InjectionClinical Overview
Pemetrexed Injection (100mg, 500mg) is a pyrrolopyrimidine-based multi-targeted antifolate antineoplastic on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It simultaneously inhibits three key enzymes required for purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis: thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFT). Indicated in combination with cisplatin (and as maintenance monotherapy) for locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Administer intravenously only over 10 minutes diluted in 0.9% NaCl. MANDATORY PREMEDICATIONS: 1) Folic acid (350-1000 mcg orally daily) starting 1 week prior to the first dose and continuing for 21 days after the last dose; 2) Vitamin B12 (1000 mcg IM) starting 1 week prior and repeated every 9 weeks; 3) Dexamethasone (4 mg orally twice daily) for 3 days starting the day before pemetrexed to prevent severe cutaneous reactions.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Myelosuppression (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia), fatigue, nausea, anorexia, rash, pharyngitis, diarrhea. Rare/Severe: Fatal sepsis, severe renal failure, and radiation recall reaction.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Mandatory folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation is vital; failure to supplement leads to life-threatening myelosuppression and gastrointestinal toxicities. Ineffective in squamous cell lung cancer (use only in non-squamous NSCLC). Avoid NSAIDs in patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment (CrCl 45-79 mL/min) around dosing.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, oncological diagnosis, or chemotherapy protocol guidance. Cancer therapies require specialized administration under the direct supervision of a registered medical oncologist in an accredited healthcare facility.