Alimta-Generic, pemetrexed disodium 500mg

Generic Name: pemetrexed disodium
Dosage Form: injection, powder

ALIMTA, a resource for patients with advanced or metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), and the people who care for them.

Initial Diagnosis of Advanced or Metastatic Nonsquamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

ALIMTA (pemetrexed for injection) is approved by the FDA in combination with cisplatin (another chemotherapy drug) for the initial treatment of advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a specific type of NSCLC. ALIMTA is not indicated for patients who have different type of NSCLC called squamous cell.

To Maintain the Effect of Initial Chemotherapy Before Worsening of Advanced or Metastatic Nonsquamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

ALIMTA as a single agent (used alone) is approved for maintaining the initial treatment effect of chemotherapy in patients with advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer whose disease has not worsened after initial therapy. ALIMTA is not indicated for patients who have another type of non-small cell lung cancer called squamous cell.

If Advanced or Metastatic Nonsquamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Returns

ALIMTA is approved by the FDA as a single agent (used alone) for the treatment of patients with advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a specific type of NSCLC, after prior chemotherapy. ALIMTA is not indicated for patients who have a different type of NSCLC called squamous cell.

Treatment for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

ALIMTA is a treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), which is a cancer that affects the inside lining of the chest cavity. ALIMTA is given with cisplatin, another anticancer medicine (chemotherapy), when surgery is not an option.

Important Safety Information for ALIMTA (pemetrexed for injection)

ALIMTA is approved by the FDA in combination with cisplatin (another chemotherapy drug) for the initial treatment of advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a specific type of NSCLC. ALIMTA is not indicated for patients who have a different type of NSCLC called squamous cell.

ALIMTA as a single agent (used alone) is approved for maintaining the initial treatment effect of chemotherapy in patients with advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer whose disease has not worsened after initial therapy. ALIMTA is not indicated for patients who have another type of non-small cell lung cancer called squamous cell.

ALIMTA is approved by the FDA as a single agent (used alone) for the treatment of patients with advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a specific type of NSCLC, after prior chemotherapy. ALIMTA is not indicated for patients who have a different type of NSCLC called squamous cell.

ALIMTA is a treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), which is a cancer that affects the inside lining of the chest cavity. ALIMTA is given with cisplatin, another anticancer medicine (chemotherapy), when surgery is not an option.

ALIMTA may not be appropriate for some patients. If you are allergic to ALIMTA, tell your doctor because you should not receive it. If you think you are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are nursing, please tell your healthcare team. ALIMTA may harm your unborn or nursing baby. Your physician may advise you to use effective contraception (birth control) to prevent pregnancy while you are being treated with ALIMTA.

If you have liver or kidney problems, be sure to tell your doctor. Your dose of ALIMTA may have to be changed, or ALIMTA may not be right for you. There is a risk of side effects associated with ALIMTA therapy. ALIMTA can suppress bone marrow function. It is very important to take folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ prior to and during your treatment with ALIMTA to lower your chances of harmful side effects.

Your healthcare professional will prescribe a medicine called a corticosteroid, which lowers your chances of getting skin reactions with ALIMTA. Ask your healthcare professional before taking medicines called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat pain or swelling). Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

The most common side effects of ALIMTA when given alone or in combination with cisplatin, another chemotherapy drug, are low blood cell counts (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets); tiredness; stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; mouth, throat, or lip sores; loss of appetite; rash; and constipation.

Call your healthcare professional right away if you have a fever, chills, diarrhea, or mouth sores. These symptoms could mean you have an infection. These are not all of the side effects of ALIMTA. If you have any side effect that bothers you or that doesn't go away, be sure to talk with your healthcare professional.

You will have regular blood tests before and during your treatment with ALIMTA. Your doctor may adjust your dose of ALIMTA or delay your treatment based on the results of your blood test and on your general condition.

For more information about all of the side effects of ALIMTA, please talk with your healthcare team, see the Patient Prescribing Information.