Alimta
Alimta is a cancer drug used to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Alimta is given with cisplatin, another anti-cancer medicine. Malignant
pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the inside lining
of the chest cavity. It is usually associated with asbestos exposure.
Alimta works by blocking specific enzymes thought to play a role in the
rapid growth of these lung tumors.
Alimta is not a cure, but in clinical trials patients who were treated
with Alimta and cisplatin had a median survival of 12.1 months compared
to 9.3 months for patients treated with cisplatin alone. Alimta is given
intravenously (into a vein), about every 21 days. Cisplatin is then infused
about 30 minutes after Alimta treatment. To lower the chances of side
effects with Alimta, it is necessary to take folic acid and vitamin B12
before, during, and after treatment.
Most patients treated with Alimta will experience some side effects. The
most common side effects of Alimta are:
Stomach upset, including nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea
A drop in white blood cells, increasing the risk of infection
A drop in red blood cells (anemia), causing tiredness or shortness of breath
A drop in platelets that results in bruising or bleeding
Tiredness
Mouth, throat, or lip sores
Loss of appetite
Rash
If you have been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma or need
further information on mesothelioma and Alimta, please contact us today.
We can help find a specialized attorney for you.
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