Pemetrexed Dipotassium

Generic Name: pemetrexed dipotassium

Folate Analog Metabolic Inhibitor [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Pemetrexed Dipotassium

11 DESCRIPTION Pemetrexed is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor. The drug substance is pemetrexed dipotassium heptahydrate, has the chemical name L-glutamic acid, N-[4-[2-(2-amino-4,7-dihydro-4-oxo-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)ethyl]benzoyl]-, dipotassium salt, heptahydrate. It is a white to off-white powder having blue or green tinge with a molecular formula of C 20 H 19 K 2 N 5 O 6 .7 H 2 O and a molecular weight of 629.49. Pemetrexed dipotassium is freely soluble in water.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Pemetrexed is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor. The drug substance is pemetrexed dipotassium heptahydrate, has the chemical name L-glutamic acid, N-[4-[2-(2-amino-4,7-dihydro-4-oxo-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)ethyl]benzoyl]-, dipotassium salt, heptahydrate. It is a white to off-white powder having blue or green tinge with a molecular formula of C 20 H 19 K 2 N 5 O 6 .7 H 2 O and a molecular weight of 629.49. Pemetrexed dipotassium is freely soluble in water.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pemetrexed for Injection is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor indicated: in combination with cisplatin for the initial treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC. ( 1.1 ) as a single agent for the maintenance treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC whose disease has not progressed after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. ( 1.1 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent, metastatic non-squamous, NSCLC after prior chemotherapy. ( 1.1 ) Limitations of Use : Pemetrexed for Injection is not indicated for the treatment of patients with squamous cell, non-small cell lung cancer.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose of Pemetrexed for Injection, administered as a single agent or with cisplatin, in patients with creatinine clearance of 45 mL/minute or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle. ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) Initiate folic acid 400 mcg to 1000 mcg orally, once daily, beginning 7 days prior to the first dose of Pemetrexed for Injection and continue until 21 days after the last dose of Pemetrexed for Injection. ( 2.4 ) Administer vitamin B 12 , 1 mg intramuscularly, 1 week prior to the first dose of Pemetrexed for Injection and every 3 cycles. ( 2.4 ) Administer dexamethasone 4 mg orally, twice daily the day before, the day of, and the day after Pemetrexed for Injection administration.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Renal failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Bullous and exfoliative skin toxicity [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Interstitial pneumonitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Radiation recall [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of pemetrexed, when administered as a single agent are fatigue, nausea, and anorexia. ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of pemetrexed when administered with cisplatin are vomiting, neutropenia, anemia, stomatitis/pharyngitis, thrombocytopenia, and constipation.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Effects of Ibuprofen on Pemetrexed Ibuprofen increases exposure (AUC) of pemetrexed [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . In patients with creatinine clearance between 45 mL/min and 79 mL/min: Avoid administration of ibuprofen for 2 days before, the day of, and 2 days following administration of Pemetrexed for Injection [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . Monitor patients more frequently for myelosuppression, renal, and gastrointestinal toxicity, if concomitant administration of ibuprofen cannot be avoided. Ibuprofen increased risk of pemetrexed toxicity in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Modify the ibuprofen dosage as recommended for patients with a creatinine clearance between 45 mL/min and 79 mL/min. ( 2.5 , 5.6 , 7 )

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myelosuppression: Can cause severe bone marrow suppression resulting in cytopenia and an increased risk of infection. Do not administer Pemetrexed for Injection when the absolute neutrophil count is less than 1500 cells/mm 3 and platelets are less than 100,000 cells/mm 3 . Initiate supplementation with oral folic acid and intramuscular vitamin B 12 to reduce the severity of hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity of Pemetrexed for Injection. ( 2.4 , 5.1 ) Renal Failure: Can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, renal failure. Do not administer when creatinine clearance is less than 45 mL/min. ( 2.3 , 5.2 ) Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Toxicity: Permanently discontinue for severe and life-threatening bullous, blistering or exfoliating skin toxicity. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Pemetrexed for Injection is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed. ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, Pemetrexed for Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . There are no available data on pemetrexed use in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of pemetrexed to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic, resulting in developmental delays and malformations at doses lower than the recommended human dose of 500 mg/m 2 [see Data] .

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Pemetrexed for Injection, is a sterile preservative free white-to-light yellow or green-yellow lyophilized powder supplied in single-dose vials for reconstitution for intravenous infusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pemetrexed Dipotassium used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pemetrexed for Injection is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor indicated: in combination with cisplatin for the initial treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC. ( 1.1 ) as a single agent for the maintenance treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC whose disease has not progressed after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. ( 1.1 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent, metastatic non-squamous, NSCLC after prior chemotherapy. ( 1.1 ) Limitations of Use : Pemetrexed for Injection is not indicated for the treatment of patients with squamous cell, non-small cell lung cancer.

What are the side effects of Pemetrexed Dipotassium?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Renal failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Bullous and exfoliative skin toxicity [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Interstitial pneumonitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Radiation recall [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of pemetrexed, when administered as a single agent are fatigue, nausea, and anorexia. ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of pemetrexed when administered with cisplatin are vomiting, neutropenia, anemia, stomatitis/pharyngitis, thrombocytopenia, and constipation.

Can I take Pemetrexed Dipotassium during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, Pemetrexed for Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . There are no available data on pemetrexed use in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of pemetrexed to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic, resulting in developmental delays and malformations at doses lower than the recommended human dose of 500 mg/m 2 [see Data] .

What are the important warnings for Pemetrexed Dipotassium?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myelosuppression: Can cause severe bone marrow suppression resulting in cytopenia and an increased risk of infection. Do not administer Pemetrexed for Injection when the absolute neutrophil count is less than 1500 cells/mm 3 and platelets are less than 100,000 cells/mm 3 . Initiate supplementation with oral folic acid and intramuscular vitamin B 12 to reduce the severity of hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity of Pemetrexed for Injection. ( 2.4 , 5.1 ) Renal Failure: Can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, renal failure. Do not administer when creatinine clearance is less than 45 mL/min. ( 2.3 , 5.2 ) Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Toxicity: Permanently discontinue for severe and life-threatening bullous, blistering or exfoliating skin toxicity. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Pemetrexed for Injection is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed. ( 4 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.