Alimta

Alimta Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Alimta is a brand name. Its generic name is Pemetrexed.

Alimta

Alimta (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 is usually administered in combination with other medications.

Uses for Alimta

Alimta 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 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.

Mechanism of Action

Alimta 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and moisture. Keep medicated away from children and pets.

Volume of Distribution

Alimta 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.

Here you find in details version of Alimta

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Alimta

What is Alimta?

Alimta is a chemotherapy drug used for certain types of cancer, including lung and mesothelioma cancers, as well as other forms of cancer.

How does Alimta work?

Alimta works by blocking the growth of abnormal cells and preventing them from multiplying. It kills these cells by inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis, which helps to prevent the spread of cancer cells.

What type of cancer is Alimta used for?

Alimta is commonly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other types of cancer.

What are the common side effects of Alimta?

Common side effects of Alimta include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, mouth sores, and diarrhea.

Can Alimta be used to treat other types of cancer?

Alimta can also be used to treat bladder, stomach, breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers, although it is typically used to treat non-small cell lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Are there any serious side effects associated with Alimta?

Yes, there are serious side effects associated with Alimta, including low blood counts, bone marrow suppression, liver damage, kidney damage, allergic reactions, and severe skin reactions.

What is the recommended dosage for Alimta?

The recommended dose of Alimta varies depending on the type and stage of the cancer. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking Alimta.

Is there any specific age group that should not take Alimta?

Alimta is not recommended for use in pregnant women, and it should not be used in children under the age of 18 without first being discussed with a healthcare provider.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Alimta?

If you miss a dose of Alimta, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Alimta?

It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Alimta as it may increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about your use of alcohol while taking Alimta.

Should I inform my healthcare provider about any other medications I am taking?

Yes, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs, and supplements, before beginning Alimta.

How soon after taking Alimta will I see results?

It can take several weeks to months after taking Alimta to see results. In some cases, results may be seen in as little as a few days.

Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Alimta?

It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s dietary instructions while taking Alimta. In addition, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and avoid activities that can increase your risk of developing an infection.

What are the long-term effects of taking Alimta?

Long-term effects of Alimta may include loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. It is important to discuss potential long-term effects with your healthcare provider.

What can I do to minimize the side effects of Alimta?

It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking Alimta and to take all medications as prescribed. Taking other medications, such as antinausea medications, can help to minimize the side effects of Alimta.

What should I do if I experience a severe side effect from taking Alimta?

Severe side effects from Alimta may include bone marrow suppression, liver damage, kidney damage, allergic reactions, or severe skin reactions. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Is there any food or drink that I should avoid while taking Alimta?

It is important to avoid foods or drinks that could weaken your immune system, such as alcohol, while taking Alimta. Talk to your healthcare provider about any dietary restrictions you should follow while taking Alimta.

Should I wear a protective mask while taking Alimta?

It is important to wear a protective mask while taking Alimta to avoid exposing your body to any germs or bacteria that may be in the air. Talk to your healthcare provider about any other protective measures you should take while taking Alimta.

What other cancer treatments are used in combination with Alimta?

Alimta is sometimes used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy or surgery. Your healthcare provider will determine the best treatment plan for your particular type of cancer.

Can Alimta be used for cancer that has spread beyond the primary site?

Yes, Alimta may be used to treat cancer that has spread beyond the primary site, although it will typically be used in combination with other cancer treatments.

Are there any alternative treatments to Alimta?

Your healthcare provider may recommend other treatments, such as surgery or other chemotherapy drugs, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for your particular type of cancer.

When should I seek emergency medical attention while taking Alimta?

You should seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the serious side effects associated with Alimta, including bone marrow suppression, liver damage, kidney damage, allergic reactions, or severe skin reactions.

How long does it take for Alimta to work?

It can take several weeks to months for Alimta to work. Results may be seen in as little as a few days in some cases.

What should I do if I experience severe nausea or vomiting while taking Alimta?

If you experience severe nausea or vomiting while taking Alimta, it is important to contact your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may be able to recommend antinausea medications or other treatments to help relieve these symptoms.

Are there any other medications or treatments that should not be taken while taking Alimta?

It is important to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications or treatments you are taking, as some medications or treatments may interact with Alimta and increase the risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider will be able to advise you on any potential interactions.

Can Alimta be taken with other chemotherapy drugs?

Yes, Alimta can be taken with other chemotherapy drugs. It is important to discuss all of the medications you are taking with your healthcare provider to avoid any potential interactions.

Does Alimta interact with any dietary supplements?

Yes, Alimta may interact with some dietary supplements. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all of the supplements you are taking before beginning Alimta.

Can I take an over-the-counter medication while taking Alimta?

It is important to discuss all of the medications you are taking with your healthcare provider before beginning Alimta, including over-the-counter medications. Some over-the-counter medications may interact with Alimta and increase the risk of side effects.

Can I take other medications while taking Alimta?

It is important to discuss all of the medications you are taking with your healthcare provider before beginning Alimta, including prescription medications. Some medications may interact with Alimta and increase the risk of side effects.

What should I know about using Alimta if I smoke?

It is important for smokers to quit smoking before beginning treatment with Alimta. Smoking can increase the risk of side effects and may decrease the effectiveness of the drug. Talk to your healthcare provider about programs or medications that can help you quit smoking.

Are there any other cancer treatment options I should consider before taking Alimta?

Your healthcare provider will determine the best treatment option for your particular type of cancer. Other cancer treatments may include radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, or other chemotherapy drugs.

Can I take Alimta while pregnant?

No, Alimta is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant should discuss other treatment options with their healthcare provider.

Can I take Alimta while breastfeeding?

No, Alimta is not recommended for use in women who are breastfeeding. Women who are breastfeeding should discuss other treatment options with their healthcare provider.

Does the effectiveness of Alimta decrease over time?

The effectiveness of Alimta may decrease over time due to the development of tumor resistance. Your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage periodically in order to ensure that Alimta continues to be effective.

Can Alimta be used to treat childhood cancer?

Alimta is not typically used to treat childhood cancer, as it is usually used in combination with other cancer treatments. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for your particular type of cancer.

Is it safe to use Alimta for long periods of time?

Yes, it is generally safe to use Alimta for long periods of time if it is being used as part of an effective cancer treatment plan. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress throughout the course of your treatment and adjust the dosage or treatment plan if necessary.

Can Alimta be used to treat advanced stages of cancer?

Yes, Alimta may be used to treat advanced stages of cancer, although it may be used in combination with other cancer treatments. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for your particular type of cancer.

What should I do if I experience any of the common side effects of Alimta?

If you experience any of the common side effects of Alimta, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, mouth sores, or diarrhea, it is important to contact your healthcare provider. They may be able to recommend medications to help manage these symptoms.