Alimta, which is a brand name of pemetrexed, is a prescription medication used for the treatment of cancer. One type of cancer that this medication treats is adenocarcinoma, which may develop in the lining of the internal organs, including the lungs, breasts, stomach, pancreas, colon, cervix and prostate. Alimta is approved by the FDA to treat adenocarcinoma of the lungs, which accounts for up to 40 percent of lung cancers, states Alimta.com.
Action in the Body
Alimta affects multiple targets in the cells. The medication interferes with the production of folate, which appears to increase the spread of cancer cells and tumor growth. By disrupting the production of folate, cell reproduction is also inhibited. Alimta also inhibits other enzymes, including thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltranseferase, and prevents the formation of new cells.
Dosage and Administration
Alimta is available in a liquid form and administered as an injection by a nurse or physician in clinic. It is usually administered intravenously over 10 minutes every 21 days, according to PubMed Health. Alimta may be administered alone or in combination with other drugs after the patient has been given chemotherapy.
Side Effects
Common side effects include hair loss, fatigue, fever and depression. A rash or redness at the injection site may occur in up to 17 percent of individuals, according to the "Drug Information Handbook." Gastrointestinal side effects include loss of appetite, which occurs in about 62 percent of patients, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Nausea and vomiting occur in more than a quarter of patients; a physician may administer medications, such as dexamethasone, to avoid these adverse reactions.
Warnings
Alimta is a hazardous agent and must be handled and disposed of properly. Alimta may lead the suppression of the bone marrow, which is where all the blood cells are produced. This causes anemia, low white blood cells and a low platelet count and leaves the patient vulnerable to infections. "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach" states that supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 is required to decrease bone marrow suppression and should be started 1 week prior to the first dose of Alimta. The patient should be monitored regularly to ensure blood cell levels are normal.
Renal Function
Decreased elimination of the drug from the kidneys may result in an increase in drug levels and increased toxicity. Patients with a creatinine clearance over 45 do not require any dosage adjustments. Creatinine clearance measures how well the kidneys eliminate wastes from the body. The manufacturer does not recommend the use of Alimta in patients with a creatinine clearance of less than 45, according to the "Drug Information Handbook."
References
- Alimta.com: Understanding Your Diagnosis
- PubMed Health: Pemetrexed Injection
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
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