Alimta Side Effects
Generic name: pemetrexed
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 2, 2023.
Note: This document contains side effect information about pemetrexed. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Alimta.
Summary
Common side effects of Alimta include: anemia, chest pain, constipation, depression, desquamation, diarrhea, dyspnea, fatigue, fever, increased serum creatinine, infection without neutropenia, leukopenia, nausea, neuropathy, neutropenia, pharyngitis, skin rash, stomatitis, thrombocytopenia, vomiting, anorexia, and mood changes. Other side effects include: embolism, thrombosis, dehydration, dysphagia, esophagitis, and odynophagia. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
Applies to pemetrexed: intravenous powder for solution, intravenous solution.
Serious side effects of Alimta
Along with its needed effects, pemetrexed (the active ingredient contained in Alimta) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pemetrexed:
More common
- Black, tarry stools
- bleeding gums
- chest pain
- chills
- cough
- fever
- loss of coordination
- lower back or side pain
- painful or difficult urination
- pains in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of the legs
- pale skin
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- severe headaches of sudden onset
- sore throat
- sudden onset of slurred speech
- sudden vision changes
- swollen glands
- trouble breathing
- ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
- Bloody urine or bloody stools
- chest tightness
- decreased frequency or amount of urine
- fainting or loss of consciousness
- fast or irregular breathing
- increased blood pressure
- increased thirst
- itching, skin rash
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- swelling of the eyes, eyelids, face, fingers, or lower legs
- vomiting
- weight gain
Incidence not known
- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- joint or muscle pain
- pain and redness of the skin in the area of earlier radiation treatment
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- stomach cramps, tenderness, or pain
- watery diarrhea
Other side effects of Alimta
Some side effects of pemetrexed may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- confusion
- cough
- diarrhea
- difficulty having a bowel movement
- difficulty with moving
- difficulty with swallowing
- discouragement
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- feeling sad or empty
- hair loss
- headache
- heartburn
- hoarseness
- increase in heart rate
- irritability
- lightheadedness
- loss of interest or pleasure
- mood changes
- muscle ache, cramp, or stiffness
- pain or burning in the throat
- pain produced by swallowing
- rapid breathing
- sensation of pins and needles
- stabbing pain
- stuffy or runny nose
- sunken eyes
- swelling or inflammation of the mouth
- swollen joints
- thinning of the hair
- thirst
- tiredness
- trouble concentrating
- trouble sleeping
- weight loss
- wrinkled skin
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to pemetrexed: intravenous powder for injection, intravenous solution.
Cardiovascular
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack, peripheral ischemia (sometimes leading to extremity necrosis), supraventricular arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia, syncope, arrhythmia[Ref]
Dermatologic
Very common (10% or more): Rash/desquamation (up to 16%), alopecia (up to 11%)
Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, urticaria
Rare (less than 0.1%): Radiation recall, bullous conditions (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis) which in some cases were fatal[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 82%), vomiting (up to 57%), stomatitis/pharyngitis (up to 23%), anorexia (up to 20%), diarrhea (up to 17%), constipation (up to 12%)
Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia/heartburn
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Colitis (including intestinal and rectal bleeding, sometimes fatal, intestinal perforation, intestinal necrosis, neutropenic enterocolitis), esophagitis/radiation esophagitis, GI obstruction[Ref]
Hematologic
Very common (10% or more): Neutropenia (up to 56%), granulocytopenia (up to 56%), leukopenia (up to 53%), hemoglobinemia (up to 26%), platelets decreased (up to 23%), thrombocytopenia (up to 10%)
Common (1% to 10%):
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pancytopenia
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Immune mediated hemolytic anemia[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic reaction/hypersensitivity
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anaphylactic shock[Ref]
Hepatic
Common (1% to 10%): SGPT (ALT) elevation, SGOT (AST) elevation[Ref]
Immunologic
Common (1% to 10%): Sepsis (sometimes fatal), infection[Ref]
Metabolic
Common (1% to 10%): Dehydration
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Edema, increased gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Sensory neuropathy (up to 10%)
Common (1% to 10%): Taste disturbance
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Motor neuropathy[Ref]
Other
Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 48%), pain
Common (1% to 10%): Fever, chest pain[Ref]
Psychiatric
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Depression[Ref]
Ocular
Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctivitis[Ref]
Renal
Common (1% to 10%): Renal disorders (including increased serum/blood creatinine, decreased glomerular filtration rate, renal failure, renal/genitourinary- other)
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Acute renal failure[Ref]
Respiratory
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Interstitial pneumonitis with respiratory insufficiency (sometimes fatal), radiation pneumonitis, pulmonary embolism[Ref]
Frequently asked questions
More about Alimta (pemetrexed)
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References
1. "Product Information. Alimta (pemetrexed)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2004):
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
3. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia "APPGuide online. Australian prescription products guide online. http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp" (2006):
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.