake while taking pemetrexed, as this may increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor before consuming foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, such as fortified cereals, as this may affect the effectiveness of pemetrexed.
Pregnancy Use
It is not recommended that pregnant women take pemetrexed, as the drug has not been tested in pregnant women. If a woman is pregnant, she should talk to her doctor immediately before taking the drug.
Lactation Use
It is not recommended that women who are lactating take pemetrexed, as there is a risk of transfer of the drug to the child via breast milk. Women who are lactating should talk to their doctor before taking pemetrexed.
Acute Overdose
Symptoms of an acute pemetrexed overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, kidney or liver damage, anemia, and decreased blood cell counts. If an overdose is suspected, contact 911 or a poison control center immediately.
Contraindications
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial should not be taken by people with a history of bone marrow suppression, pulmonary toxicity, severe skin reactions, or tumors. It should also not be taken in combination with certain medications, such as carboplatin, cisplatin, etoposide, methotrexate, piperaquine, polymyxin, trimethoprim, or ribavirin.
Use Direction
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial is administered intravenously by a health care professional. The recommended dose of pemetrexed is 500mg/m2 intravenous infusion every 21 days. The infusion should be completed over 10 minutes.
Storage Conditions
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and moisture. Keep medicated away from children and pets.
Volume of Distribution
Alimta IV Infusion 500 mg/vial has a volume of distribution of 3 liters.
Half Life
The half life of pemetrexed is 8-10 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of pemetrexed is 0.33 liter/hour.
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