Pemetrexed - Side Effects

Side Effects

Pemetrexed, whether used alone or in combination with cisplatin, has these side effects:

• Low blood cell counts, as measured by a Complete Blood Count. This is a dose-limiting toxicity.
• Mental fatigue and Sleepiness. Fatigure can be reduced through an Off-label prescription of Provigil.
• Nausea and vomiting. Pemetrexed's emetogenic effects are managed with prophylactic antiemetics.
• Diarrhea
• Oral Mucositis (mouth, throat, or lip sores). Oral ulcers can be mitigated by proper oral hygiene, including rinsing of the mouth with salt water following consumption of food or drink.
• Loss of appetite
• Skin Rash. Physician-prescribed steroids administered on the day prior, day of, and day after infusion typically avoid skin rashes.
• Constipation