ALIMTA
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Generic Name for ALIMTA
Pemetrexed 100mg/vial, 500mg/vial; pwd for IV inj after reconstitution and dilution; preservative-free.
Legal Classification:
Rx
Pharmacological Class for ALIMTA
Antifolate.
Manufacturer of ALIMTA
Lilly, Eli and Company
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Indications for ALIMTA
Locally advanced or metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer: in combination with cisplatin as initial treatment, or as maintenance in patients whose disease has not progressed after 4 cycles of platinum-based 1st-line chemotherapy; or as a single agent after prior chemotherapy. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM): in combination with cisplatin in patients whose disease is either unresectable or who are otherwise not candidates for curative surgery.
Adult dose for ALIMTA
See literature. 500mg/m2 by IV infusion over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle. Adjust dose if toxicity (esp. myelosuppression) develops. Combination therapy: Give cisplatin beginning 30 minutes after pemetrexed infusion. Supplement with folic acid and vitamin B12. Pretreat with corticosteroid.
Children's dosing for ALIMTA
Not recommended.
Warnings/Precautions for ALIMTA
See literature. Renal impairment (CrCl <45mL/min): not recommended. Discontinue if Grade 3 or 4 neurotoxicity occurs, or if any Grade 3 or 4 toxicity occurs after two dose reductions. Do not start new cycle if ANC <1500cells/mm3 and platelet count <100,000cells/mm3. Hepatic impairment. Ensure adequate hydration. Monitor CBCs, platelets, renal and hepatic function. Clinically significant third space fluid: consider draining effusion first. Pregnancy (Cat.D); avoid, use effective contraception. Nursing mothers: not recommended.
Interactions for ALIMTA
May be potentiated by nephrotoxic agents, drugs eliminated by renal tubular secretion (eg, probenecid). Concomitant NSAIDs: use caution in patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency (esp. ibuprofen).
Adverse Reactions for ALIMTA
Fatigue, GI upset, anorexia, stomatitis, pharyngitis, constipation, fever, infection with neutropenia, rash, desquamation, neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated creatinine, chest pain, neuropathy; rare: renal failure.
Notes for ALIMTA
Testing considerations: TS (thymidylate synthase) expression for response and toxicity
How is ALIMTA supplied?
Single-use vial—1
Related Disease:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma
Neoplasms
Non-small cell lung cancer