Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Drugs ( Alimta )

Alimta - Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

Historically, mesothelioma has been one of the most difficult forms of asbestos cancer to treat. Although doctors have prescribed chemotherapy for decades, some chemotherapeutic agents have had much effect on the aggressive disease.

Among the recently approved drug, Alimta stands out the most promising to extend the life of mesothelioma patients and improve their quality of life.

Alimta (pemetrexed) is a newer chemotherapy drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005. Often used in combination with cisplatin, Alimta is the first drug specifically approved for the treatment of mesothelioma and is considered the treatment most effective chemotherapy for pleural mesothelioma patients who are not candidates for surgery.

Alimta is a multi-targeted anti-folate drug that works by blocking the enzymes needed for DNA and cell division. In clinical trials, Alimta (used in combination with cisplatin) is added to an average of three months of life of patients with malignant mesothelioma and also helped reduce the symptoms.

Have chemo?

If you take Alimta and other chemotherapy drugs to treat mesothelioma, request a free information kit to learn more. For a packet sent during the night, fill the form on the right.

Alimta Treatments

As with any medication, it is imperative for patients to discuss the use of ALIMTA and cisplatin with their doctor before starting cancer treatment. An oncologist provide facts on the effectiveness of Alimta, the drug administration and side effects patients encounter. At the beginning of treatment with ALIMTA, cancer doctors also recommend vitamin B12 injections and folic acid orally daily (grants will continue for 21 days after the last dose cycle of Alimta). Doctors also prescribe an oral steroid to help minimize side effects. Patients should tell their doctor about all other medications taken to avoid dangerous interactions.

Alimta is given to patients with mesothelioma every 21 days on an outpatient basis. Treatment consists of intravenous infusion of 10 minutes, followed by two hours of cisplatin. The number of cycles, patients are required to receive will depend on their reaction to medication and severity of side effects that result.

Side effects of Alimta

Alimta Side effects are generally mild to moderate for most patients with pleural mesothelioma. Some patients may experience extreme side effects and a doctor should be informed immediately if a reaction is a serious problem. Side effects generally include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Fatigue

Constipation

Diarrhea

Loss of appetite

Weight Loss

Fatigue

Weak

Pale skin

Headaches

Dizziness

Confusion

Rapid heartbeat

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Mood changes

Depression

Joint or muscle pain

Low number of red blood cells (anemia)

Decreased white blood cells (neutropenia)

Low platelets (thrombocytopenia)

Patients who experience any of the following symptoms should call your doctor immediately:

Diarrhea

Ulcers in the mouth, throat or lips

Unusual bleeding or bruising

Sore throat, fever, chills, cough or other signs of infection

Chest pain

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Slow or difficult

Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg

Pain, burning, numbness or tingling in hands or feet

Hives

Rash

Itch

Decreased urination

Mesothelioma patients should avoid close proximity to people who have colds, flu, or other signs of disease. Be sure to contact your doctor immediately if signs of infection. Before receiving Alimta, tell your doctor if NASAID, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, and others. Even prior to ALIMTA, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, weak immune system, or excess fluid from the space around the lungs, liver or other internal organs.

Find a SpecialistMesothelioma patients considering chemotherapy as a treatment option should consult with a qualified doctor. Asbestos.com's Doctor Match Program is now helping patients get matched with top mesothelioma specialists around the country. If you wish to take advantage of this free service, please call us at (800) 549-0544 or click here to visit our doctor match page.