Pemetrexed
It is an anti-folate anti-neoplastic agent. Pemetrexed is a chemotherapy drug that belongs to a class of medications called antifolates. It works by inhibiting several enzymes involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), which are essential for cell division and growth. This inhibition particularly affects rapidly dividing cancer cells, making pemetrexed an effective treatment for certain types of cancer.It is recommended for the treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma and Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. It is also used alone or in combination with other Anti-Neoplastic Agents for the treatment of breast Cancer, bladder Cancer colorectal cacinoma and cervical cancer.
-500mg/m2 administered as i.v. infusion over 10 minutes. -The dosage of pemetrexed varies depending on the type of cancer being treated, the patient's body surface area, and other individual factors. -Pemetrexed is typically administered intravenously (IV) in a hospital or clinic setting. -Patients usually receive supplemental folic acid and vitamin B12 to reduce the risk of side effects.
Severe hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed or to any other ingredient used in the formulation.
Folic Acid supplementation one week prior to therapy is recommended to avoid toxicity. Conurrent administration of steroids is necessary due to development of skin rashes. Pregnancy Category D medication. Women of child bearing potential should avoid getting pregnant if they are taking this medication.
Nausea, fatigue, anorexia are most commonly reported. Decreased blood cell counts, mental fatigue and sleepiness, oral mucositis, loss of appetite skin rash and constipation.
Caution should be exercised with concurrent administration of NSAIDs is due to interference with renal clearance of pemetrexed, other nephrotoxic drugs and agnets that are metabolized renally are to be administered with care.
