Pemeta

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

Pemeta

Pemeta (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. Pemeta is usually administered in combination with other medications.

Uses for Pemeta

Pemeta 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. Pemeta 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

Pemeta 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?

Pemeta 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

Pemeta 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

Pemeta 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

Pemeta 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

Pemeta 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

Pemeta 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

Pemeta 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

Pemeta 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

Pemeta 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

Pemeta 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

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

Volume of Distribution

Pemeta 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 Pemeta

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Pemeta

What is Pemeta?

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

How does Pemeta work?

Pemeta 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 Pemeta used for?

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

What are the common side effects of Pemeta?

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

Can Pemeta be used to treat other types of cancer?

Pemeta 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 Pemeta?

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

What is the recommended dosage for Pemeta?

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

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

Pemeta 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 Pemeta?

If you miss a dose of Pemeta, 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 Pemeta?

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

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 Pemeta.

How soon after taking Pemeta will I see results?

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

Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Pemeta?

It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s dietary instructions while taking Pemeta. 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 Pemeta?

Long-term effects of Pemeta 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 Pemeta?

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

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

Severe side effects from Pemeta 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 Pemeta?

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

Should I wear a protective mask while taking Pemeta?

It is important to wear a protective mask while taking Pemeta 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 Pemeta.

What other cancer treatments are used in combination with Pemeta?

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

Yes, Pemeta 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 Pemeta?

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 Pemeta?

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

How long does it take for Pemeta to work?

It can take several weeks to months for Pemeta 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 Pemeta?

If you experience severe nausea or vomiting while taking Pemeta, 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 Pemeta?

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 Pemeta and increase the risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider will be able to advise you on any potential interactions.

Can Pemeta be taken with other chemotherapy drugs?

Yes, Pemeta 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 Pemeta interact with any dietary supplements?

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

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

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

Can I take other medications while taking Pemeta?

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

What should I know about using Pemeta if I smoke?

It is important for smokers to quit smoking before beginning treatment with Pemeta. 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 Pemeta?

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 Pemeta while pregnant?

No, Pemeta 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 Pemeta while breastfeeding?

No, Pemeta 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 Pemeta decrease over time?

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

Can Pemeta be used to treat childhood cancer?

Pemeta 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 Pemeta for long periods of time?

Yes, it is generally safe to use Pemeta 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 Pemeta be used to treat advanced stages of cancer?

Yes, Pemeta 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 Pemeta?

If you experience any of the common side effects of Pemeta, 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.