Pemetrexed (Alimta)
General information
Class/mechanism: Folate analog, antimetabolite. Pemetrexed inhibits the activity of several folate-dependent enzymes involved in the synthesis of thymidine and purine nucleotides, such as thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFT).[1][2]
Route: IV
Extravasation: no information
Supportive care examples:[1]
- Patients should take daily folic acid (example dose: 1mg PO daily) while on therapy and at least 5 doses in the 7 days before starting Pemetrexed (Alimta) therapy.
- Vitamin B12 1000mcg should be given during the week before the first dose of Pemetrexed (Alimta) and then every 3 cycles thereafter.
- Dexamethasone 4mg PO BID the day before, the day of, and day after Pemetrexed (Alimta) helps to reduce the incidence and severity of cutaneous reactions.
For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.[1]
Diseases for which it is used
Patient drug information
- Pemetrexed (Alimta) patient drug information (Chemocare)[3]
- Pemetrexed (Alimta) patient drug information (UpToDate)[4]