Type your drug name (like Atorvastatin, Sildenafil, etc)

Alimta

Specialty Drug

Pemetrexed

PEMETREXED is a chemotherapy drug used to treat lung cancers like non-small cell lung cancer and mesothelioma. It may also be used to treat other cancers. Compare antifolates.

Prescription Settings

Alimta Side Effects

What should I watch for?

Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.

Call your doctor or health care professional if you get diarrhea or mouth sores. Do not treat yourself.

To protect your kidneys, drink water or other fluids as directed while you are taking this medicine.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 6 months after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping it. This may interfere with the ability to father a child. You should talk to your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 1 week after stopping it.

Common and Rare Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

chest pain

chills

cough

fever

loss of coordination

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

pains in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of the legs

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

severe headaches of sudden onset

sore throat

sudden onset of slurred speech

sudden vision changes

swollen glands

troubled breathing

ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Bloody urine or bloody stools

decreased frequency or amount of urine

fainting or loss of consciousness

fast or irregular breathing

increased blood pressure

increased thirst

itching, skin rash

loss of appetite

nausea

swelling of the eyes, eyelids, face, fingers, or lower legs

tightness in the chest

vomiting

weight gain

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

joint or muscle pain

pain and redness of the skin in the area of earlier radiation treatment

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

stomach cramps, tenderness, or pain

watery diarrhea

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs

confusion

cough

diarrhea

difficulty having a bowel movement

difficulty with moving

difficulty with swallowing

discouragement

dizziness

dry mouth

feeling sad or empty

hair loss

headache

heartburn

hoarseness

increase in heart rate

irritability

lightheadedness

loss of interest or pleasure

mood changes

muscle ache, cramp, or stiffness

pain or burning in the throat

pain produced by swallowing

rapid breathing

sensation of pins and needles

stabbing pain

stuffy or runny nose

sunken eyes

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

swollen joints

thinning of the hair

thirst

tiredness

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

weight loss

wrinkled skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other antifolates

Other Conditions

Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma

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