It's hard to put into words what it feels like when you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. But at the same time, doctors talk about new medications when they talk about treatment. You may have heard the name Pemetrexed. This is a special medicine that is given to destroy cancer cells. So today, let's talk simply and friendly about this medicine, what it does, and what we need to be careful about.
What is Pemetrexed?
Simply put, Pemetrexed is a drug that fights cancer cells . To be precise, it is a chemotherapy drug. Its main function is to stop the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells and destroy them.
This drug is specifically used to treat two types of lung cancer.
- Some types of lung cancer (Non-small cell lung cancer)
- Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs between the lungs and the chest wall.
In addition, your doctor may prescribe this medicine for other types of cancer. You can find this medicine in the market under names like `Alimta` or `PEMFEXY`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting this treatment, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about any health problems you have, as these conditions may change the way this medication affects the body.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you currently have an infection (e.g., viral infections such as chickenpox or herpes) | Because this medicine reduces the body's immunity, an existing infection may become worse. |
| If you have kidney disease | Since the drug is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, it is important to be careful about kidney function. |
| Low blood counts (low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets) | Chemotherapy can further reduce your blood cells, so it's important to be aware of this before you start. |
| If you have lung or respiratory diseases (such as asthma) | The doctor should be aware of the risk of respiratory distress from the medication. |
| If you are receiving or have recently received radiation therapy | Combining radiation therapy and this medicine may increase side effects. |
| If you are allergic to Pemetrexed or any other medicines or foods. | This is essential to prevent a severe allergic reaction to the medicine. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This medicine can harm an unborn baby and can also pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How is this medicine administered to the body?
This medicine is not something you can take home. It is an injection (infusion) that is given into a vein, like saline . It is given in a hospital or clinic by a medical professional who has received special training in this.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
If you suspect that you have overdosed, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to consider during treatment
Chemotherapy can be a difficult time. This is because these drugs affect both cancer cells and healthy cells in our body. So it is normal to feel a little uncomfortable and lethargic. But even if you feel uncomfortable, do not stop the treatment until your doctor tells you to stop .
Protect yourself from infections
This medicine reduces your body's ability to fight disease (immunity), so you can get infections more easily.
- If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, or sore throat , do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately.
- Minimize your exposure to crowded places and sick people as much as possible.
Watch out for bleeding and bruising.
This medicine can reduce the number of platelets, which help blood clot. Therefore,
- Don't brush your teeth too hard , use a soft brush.
- If you experience any unusual bruising on your body, red spots under the skin, bleeding gums, or blood in your urine or stool, tell your doctor immediately.
Be careful with painkillers.
Some painkillers, such as ibuprofen, may interact with this medicine. Also, medicines such as aspirin and paracetamol can suppress fever. Since fever is an early sign of infection, do not take any painkillers without your doctor's advice . Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
About pregnancy and childbirth
This is a very important matter.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping treatment.
- Men: Avoid fathering a child while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping treatment.
- This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid breastfeeding their baby while taking the medicine and for one week after stopping the medicine.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Pemetrexed can have side effects. Some require immediate attention, while others are common.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and pain when urinating. |
| Signs of bleeding | Black or bloody stools, dark brown or red urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red spots on the skin, and unexplained bruising. |
| Serious skin problems | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Decreased urine output or difficulty urinating. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pale stools, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, nausea. |
| Things that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | Difficulty going to the toilet. |
| Mouth sores | Painful sores inside the mouth. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Nausea and vomiting. |
| Unusual tiredness | Feeling of extreme fatigue and lifelessness. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Pemetrexed is a powerful chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- During treatment, be aware of warning signs such as fever and bleeding. If you have any problems, inform your doctor immediately.
- Avoid becoming pregnant or fathering children during treatment and until your doctor tells you to.
- If you have any questions or concerns, never be afraid to ask your doctor. Remember, you are not alone.
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