Uses of Pemetrexed

Pemetrexed is used to block the activity of the enzyme that are responsible for the growth and multiplication of advanced stages of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. It can be used as a treatment option in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conventional therapies to control cancer progression.

Therapeutic Category

Pemetrexed: Anticancer agents (antimetabolites)

How Pemetrexed works

Pemetrexed is an anticancer medication. It works by blocking the activity of certain enzymes (Ex. dihydrofolate reductase, thymidylate synthase etc.) in the body that may help cancer cells to grow and multiply. As a result, it reduces abnormal growth and multiplication of cancer cells in the body.

Common side effects of Pemetrexed

• infections, fever, sore throat
• hair loss
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea
• mouth ulcers (pain, redness, swelling on the mouth)
• tiredness, dehydration, dizziness
• skin rash (marks may resemble bull’s eye)
• flaky skin, loss of sensation on the skin, increased skin pigmentation
• changes in taste
• muscle weakness or wasting, unsteady movements
• eye inflammation, dry eyes, eye swelling, eye irritation, tearing
• irregular heartbeat
• increase in liver and kidney enzymes
• swelling of body parts
• inflammation of the gut

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience fever, increased infections, sepsis (infections of the blood)
• If you experience chest pain, fast heart rate
• If you experience inflammation of the mouth with pain, redness and swelling
• If you experience signs of allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat which can lead to difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• If you experience severe skin reactions with blistering and peeling of skin, burning or prickling sensation or fever
• If you experience signs of low RBC in blood (tiredness, pale skin, fainting, breathlessness)
• If you experience increased tendency to bleed (such as bleeding gums, bleeding from the nose or mouth)
• If you experience unexpected bruising
• If you experience signs of blood clot in lungs (such as breathlessness, heavy chest pain or cough with bloody sputum)

Health Tips for Pemetrexed

• Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate your skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Regularly moisturize your skin
• Avoid sun exposure as this medicine may increase your sensitivity to sunlight, leading to a higher risk of sunburn. Limit your exposure to direct sunlight and protect your skin by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen (with a high SPF), and seeking shade when the sun is strongest
• Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial
• Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy
• Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods
• Avoid eating spicy foods. Drink plenty of water. Apply a pain-relieving gel on the affected areas of the mouth if required
• Drink lots of fluids, such as water to keep yourself hydrated. Try to avoid taking any medicine on your own to treat diarrhoea
• Try to eat more high-fibre foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, cereals, and drink plenty of water. Try doing exercise regularly (going for a daily walk or run)