subject: Alimta Chemotherapy: Precautions and Side Effects [print this page] Alimta Chemotherapy: Precautions and Side Effects
Pemetrexed is a chemotherapy drug and Alimta is a trade name for that. It is used to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma. Edward Taylor, a retired professor of chemistry at Princeton University, is credited with the development of this drug. After more than a decade of preliminary clinical trials, Alimta was approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2004. In September 2008, the FDA gave approval for Alimta as a first-line treatment, in combination with cisplatin, against locally-advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer in patients with non-squamous histology. Alimta is taken for treating cancer by restricting cellular growth, which prevents tumors from becoming bigger and spreading through the body. The enzymes used in the production of DNA and RNA are inhibited by Alimta, which stops cell growth and inhibits the growth of tumors.
How to Prepare for Alimta Chemotherapy Treatment
While on Alimta chemotherapy, a patient should be given vitamin B12 shots, oral steroids and folic acid pills. These supplements help protect the body against the adverse impact of chemotherapy. The following points should also be taken care of during Alimta chemotherapy:
Folic acid pills need to be taken once a day, starting about a week before the first treatment session, and should be taken for 21 days after the completion of the third week of therapy.
Ensure that the vitamin B12 shot is administered by a physician.
The oral steroid (such as dexamethasone) needs to be taken twice a day on the day before the Alimta treatment and on the day after. Oral steroids also help to reduce the possibilities of adverse side effects.
Precautions While on Alimta Chemotherapy
If you are taking any kind of medicines that contain products of aspirin, it is essential to seek your doctor's advice before starting Alimta Chemotherapy.
Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprophen during the treatment period.
Do not take any kind of vaccine or immunization while undergoing Alimta Chemotherapy.
For women, it is highly recommended that pregnancy be avoided during the treatment period. Alimta Chemotherapy can be harmful to an unborn fetus.
Alimta could also cause some skin rashes or other similar problems. Consult your doctor for proper medication in case of any side effects.
This treatment could also interact with other medicines you might be taking. Hence, seek the advice of your doctor regarding what medicines you can continue and those that you should discontinue during the period of treatment.
Side Effects of Alimta Chemotherapy
Alimta Chemotherapy can produce a few adverse side effects, which include fatigue, severe rash, mouth sores and low blood count. If you experience any adverse effects, seek medical assistance immediately.
