Alimta (pemetrexed): what you need to know
Alimta (generic name pemetrexed) is a chemotherapy drug commonly used for certain types of lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. It isn’t a pill you take at home—Alimta is given as an IV infusion in a clinic or hospital and needs the oversight of an oncology team. If you or someone you care for is starting Alimta, this page gives clear, practical facts to help you prepare and stay safe.
How Alimta is given
Alimta is usually given once every three weeks in a clinic. The nurse will insert an IV or use an existing port, run the infusion, then monitor you for immediate reactions. Before each dose the clinic checks blood counts and kidney function—those tests matter because Alimta can affect bone marrow and the kidneys. Your oncologist often pairs Alimta with other drugs (for example cisplatin) or gives it alone as maintenance, depending on the situation.
There are a few routine medicines you’ll be asked to take around treatment: daily folic acid and periodic vitamin B12 injections. These supplements dramatically lower the chance of severe side effects. You’ll also usually get a short course of dexamethasone (a steroid) around the treatment days to cut down on rash and inflammation. Follow your team’s exact schedule—timing matters.
Side effects and simple safety tips
Common side effects include tiredness, nausea, mouth soreness, rash, and lower blood counts (which raises infection risk). Your team will monitor blood tests before each cycle; if counts are low, treatment may be delayed. Call your clinic right away for fever, new shortness of breath, severe mouth pain, uncontrolled vomiting, or signs of infection. These can be serious and need prompt attention.
Kidney function affects dosing. Certain painkillers, especially some NSAIDs, can increase toxicity when used around the time of Alimta—ask your oncologist which over-the-counter meds are safe and whether you should stop them before treatment. Live vaccines are usually avoided while on chemotherapy; check with your care team before getting shots.
Alimta is not something you should try to buy or self-administer. It must be prescribed and given by professionals. Be wary of online sources selling chemotherapy drugs—counterfeit or improper storage can be dangerous.
Practical tips that help daily life: keep a written medication list and give it to every provider, stay hydrated before and after treatment unless told otherwise, use prescribed anti-nausea drugs as directed, and use gentle mouth care if you develop sores. If you experience a rash, ask about topical treatments early—small steps often keep a problem from getting worse.
Talk openly with your oncologist about goals of care, expected benefits, and how the team will watch for side effects. Alimta can be effective for the right diagnosis, and careful monitoring plus the routine folate/B12 schedule makes treatment safer for most patients.
