MedicinePOM

Pemetrexed

A chemotherapy injection (folate analog) for certain lung cancers and mesothelioma.

Clinical information

Common uses

non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer
malignant pleural mesothelioma (with cisplatin)

Common side effects

tiredness
feeling sick
loss of appetite

Cautions

suppresses bone marrow — folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements required
can cause severe, sometimes fatal kidney failure
severe blistering skin reactions require stopping treatment
lung inflammation (pneumonitis) can occur

Interactions

ibuprofen (avoid around doses if kidneys are impaired)
other NSAIDs (monitor for added toxicity)

Pregnancy: avoid — can harm an unborn baby

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, pemetrexed label, setid bd0ada98-3237-4465-8ba2-3a12c33116fb (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations2

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Podoxred	Parenteral ( Infusion- Powder for concentrate for solution )	100mg/vial	authorized importers after registration of the product	POM
PODOXRED	Parenteral ( Infusion- Powder for concentrate for solution )	500mg/vial	authorized importers after registration of the product	POM