What is Alimta? Alimta is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body. Alimta is used to treat mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer associated with exposure to asbestos. Alimta is also used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has already been treated with other cancer medications. Alimta may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Alimta? Before receiving Alimta, tell your doctor if you are any drugs, or if you have kidney or liver disease, a weak immune system, or excess fluid in the space around your lung, liver, or other internal organs. Throughout your treatment with Alimta, you will need to take folic acid and vitamin B-12 to protect your stomach, blood cells, and from the side effects of Alimta. You will need to start taking these supplements a week before receiving your first Alimta infusion, and will keep taking them for 3 weeks after your treatment ends. Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are available over the counter. Be sure to take only the forms and strengths of these supplements that your doctor has recommended. Alimta is usually given every 3 weeks. Your doctor will determine how many treatment cycles you should receive. Alimta can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection. Before you receive Alimta, tell your doctor if you are taking an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), and others. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving Alimta? Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to Alimta. Before receiving Alimta, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have: ? kidney disease ? liver disease ? a weak immune system ? excess fluid in the space around your lung, liver, or other internal organs, including pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs) or ascites (fluid around the liver) If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive Alimta, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment. FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive Alimta without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective , and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Alimta passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. How is Alimta given? Alimta is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 10 minutes to complete. Throughout your treatment with Alimta, you will need to take folic acid and vitamin B-12 to protect your stomach, blood cells, and bone marrow from the side effects of Alimta. You will need to start taking these supplements a week before receiving your first Alimta infusion, and will keep taking them for 3 weeks after your treatment ends. Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are available over the counter. Be sure to take only the forms and strengths of these supplements that your doctor has recommended. Your doctor may also prescribe steroid medications to reduce certain side effects of Alimta. To treat mesothelioma, the Alimta injection is usually followed by infusion of cisplatin (Platinol) 30 minutes later. Cisplatin must be given very slowly, and is usually infused over 2 hours. Alimta is usually given every 3 weeks. Your doctor will determine how many treatment cycles you should receive. Alimta can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. What happens if I miss a dose? Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment to have your Alimta injection. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Alimta overdose may include fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, or white patches, and severe diarrhea. What should I avoid while receiving Alimta? Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection. What are the possible side effects of Alimta? Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: ? pale , easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness ? fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms ? white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips ? urinating more or less than usual, or not at all ? trouble breathing ? swelling, rapid ? urinating more or less than usual, or not at all Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as: ? skin rash ? numbness or tingling ? depressed mood ? sore throat ? tired feeling ? nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, loss of appetite ? muscle pain Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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