Mevex 100/Mevex 500

Pemetrexed disodium

In combination w/ cisplatin for the treatment of chemotherapy naive patients w/ unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma; 1st-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As monotherapy for the maintenance treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC in patients whose disease has not progressed immediately following platinum-based chemotherapy; 2nd-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC.

In combination w/ cisplatin 500 mg/m² as IV infusion over 10 min on the 1st day of each 21-day cycle. Cisplatin 75 mg/m² infused over 2 hr approx 30 min after completion of the pemetrexed infusion on the 1st day of each 21-day cycle. Single agent for NSCLC 500 mg/m² as IV infusion over 10 min on the 1st day of each 21-day cycle.

Hypersensitivity. Concomitant yellow fever vaccine. Lactation.

Monitor for myelosuppression during therapy. Do not give to patients until absolute neutrophil count returns to ≥100,000 cells/mm³. Take folic acid & vit B₁₂ to reduce treatment-related toxicity. Pre-treatment w/ dexamethasone to reduce incidence & severity of skin reactions. Patients w/ CrCl <45 mL/min. Avoid taking NSAIDs eg, ibuprofen & aspirin (>1.3 g/day) 2 days before, on the day of, & 2 days following pemetrexed administration in patients w/ mild to moderate renal insufficiency (CrCl 45-79 mL/min). Serious renal events including acute renal failure. Risk factors for development of renal events including dehydration or pre-existing HTN or diabetes. Consider drainage of 3rd-space fluid collection prior to treatment. GI toxicity of pemetrexed given in combination w/ cisplatin, severe dehydration has been observed. Serious CV events, including MI & cerebrovascular event. Pre-existing CV risk factors. Concomitant w/ live attenuated vaccines. Use of other radiosensitising agents. Sexually mature males are advised not to father a child during the treatment & up to 6 mth thereafter. Possible irreversible infertility in men. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception.

Bone marrow suppression (anaemia, neutropenia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia); GI toxicities (anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, pharyngitis, mucositis, & stomatitis). Renal toxicities, increased transaminases, alopecia, fatigue, dehydration, rash, infection/sepsis & neuropathy.

Cytotoxic Chemotherapy

L01BA04 - pemetrexed ; Belongs to the class of antimetabolites, folic acid analogues. Used in the treatment of cancer.

Rx