The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Low blood cell counts (up to 85%)
- Higher blood sugar levels (63%)
- Feeling very tired (56%)
- Nausea (56%)
- Signs of stress to the liver and kidney on blood tests (up to 47%)
- Constipation (35%)
- Low blood electrolyte and protein levels (up to 39%)
- Diarrhea (31%)
Please note: Side effects above were reported in studies by people who've received pemetrexed along with platinum-based chemotherapy, pembrolizumab (Keytruda), and pre-treatment medications.
Less Common Side Effects
- Loss of appetite
- Rash
- Cough or trouble catching your breath
- Vomiting
- Fever
Pemetrexed serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Lower blood cell counts: unusual bleeding or bruising, fever, chills, body aches, tiredness
- Serious kidney problems: feeling confused, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, itchy skin, making little to no urine
- Severe skin problems: burning, redness, rashes, blisters, or peeling skin
- Lung damage: cough, trouble catching your breath, fever
Source: DailyMed
The following Pemetrexed side effects have also been reported
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
chills
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
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
swelling of the eyes, eyelids, face, fingers, or lower legs
tightness in the chest
vomiting
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
difficulty having a bowel movement
difficulty with moving
difficulty with swallowing
discouragement
dizziness
feeling sad or empty
headache
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
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.
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