ALIMTA (pemetrexed for injection): Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment  
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ALIMTA as a single-agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after prior chemotherapy. The effectiveness of ALIMTA in second-line NSCLC was based on the surrogate endpoint, response rate. There are no controlled trials demonstrating a clinical benefit, such as a favorable survival effect or improvement of disease-related symptoms.

ALIMTA in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma whose disease is unresectable or who are otherwise not candidates for curative surgery.
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About ALIMTA
ALIMTA is a type of chemotherapy. ALIMTA was approved by the FDA as a single agent (used alone) for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have already received another chemotherapy agent. The effectiveness of ALIMTA in second-line NSCLC was based on a surrogate endpoint, response rate. There are no controlled trials demonstrating a clinical benefit such as survival effect or an improvement in disease-related symptoms.

ALIMTA is a treatment for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM), which is a cancer that affects the inside lining of the chest cavity. ALIMTA is given with cisplatin, another anti-cancer medicine (chemotherapy) when surgery is not an option.

Important Safety Information for ALIMTA
ALIMTA may not be appropriate for some patients. If you are allergic to ALIMTA, tell your doctor because you should not receive it. If you think you are pregnant, are planning to be pregnant, or are nursing, please tell your healthcare team. ALIMTA may harm your unborn or nursing baby.

If you have liver or kidney problems, be sure to tell your doctor. Your dose of ALIMTA may have to be changed, or ALIMTA may not be right for you.

There is a risk of side effects associated with ALIMTA therapy. ALIMTA can suppress bone marrow function. It is very important to take folic acid and vitamin B12 prior to and during your treatment with ALIMTA to lower your chances of harmful side effects.

Your healthcare professional will also prescribe a medicine called a corticosteroid, which lowers your chances of getting skin reactions with ALIMTA. Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Ask your healthcare professional before taking medicines called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat pain or swelling).

The most common side effects of ALIMTA when given alone or in combination with cisplatin, another chemotherapy drug, are low blood cell counts (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets); tiredness; stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; mouth, throat, or lip sores; loss of appetite; and rash.

Call your healthcare professional right away if you have a fever, chills, diarrhea, or mouth sores. These symptoms could mean you have an infection. These are not all of the side effects of ALIMTA. If you have any side effect that bothers you or that doesn’t go away, be sure to talk with your healthcare professional.

You will have regular blood tests before and during your treatment with ALIMTA. Your doctor may adjust your dose of ALIMTA or delay your treatment based on the results of your blood test and on your general condition.

For more information about all of the side effects of ALIMTA, please talk with your healthcare team, see the complete Prescribing Information, or call 1-800-545-5979.
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