Pemxcel 500 Injection

Pemxcel 500 Injection is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Pemxcel 500 Injection is given as an injection by a qualified medical professional. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and hair loss. This medicine may reduce the number of blood cells (decrease red blood and white blood cells) in your blood, thereby, increasing the susceptibility to infections. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with heart, liver and blood uric acid levels.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if have heart disease, liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using.This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Malignant pleural mesothelioma

Non-small cell lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the major kinds of lung cancer and it affects both smokers as well as non-smokers. Pemxcel 500 Injection helps treat non-small cell lung cancer and may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the lungs and the inner side of the ribs. It is a very aggressive form of lung cancer. Pemxcel 500 Injection is used along with some other medicines to treat this cancer. It kills the cancer cells, and prevents the further multiplication of cancer cells. This restricts the spread of cancer to other unaffected areas. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and consult your doctor if you have any doubts.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Acotrexed

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite
• Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)
• Hair loss
• Low blood platelets
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
• Diarrhea
• Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils)
• Neuropathy

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Pemxcel 500 Injection interferes with the growth of DNA and RNA of the cancer cells by substituting their building blocks. It prevents the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

• Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine.
• Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, rash or severe diarrhea.

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Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. p. 1077.

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