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|Pemetrexed

Pemetrexed

Pemetrexed is used for:

Treating malignant pleural mesothelioma when used in combination with cisplatin in patients who cannot be treated with surgery. It is also used to treat non-small cell lung cancer in patients who have not been helped by other chemotherapy.

Pemetrexed is an antifolate antineoplastic agent. It works by decreasing tumor cell growth.

Do NOT use Pemetrexed if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Pemetrexed
• you have severe kidney problems
• you have taken a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) within the past 5 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Pemetrexed :

Some medical conditions may interact with Pemetrexed . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver or kidney problems, bone marrow problems, diarrhea, an infection, or blood problems (eg, low platelets)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Pemetrexed . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen) or probenecid because the side effects of Pemetrexed may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Pemetrexed may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Pemetrexed :

Use Pemetrexed as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Pemetrexed comes with an additional patient leaflet. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Pemetrexed refilled.
• Pemetrexed is usually administered as an injection at your doctor"s office, hospital, or clinic.
• Do not take an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen) within 5 days before or 2 days after using Pemetrexed unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• Discard any unused medicine.
• If you miss a dose of Pemetrexed , contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Pemetrexed .

Important safety information:

• Pemetrexed may lower your body"s ability to fight infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Notify your doctor of any signs of infection, including fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• If you have not had chickenpox or measles, avoid contact with anyone who has either of these diseases.
• Your doctor will instruct you to take other medicines, such as folic acid, vitamin B₁₂, or corticosteroids, to reduce the severity of some side effects associated with Pemetrexed . Follow the instructions for taking these medicines closely.
• If nausea, vomiting, or appetite loss occurs, contact your doctor or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects.
• Pemetrexed may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools to your doctor.
• Do not get Pemetrexed on your skin. If Pemetrexed spills on your skin, wash immediately with soap and water. Clean any areas (tables, counters) where Pemetrexed may have spilled or sprayed.
• LAB TESTS, including blood cell counts, blood chemistry tests, and kidney and liver function, may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pemetrexed is not recommended in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Pemetrexed may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking Pemetrexed . If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Pemetrexed during pregnancy. It is unknown if Pemetrexed is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Pemetrexed .

Possible side effects of Pemetrexed :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; loss of appetite; nausea; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; tiredness or weakness; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); burning or tingling sensations; chest pain; chills; decreased amount of urine; fever; increased difficulty breathing; mood or mental changes; red, swollen, or peeling skin; sore throat; swelling or sores of the mouth, lips, or tongue; trouble swallowing; unusual bruising or bleeding; severe tiredness or weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include diarrhea; infection with or without fever; inflammation or sores in the mouth or throat; severe tiredness or weakness; and unusual bruising or bleeding.

Pemetrexed is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Pemetrexed at home, store Pemetrexed as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Pemetrexed , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Pemetrexed is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Pemetrexed . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.