Side Effects of Pemetrexed

Significant pemetrexed side effects can occur during treatment, such as vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and hair loss. To reduce your risk of problems with this chemotherapy drug, your healthcare provider may recommend taking folic acid and getting B₁₂ injections. Corticosteroid injections may also be used, as they can reduce your risk of skin rashes.

Pemetrexed Drug Information

An Introduction to Side Effects of Pemetrexed

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with pemetrexed (Alimta^®). And as with most chemotherapy medications, these side effects can be significant. In many cases, your healthcare provider may recommend strategies or medications to help prevent or treat such problems.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible pemetrexed side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)

Pemetrexed Side Effects to Report

Some side effects with pemetrexed are potentially serious -- even life-threatening -- and should be reported to your healthcare provider right away. These include but are not limited to:

Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Blood in the stool
Signs of an infection, such as fever or chills (see Chemotherapy and Infections)
Severe mouth sores
Signs of an allergic reaction, including:

An unexplained rash
Hives
Itching
Wheezing or difficulty breathing

Unexplained swelling.

(Side Effects of Pemetrexed Continued: Page 2)