ALIMTA 500mg Infusion/Powder for

What is ALIMTA 500mg

ALIMTA is the trade name for **pemetrexed disodium**, a multi‑targeted antifolate chemotherapy agent supplied as a 500 mg lyophilized powder vial for intravenous infusion :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

• Non‑squamous non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): First-line in combination with cisplatin (or pembrolizumab + platinum), as maintenance therapy post-platinum therapy, and as salvage therapy after initial chemotherapy :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Malignant pleural mesothelioma: In combination with cisplatin for unresectable disease :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

It is not indicated for squamous‑cell NSCLC :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Approved by the FDA in 2004, ALIMTA is a chemotherapy staple in thoracic oncology due to its targeted anti‑folate activity :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

How to use ALIMTA 500mg

• Formulation & reconstitution: Reconstitute the 500 mg vial with sterile water per label instructions; dilute further in 0.9% saline or 5% dextrose to a total volume ≥ 100 mL :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Administration: Administer via IV infusion over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21‑day cycle :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Combination regimens:
  • With cisplatin 75 mg/m² IV, initiated ~30 minutes post‑ALIMTA infusion.
  • Or with pembrolizumab + platinum (cisplatin or carboplatin) in metastatic NSCLC.
• Pre-medications:
  • Folic acid 400–1,000 µg orally daily, starting 7 days before the first dose, continuing through treatment and for 21 days thereafter :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
  • Vitamin B₁₂, 1 mg IM one week before initial dose and every 3 cycles :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
  • Dexamethasone 4 mg orally twice daily the day before, of, and after infusion to reduce skin reactions :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Lab monitoring: CBC and creatinine clearance (CrCl) before each cycle; do not administer if CrCl < 45 mL/min, ANC < 1,500/mm³, or platelets < 100,000/mm³ :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Hydration: Particularly if co-administered with cisplatin, per local protocols :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Cycle timing: Treatment cycles repeat every 21 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

Mode of Action ALIMTA 500mg

Pemetrexed is classified as an **antifolate antimetabolite** with multiple enzymatic targets, disrupting cancer cell DNA/RNA synthesis:

• Thymidylate synthase (TS): Inhibition disrupts thymidine production, hindering DNA replication :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR): Blocks tetrahydrofolate regeneration, impacting nucleotide synthesis :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• GARFT (Glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase): Impairment reduces de novo purine synthesis :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

By targeting multiple enzymes, pemetrexed disrupts both purine and pyrimidine pathways, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in rapidly proliferating tumor cells :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

ALIMTA 500mg Interactions ALIMTA 500mg

Systemic drug interactions are minimal, but local factors should be considered:

• Antiseptics: Avoid quaternary ammonium compounds; use alcohol-based products for skin cleansing :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Anticoagulants/NSAIDs: These may increase the risk or severity of bleeding and bruising post-injection; advise cessation for 24–48 hours before treatment :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Cosmetic procedures: Do not perform laser treatments, peels, or micro-needling at or near injection sites within one week to avoid inflammation escalation.
• Hyaluronidase: Useful for reversing unwanted outcomes (e.g., overcorrection or vascular compromise); should be available during treatment :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Vaccinations: Defer filler injections at treated sites around vaccination dates to avoid additive inflammation.

By optimizing procedural timing and managing local factors, practitioners can improve safety and minimize complications.

Dosage of ALIMTA 500mg

• Available volume: 2 × 1 mL pre-filled syringes per kit :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Typical dosing: 0.5–1 mL per area, depending on restoration needs; practitioners may use both syringes in separate facial zones per session.
• Depth guidance: Mid-dermis for superficial correction, deeper for volumizing areas; use needle gauge based on target depth :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Micro-dosing: Use small aliquots along folds or superficially to achieve smooth, natural results.
• Maintenance protocol: Single session—with optional top-up at 2–4 weeks; repeat every 6–9 months based on degradation and patient desires :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Session planning: Avoid overcorrection—focus on gradual enhancements with potential follow-up session.

Personalized dosing ensures tailored aesthetics while optimizing safety and longevity of outcomes.

Possible side effects of ALIMTA 500mg

• Common, transient (within 72 hrs): Redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, itching at injection site—resolving within days :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Localized lumps/nodules: Usually mild, resolve spontaneously or via massage; can be managed with small hyaluronidase injections if persistent :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Rare complications: Infection, granuloma formation, vascular occlusion—presenting with pain, pallor, or more severe symptoms and requiring urgent intervention :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Allergic reactions: Very uncommon with non-animal HA; monitor for signs of hypersensitivity.
• Systemic reactions: Essentially nonexistent—HA remains localized; systemic adverse events are rare.

Most side effects are mild and self-limited; however, practitioners must be prepared for rare but serious adverse events by having hyaluronidase and emergency protocols in place.

ALIMTA 500mg Contraindications ALIMTA 500mg

• Absolute contraindications:
  • Known hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid, lidocaine (if included), or filler excipients :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
  • Active infection or inflammation (e.g., acne, herpes, cellulitis) at treatment site.
  • Bleeding diathesis or use of anticoagulants that cannot be paused :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
• Relative contraindications:
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding—insufficient data.
  • Autoimmune disorders—assess on a case-by-case basis.
  • Immune-compromised individuals—use caution.
  • Trend for poor wound healing—risk assessment advised.

Conduct thorough patient screening and medical history review prior to injection to mitigate risk.

Storage of ALIMTA 500mg

• Temperature: Store between 2 °C and 25 °C; avoid freezing or overheating :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
• Packaging: Keep in original sealed blister until use to protect sterility and efficacy.
• Sterility: Syringes are single-use; discard any remaining product after injection.
• Expiry: Use before the printed expiration date; do not use expired units.
• Disposal: Dispose of syringes and needles as medical waste in accordance with regulations.

Proper storage and handling maintain product stability, sterility, and treatment safety.