Frequently Asked Questions

Like any person living with cancer or their caregiver, you are probably facing situations you never had to deal with before, and are probably concerned about the challenges lying ahead. But by working together with your healthcare team — asking questions and exploring treatment options — you can take back some control.

Here are a few questions you may have about treatment with ALIMTA:

How would I know if ALIMTA is right for me?
Talk to your treatment team to determine if ALIMTA is right for you. Remember, the FDA has approved ALIMTA for the following:

ALIMTA is approved by the FDA in combination with cisplatin (another chemotherapy drug) for the initial treatment of advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a specific type of NSCLC. ALIMTA is not indicated for patients who have a different type of NSCLC called squamous cell.

ALIMTA is approved by the FDA as a single agent (used alone) for the treatment of patients with advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a specific type of NSCLC, after prior chemotherapy. ALIMTA is not indicated for patients who have a different type of NSCLC called squamous cell.

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 anticancer medicine (chemotherapy), when surgery is not an option.

What if I miss a dose of folic acid?
If you miss a dose of folic acid, resume taking it at the next scheduled dose and be sure to tell your healthcare team about the missed dose.

Can I drink alcohol while taking ALIMTA?
Avoid drinking alcohol. Your body's ability to use folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ may be affected by alcohol. You should always discuss the use of alcohol or any drugs (including both over-the-counter and prescription drugs) with your healthcare team during the course of your treatment.

Talk with your healthcare team
As mentioned many times in this website, it is important for you to talk with your healthcare team about any questions or concerns you have as you move through your cancer experience.

When should I call my healthcare team?
You are probably attuned to changes in your body now more than ever. You must never take these changes for granted. As a person living with cancer, you must always be aware of infection. If you suspect an infection of any kind, call your healthcare team immediately.

According to the American Cancer Society, you should also alert your healthcare team right away if you notice any other changes in your body or experience any of the following symptoms during your chemotherapy treatment¹:

A fever of 100.5°F or greater
Bleeding or unexplained bruising
A rash or allergic reaction such as swelling or severe itching or wheezing
Intense chills
Pain or soreness at the chemotherapy injection site or catheter site
Unusual pain including intense headaches
Shortness of breath
Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting
Bloody stool or blood in your urine

Important Safety Information for ALIMTA (pemetrexed for injection)

ALIMTA as a single agent (used alone) is approved for maintaining the initial treatment effect of chemotherapy in patients with advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer whose disease has not worsened after initial therapy. ALIMTA is not indicated for patients who have another type of non-small cell lung cancer called squamous cell.

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 become pregnant, or are nursing, please tell your healthcare team. ALIMTA may harm your unborn or nursing baby. Your physician may advise you to use effective contraception (birth control) to prevent pregnancy while you are being treated with ALIMTA.

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

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; rash; and constipation.

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 Patient Prescribing Information and full Prescribing Information, or call 1-800-545-5979.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

SG24

Reference:

The American Cancer Society. When Do I Call My Doctor? Available at:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_1_7X_When_Do_I_Call_My_Doctor.asp.
Accessed January 23, 2009.