What is Pemetrexed for Injection?

• a kind of lung cancer called non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pemetrexed for Injection is used:
  • as the first treatment in combination with cisplatin when your lung cancer has spread (advanced NSCLC).
  • alone as maintenance treatment after you have received 4 cycles of chemotherapy that contains platinum for first treatment of your advanced NSCLC and your cancer has not progressed.
  • alone when your lung cancer has returned or spread after prior chemotherapy.
  Pemtrexed for Injection is not for use for the treatment of people with squamous cell, non-small cell lung cancer.
• a kind of cancer called malignant pleural mesothelioma. This cancer affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall. Pemetrexed for Injection is used in combination with cisplatin as the first treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma that cannot be removed by surgery or you are not able to have surgery.

Do not take Pemetrexed for Injection if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any medicine that contains pemetrexed.Before taking Pemetrexed for Injection, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have kidney problems.
• have had radiation therapy.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Pemetrexed for Injection can harm your unborn baby.
  Females who are able to become pregnant:
  Your healthcare provider will check to see if you are pregnant before you start treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection.
  You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection and for 6 months after the last dose. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant during treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection.
  Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection and for 3 months after the last dose.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Pemetrexed for Injection passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection and for 1 week after the last dose.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems and take a medicine that contains ibuprofen. You should avoid taking ibuprofen for 2 days before, the day of, and 2 days after receiving treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection.