Acotrexed 500 Injection

Acotrexed 500 Injection belongs to the group of medicines called folate analogue metabolic inhibitors used alone or in combination with other anti-cancer medicines to treat non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma (cancer affecting the lining of the lung).

Acotrexed 500 Injection contains Pemetrexed, which works by blocking the action of substances that may help the cancer cells multiply.

In some cases, Acotrexed 500 Injection may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.

Do not use Acotrexed 500 Injection if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Acotrexed 500 Injection is not recommended for children below 18 years. Women and men should use effective contraception during treatment with Acotrexed 500 Injection and for 6 and 3 months afterwards. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.

Acotrexed 500 Injection contains Pemetrexed, which belongs to the group of medicines called anti-folate anti-neoplastic agents indicated in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer in initial treatment in combination with cisplatin, as maintenance treatment of patients whose disease has not progressed after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy and after prior chemotherapy as a single agent. Acotrexed 500 Injection treats cancer by blocking the action of substances that may help the cancer cells multiply.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness
• Pain, redness, swelling or sores in the mouth
• Infection
• Sore throat
• Low white blood cells, haemoglobin levels
• Skin rash
• Flaking skin

Do not use Acotrexed 500 Injection if you are allergic to any of its components, pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have taken or plan to receive yellow fever vaccination. Inform the doctor if you have/had heart disease, kidney problems, have had or are going to have radiation therapy, or have accumulation of fluid around the lungs. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of fever or infection; pain, sores, redness or swelling in the mouth; chest pain or a fast heartbeat; allergic reaction (skin rash, burning/prickling sensation, or fever); Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (severe rash, itching, or blistering); low haemoglobin levels (tiredness, feeling faint, paleness, or becoming easily breathless); low platelet count (bleeding from gums/nose/mouth, bleeding that does not stop, unexpected bruising, reddish or pinkish urine); or blood clot in the blood vessels of the lungs (sudden breathlessness, cough with bloody sputum or intense chest pain).

Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you take NSAIDs (ibuprofen) or nephrotoxic drugs.

Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems or heart disease.

• IBUPROFEN

• Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Include vegetables and fruits in your diet.
• Avoid fast food, fried, processed food, refined carbs, and added sugar.
• Get optimal sleep; rest well.
• Drink enough water and eat fibre-rich foods, vegetables and fruits.

• The doctor may advise blood tests to evaluate your liver/kidney function and blood cell count.
• Women must use effective contraception during treatment and for six months after receiving the last dose.
• Men are advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for three months after the end of the treatment. 
• You are recommended to take the supplements as advised by the doctor.

Non-small cell lung cancer: It is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the lungs. The major risk factor for non-small cell lung cancer is smoking. Symptoms include a cough that does not go away and shortness of breath.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma: It is a type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium (a lining that covers the outer surface of organs), predominantly caused by exposure to asbestos. Symptoms of mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs include chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, persistent cough, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, fever and sweating, particularly at night.