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ALIMTA (pemetrexed) and Mesothelioma
Alimta is Available for Mesothelioma Patients
Eli Lilly & Co.'s new drug ALIMTA, also called Pemetrexed, is available on an expanded access use for patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer associated with exposure to asbestos.
Positive Results
Eli Lilly reported that the results of a Phase III trial indicated that patients treated with Alimta and cisplatin combined lived longer, and experienced less pain and shortness of breath, than patients treated with cisplatin alone. In fact, according to Eli Lilly, mesothelioma tumors shrunk in 41% of patients given Alimta. Read Trial Details
Read About Alimta v. Taxotere and Side Effects
Interview from the Doctor who Supervised the Trial
FDA on Alimta (pemetrexed for injection)
ALIMTA is supplied as a sterile lyophilized powder for intravenous infusion available in single-dose vials. The product is a white to either light yellow or green-yellow lyophilized solid. Each 500-mg vial of ALIMTA contains pemetrexed disodium equivalent to 500 mg pemetrexed and 500 mg of mannitol. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added to adjust pH
How does Alimta work?
Alimta is an antifolate. Doctors who studied the spread of cancer noted that folic acid seemed to increase the spread of cancer cells and tumor growth. Doctor theorized that drugs that would interfere with folic acid production in the body would reduce the spread of cancer and result in tumor shrinkage. Alimta is a drug that interferes with and inhibits the creation of folic acid which, in turn, stops the body from using folic acid to make more cancerous cells.
In medical terms, Alimta "targets the folic acid metabolic pathway, which effects availability of certain B complex vitamins." Simply stated, this means that Alimta prevents the body from making folic acid, which in turn significantly reduces the spread of mesothelioma cancer and the growth of tumors.
Is Alimta a cure for malignant pleural mesothelioma?
No, but in clinical trials patients who were treated with Alimta and cisplatin had a median survival of 12.1 months compared to 9.3 months for patients treated with cisplatin alone.
How is Alimta given?
Alimta is given intravenously (into a vein), about every 21 days. Cisplatin is then infused about 30 minutes after Alimta treatment. To lower the chances of side effects with Alimta, it is necessary to take folic acid and vitamin B12 before, during, and after treatment.
What should I tell my doctor before being treated with Alimta?
To help your doctor decide if Alimta is right for you, tell your doctor if you:
plan to become pregnant, or if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or do not use effective birth control, because Alimta may harm your unborn baby.
have kidney problems.
are taking other medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Tell your doctor or health care provider if you are taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure, because there are many NSAID medicines.
What are the possible side effects of Alimta?
Most patients treated with Alimta will experience some side effects. The most common side effects of Alimta are: rash
tiredness
loss of appetite
mouth, throat, or lip sores
a drop in platelets that results in bruising or bleeding
stomach upset, including nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea
a drop in white blood cells, increasing the risk of infection
a drop in red blood cells (anemia), causing tiredness or shortness of breath
You should contact your doctor if you have signs of infection such as fever (temperature above 100.4F) chills, diarrhea, or mouth sores.
What should I avoid while being treated with Alimta?
Women should avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with Alimta because Alimta may cause harm to an unborn baby.
Avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least 5 days before Alimta treatment, during the day of treatment, and for two days after treatment. If you are not sure if a drug you take is a NSAID, ask your doctor or pharmacist. There are many NSAID medicines that are prescription and over-the-counter.
What else should I know about Alimta treatment?
Your doctor will prescribe a medicine called a corticosteroid to take the day before, day of, and day after Alimta treatment to lower your chances of getting a skin reaction.
You will have regular blood tests before and during Alimta treatment so your doctor can monitor your treatment.
Where can I find more information on Alimta?
Go to FDA's Alimta web page at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/alimta/default.htm
National Cancer Institute's web page: http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/types/malignantmesothelioma
Call the manufacturer at 1-800-Lilly-Rx (1-800-545-5979).
Medication Given Free of Charge
Under the expanded access program, Alimta will be provided free of charge to patients who meet medical eligibility requirements. For more information on the expanded access program, physicians may call here: 1-866-347-9503 (patients are asked to work through their physicians). Patients may call 1-800-362-1479 for more information.
Clinical Trial Locations and Information
Various hospitals across the country are recruiting patients to participate in Alimta clinical trials. For clinical trial locations and additional information, please complete the form below. Alimta Clinical Trials
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