Why vitamin B12 before pemetrexed?
Background: Pemetrexed is a folate analog inhibitor for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation before initiating pemetrexed is necessary because of high rates of cytopenias without supplementation.
How toxic is pemetrexed?
Severe (and potentially fatal) renal toxicity has been reported with pemetrexed. Renal toxicity may occur with single-agent pemetrexed or when used in combination with other chemotherapy agents. Pneumonitis has been reported and may occur more frequently in association with radiation.
What are the side effects of pemetrexed?
Pemetrexed injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea.
- vomiting.
- diarrhea.
- constipation.
- loss of appetite.
- weight loss.
- tiredness.
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Why folic acid before chemo?
In case of non-small cell lung cancer patients, Folic acid is specifically recommended to be used along with Pemetrexed (Alimta) chemotherapy, since it reduces Pemetrexed chemo induced toxicity (side-effect), as supported by clinical studies.
Why is folic acid needed with pemetrexed?
Pemetrexed (MTA) is a multitargeted antifolate drug approved for lung cancer therapy. Clinically, supplementation with high doses of folic acid (FA) and vitamin B12 (VB12) lowers MTA cytotoxicities. An antagonistic effect of FA/VB12 on MTA efficacy has been proposed.
What does folic acid do for chemo patients?
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is necessary for many metabolic systems. The dietary nutrient is required for cell division and replication. Folic acid supplementation is necessary to prevent severe toxicities when receiving certain chemotherapy drugs such as pemetrexed (Alimta).
How is pemetrexed excreted?
Pemetrexed is not metabolized to an appreciable extent and is primarily eliminated in the urine, with 70% to 90% of the dose recovered unchanged within the first 24 hours following administration.
How long can you take Alimta?
You may stay on ALIMTA + KEYTRUDA for as long as your cancer remains stable or improves and you don’t have any unacceptable side effects (or up to 35 cycles, about 2 years for KEYTRUDA).
How long can you be on pemetrexed?
You will have chemotherapy as part of a course or cycle, consisting of several treatment sessions and lasting several months. Each cycle of pemetrexed normally lasts for 3 weeks.
Do you lose your hair with carboplatin?
Your hair may get thinner. But you are unlikely to lose all the hair from your head. Hair loss usually starts after your first or second treatment. It is almost always temporary, and your hair will usually grow back after treatment finishes.
Is Alimta the same as pemetrexed?
Pemetrexed is a type of chemotherapy. It is also called by its brand name Alimta. You might have it as a treatment for: pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the outer covering of the lungs)
What is the cost of Alimta?
The list price1 of Alimta is $10,262.09 per month, but the amount you pay will largely depend on your insurance plan.