pemetrexed, an antineoplastic-antimetabolite. ▪ INDICATIONS: This drug is used in combination with cisplatin in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma and as a single agent in the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy, an absolute neutrophil count less than 1500 cells/mm3, a creatinine clearance count of less than 45 mL/min, thrombocytopenia (less than 100,000/mm3), anemia, and known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibit its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Adverse effects of this drug include creatinine elevation. Life-threatening effects include thrombosis and embolism, renal failure, neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, myelosuppression, anemia, and infection with or without neutropenia. Common side effects include fatigue, fever, mood alteration, neuropathy, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, ulcerative stomatitis, constipation, dysphagia, dehydration, rash, desquamation, and dyspnea.
