alimta side effects
pemetrexed (peh meh TREX ed)
What is the most important information I should know about Alimta?
• Alimta should only be administered under the supervision of a qualifiedhealthcare provider experienced in the use of this medication alimta side effects.
• Alimta may cause side effects that could be dangerous or life-threatening alimta side effects. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using Alimta before startingtreatment alimta side effects. Alimta has been reported to cause blood and bone marrow problems(fever, chills, sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, black, bloody ortarry stools,); nerve problems (numbness, tingling, pain); stomach problems(nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite); sores in or around the mouth;rash; and others alimta side effects. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of thesesymptoms alimta side effects.
What is Alimta?
• Alimta interferes with the production and maintenance of DNA, which isthe genetic material in the cells of the body alimta side effects. Alimta has a greater effect oncells that reproduce often, like cancer cells alimta side effects. This is how Alimta works in thetreatment of cancer alimta side effects.
• Alimta is used in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma, a form of lungcancer associated with exposure to asbestos alimta side effects.
• Alimta may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thismedication guide alimta side effects.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Alimta?
• Before taking Alimta, tell your doctor if you have
· kidney disease;
· an immune system disorder;
· blood or bone marrow problems;
· an infection; or
· fluid around the lungs or in the abdomen alimta side effects.
• You may not be able to take Alimta, or you may require a dosage adjustmentor special monitoring during therapy if you have any of the conditions listedabove alimta side effects.
• Alimta is in the FDA pregnancy category D alimta side effects. This means that Alimta isknown to be harmful to an unborn baby alimta side effects. Do not use Alimta without first talkingto your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment alimta side effects. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatmentwith Alimta alimta side effects.
• Alimta may be harmful to a nursing infant alimta side effects. Breast-feeding is not recommendedduring treatment with Alimta alimta side effects.
How should I take Alimta?
• Alimta should only be administered under the supervision of a qualifiedhealthcare provider experienced in the use of this medication alimta side effects.
• Alimta will be administered as an intravenous (into a vein) injectionby a healthcare provider alimta side effects. Your doctor will determine the correct amount andfrequency of treatment with Alimta alimta side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have any questionsor concerns regarding the treatment schedule alimta side effects.
• If you are injecting Alimta at home, your doctor will give you detailedinstructions regarding preparation, administration, and storage of the medication alimta side effects.
• Your doctor may prescribe additional medications such as other chemotherapymedicines, a steroid, folic acid, and vitamin B12, to be taken during treatmentwith Alimta alimta side effects. Additional medications may be necessary for adequate treatmentor to reduce the incidence or severity of side effects from treatment with Alimta alimta side effects.
• It is important to use Alimta regularly to get the most benefit alimta side effects.
• Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluationsduring treatment with Alimta to monitor progress and side effects alimta side effects.
• Your healthcare provider will store Alimta as directed by the manufacturer alimta side effects. If you are storing Alimta at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcareprovider alimta side effects.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Alimta alimta side effects.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected alimta side effects.
• Symptoms of a Alimta overdose may include blood problems, sores in themouth, rash, and diarrhea alimta side effects.
What should I avoid while taking Alimta?
• Do not take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen(Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), naproxen(Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), and others except under the direction of your doctor alimta side effects. In some cases, an NSAID may be taken during treatment with Alimta, but shouldonly be done under the direction of your doctor alimta side effects.
What are the possible side effects of Alimta?
• Alimta may cause side effects that could be dangerous or life-threatening alimta side effects. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using Alimta before startingtreatment alimta side effects. Alimta has been reported to cause blood and bone marrow problems(fever, chills, sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, black, bloody ortarry stools); nerve problems (numbness, tingling, pain); stomach problems (nausea,vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite); sores in or around the mouth; rash; andothers alimta side effects. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms alimta side effects.
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergencymedical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; difficultybreathing; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
· fever, chills, sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, black, bloodyor tarry stools (possible blood problems);
· numbness or tingling (possible nerve problems);
· severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite;
· skin rash; or
· sores in the mouth alimta side effects.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur alimta side effects. Continueto take Alimta and notify your doctor if you experience
· mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite;
· depressed mood; or
· fatigue alimta side effects.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur alimta side effects. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome alimta side effects.
What other drugs will affect Alimta?
• Do not take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen(Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), naproxen(Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), and others except under the direction of your doctor alimta side effects. In some cases, an NSAID may be taken during treatment with Alimta, but shouldonly be done under the direction of your doctor alimta side effects.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Alimta alimta side effects. Talkto your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-countermedicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products alimta side effects.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about Alimta written for healthprofessionals that you may read alimta side effects.
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