Adpem 500mg Injection

About

Pemetrexed is an antifolate antineoplastic agent that targets multiple enzymes involved in folate metabolism and pyrimidine synthesis, crucial pathways for DNA replication and cell division. Specifically, it inhibits thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase. By disrupting these key enzymatic processes, pemetrexed effectively starves rapidly dividing cancer cells of the necessary building blocks for DNA and RNA synthesis, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. This multi-targeted approach contributes to its efficacy in specific malignancies. It is administered intravenously, and its toxicity profile is significantly mitigated by mandatory pre-medication with folic acid, vitamin B12, and corticosteroids, which helps reduce myelosuppression and skin reactions. Pemetrexed is a vital treatment option, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma, offering improved outcomes for patients.

Uses

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
• Malignant pleural mesothelioma
• Pancreatic cancer (off-label)
• Colorectal cancer (off-label)

Directions For Use

Administered intravenously over 10 minutes by a healthcare professional. Pre-medication with folic acid, vitamin B12, and corticosteroids is required to reduce toxicity.

Benefits

• Effective in specific types of lung cancer and mesothelioma.
• Can be used as first-line or maintenance therapy.
• Improves progression-free and overall survival.
• Generally well-tolerated with appropriate pre-medication.
• Offers a targeted approach to folate metabolism.
• Can be combined with other chemotherapies or biologics.

Side Effects

• Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Mucositis/stomatitis
• Rash
• Anorexia
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Fever
• Infection
• Renal dysfunction
• Elevated liver enzymes

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid or limit alcohol due to potential for increased liver toxicity and gastrointestinal irritation.
• Pregnancy - Contraindicated. May cause fetal harm. Effective contraception is required during and after treatment.
• Breastfeeding - Not recommended. The drug can pass into breast milk and harm the infant.
• Liver - Use with caution; monitor liver function, though primarily renally excreted.
• Kidney - Use with caution; dosage adjustments are necessary in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment due to primary renal excretion.
• Lung - Used to treat lung cancer; however, monitor for new or worsening pulmonary symptoms, though direct drug-induced lung toxicity is rare.

Disclaimer

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