Pemetrexed (Alimta)

Generic Name: pemetrexed

Brand Name: Alimta

Pemetrexed (brand name Alimta) is a chemotherapy drug manufactured and marketed by Eli Lilly and Company. Its indications are the treatment of pleural mesothelioma as well as non-small cell lung cancer.

Alimta is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body. Alimta is used to treat mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer associated with exposure to asbestos. Alimta is also used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has already been treated with other cancer medications.

Pemetrexed disodium, powder for solution for infusion, vial 500 mg. Each vial contains 500 mg of pemetrexed as pemetrexed disodium. Each 500 mg vial must be reconstituted with 20 mL of 0.9 % Sodium Chloride Injection (preservative free). The reconstituted Alimta solution contains 25 mg/mL of pemetrexed.

Alimta is supplied as a sterile lyophilized powder for intravenous infusion available in single-dose vials. The product is a white to either light yellow or green-yellow lyophilized solid. Each 500-mg vial of Alimta contains pemetrexed disodium equivalent to 500 mg pemetrexed and 500 mg of mannitol. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added to adjust pH.

Pemetrexed disodium, powder for solution for infusion, vial 500 mg. Each vial contains 500 mg of pemetrexed as pemetrexed disodium. Each 500 mg vial must be reconstituted with 20 mL of 0.9 % Sodium Chloride Injection (preservative free). The reconstituted Alimta solution contains 25 mg/mL of pemetrexed.
Alimta is supplied as a sterile lyophilized powder for intravenous infusion available in single-dose vials. The product is a white to either light yellow or green-yellow lyophilized solid. Each 500-mg vial of Alimta contains pemetrexed disodium equivalent to 500 mg pemetrexed and 500 mg of mannitol. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added to adjust pH.

Side effects of Alimta

Most patients taking Alimta will have side effects. Sometimes it is not always possible to tell whether Alimta, another medicine, or the cancer itself is causing these side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have a fever, chills, diarrhea, or mouth sores. These symptoms could mean you have an infection.

The most common side effects of Alimta when given alone or in combination with cisplatin are:

• Stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You can obtain medicines to help control some of these symptoms. Call your doctor if you get any of these symptoms.


• Low blood cell counts:


• Low red blood cells. Low red blood cells may make you feel tired, get tired easily, appear pale, and become short of breath.


• Low white blood cells. Low white blood cells may give you a greater chance for infection. If you have a fever (temperature above 100.4°F) or other signs of infection, call your doctor right away.


• Low platelets. Low platelets give you a greater chance for bleeding. Your doctor will do blood tests to check your blood counts before and during treatment with Alimta.



• Tiredness. You may feel tired or weak for a few days after your Alimta treatments. If you have severe weakness or tiredness, call your doctor.


• Mouth, throat, or lip sores (stomatitis, pharyngitis). You may get redness or sores in your mouth, throat, or on your lips. These symptoms may happen a few days after Alimta treatment. Talk with your doctor about proper mouth and throat care.


• Loss of appetite. You may lose your appetite and lose weight during your treatment. Talk to your doctor if this is a problem for you.


• Rash. You may get a rash or itching during treatment. These usually appear between treatments with Alimta and usually go away before the next treatment. Call your doctor if you get a severe rash or itching.

Alimta's approved label and patient information