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Alimta
Pemetrexed disodium · Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, for Solution
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Folate Analog Metabolic Inhibitor [EPC] | EPC | All 21 members |
| Folic Acid Metabolism Inhibitors [MoA] | MoA | All 19 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 021462-001 | ALIMTA | POWDER | PEMETREXED DISODIUM | Prescription | AP | RLD RS | |
| 021462-002 | ALIMTA | POWDER | PEMETREXED DISODIUM | Prescription | AP | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 55 | Efficacy | Approved | August 31, 2022 | Standard |
| Supplement | 53 | Efficacy | Approved | January 30, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 51 | Efficacy | Approved | June 4, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 52 | Labeling | Approved | April 17, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 50 | Labeling | Approved | October 11, 2017 | Standard |
| Supplement | 49 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 8, 2016 | Priority |
| Supplement | 47 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 11, 2014 | Priority |
| Supplement | 45 | Labeling | Approved | September 12, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 41 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 13, 2013 | Priority |
| Supplement | 42 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 18, 2013 | Priority |
| Supplement | 43 | Labeling | Approved | November 9, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 39 | Efficacy | Approved | October 17, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 40 | Labeling | Approved | June 4, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 32 | Labeling | Approved | November 18, 2011 | Standard |
| Supplement | 30 | Labeling | Approved | November 18, 2011 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 29 | Efficacy | Approved | November 18, 2011 | Standard |
| Supplement | 33 | Efficacy | Approved | March 17, 2011 | Priority |
| Supplement | 22 | Labeling | Approved | July 2, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 21 | Efficacy | Approved | July 2, 2009 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 18 | Labeling | Approved | July 2, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 15 | Efficacy | Approved | September 26, 2008 | Standard |
| Supplement | 12 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | September 7, 2007 | N/A |
| Supplement | 6 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 2, 2007 | N/A |
| Supplement | 4 | Labeling | Approved | July 28, 2006 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Labeling | Approved | August 19, 2004 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 1 - New Molecular Entity | Approved | February 4, 2004 | Priority |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · September 1, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · September 1, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · December 23, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · February 13, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · January 31, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · June 5, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · June 5, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · April 20, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · October 12, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · October 12, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · September 17, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · September 13, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · January 22, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · November 15, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · November 14, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · October 18, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · October 17, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · June 7, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · June 5, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · November 25, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · November 25, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · November 23, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · November 22, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · November 22, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · November 22, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · September 22, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · March 23, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · March 21, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · July 9, 2009
- 0 · Supplement · July 9, 2009
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20230519). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ALIMTA ® is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor indicated: in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy, for the initial treatment of patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. ( 1.1 ) in combination with cisplatin for the initial treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC. ( 1.1 ) as a single agent for the maintenance treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC whose disease has not progressed after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. ( 1.1 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent, metastatic non-squamous, NSCLC after prior chemotherapy. ( 1.1 ) Limitations of Use: ALIMTA is not indicated for the treatment of patients with squamous cell, non-small cell lung cancer. ( 1.1 ) initial treatment, in combination with cisplatin, of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma whose disease is unresectable or who are otherwise not candidates for curative surgery. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) ALIMTA ® is indicated: in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy, for the initial treatment of patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. in combination with cisplatin for the initial treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC. as a single agent for the maintenance treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC whose disease has not progressed after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent, metastatic non-squamous, NSCLC after prior chemotherapy. Limitations of Use: ALIMTA is not indicated for the treatment of patients with squamous cell, non-small cell lung cancer [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. 1.2 Mesothelioma ALIMTA is indicated, in combination with cisplatin, for the initial treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma whose disease is unresectable or who are otherwise not candidates for curative surgery.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose of ALIMTA administered with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes, administered after pembrolizumab and prior to platinum chemotherapy, on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle. ( 2.1 ) The recommended dose of ALIMTA, administered as a single agent or with cisplatin, in patients with creatinine clearance of 45 mL/minute or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle. ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) Initiate folic acid 400 mcg to 1000 mcg orally, once daily, beginning 7 days prior to the first dose of ALIMTA and continue until 21 days after the last dose of ALIMTA. ( 2.4 ) Administer vitamin B 12 , 1 mg intramuscularly, 1 week prior to the first dose of ALIMTA and every 3 cycles. ( 2.4 ) Administer dexamethasone 4 mg orally, twice daily the day before, the day of, and the day after ALIMTA administration. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage for Non-Squamous NSCLC The recommended dose of ALIMTA when administered with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy for the initial treatment of metastatic non-squamous NSCLC in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes administered after pembrolizumab and prior to carboplatin or cisplatin on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for 4 cycles. Following completion of platinum-based therapy, treatment with ALIMTA with or without pembrolizumab is administered until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Please refer to the full prescribing information for pembrolizumab and for carboplatin or cisplatin. The recommended dose of ALIMTA when administered with cisplatin for initial treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes administered prior to cisplatin on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for up to six cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The recommended dose of ALIMTA for maintenance treatment of non-squamous NSCLC in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. The recommended dose of ALIMTA for treatment of recurrent non-squamous NSCLC in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Mesothelioma The recommended dose of ALIMTA when administered with cisplatin in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. 2.3 Renal Impairment ALIMTA dosing recommendations are provided for patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.2 )] . There is no recommended dose for patients whose creatinine clearance is less than 45 mL/min [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )] . 2.4 Premedication and Concomitant Medications to Mitigate Toxicity Vitamin Supplementation Initiate folic acid 400 mcg to 1000 mcg orally once daily, beginning 7 days before the first dose of ALIMTA and continuing until 21 days after the last dose of ALIMTA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Administer vitamin B 12 , 1 mg intramuscular …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS For injection: 100 mg or 500 mg pemetrexed as a white to light-yellow or green-yellow lyophilized powder in single-dose vials for reconstitution. For Injection: 100 mg or 500 mg lyophilized powder in single-dose vial ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ALIMTA is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myelosuppression: Can cause severe bone marrow suppression resulting in cytopenia and an increased risk of infection. Do not administer ALIMTA when the absolute neutrophil count is less than 1500 cells/mm 3 and platelets are less than 100,000 cells/mm 3 . Initiate supplementation with oral folic acid and intramuscular vitamin B 12 to reduce the severity of hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity of ALIMTA. ( 2.4 , 5.1 ) Renal Failure: Can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, renal failure. Do not administer when creatinine clearance is less than 45 mL/min. ( 2.3 , 5.2 ) Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Toxicity: Permanently discontinue for severe and life-threatening bullous, blistering or exfoliating skin toxicity. ( 5.3 ) Interstitial Pneumonitis: Withhold for acute onset of new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms. Permanently discontinue if pneumonitis is confirmed. ( 5.4 ) Radiation Recall: Can occur in patients who received radiation weeks to years previously; permanently discontinue for signs of radiation recall. ( 5.5 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.7 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Myelosuppression and Increased Risk of Myelosuppression without Vitamin Supplementation ALIMTA can cause severe myelosuppression resulting in a requirement for transfusions and which may lead to neutropenic infection. The risk of myelosuppression is increased in patients who do not receive vitamin supplementation. In Study JMCH, incidences of Grade 3-4 neutropenia (38% versus 23%), thrombocytopenia (9% versus 5%), febrile neutropenia (9% versus 0.6%), and neutropenic infection (6% versus 0) were higher in patients who received ALIMTA plus cisplatin without vitamin supplementation as compared to patients who were fully supplemented with folic acid and vitamin B 12 prior to and throughout ALIMTA plus cisplatin treatment. Initiate supplementation with oral folic acid and intramuscular vitamin B 12 prior to the first dose of ALIMTA; continue vitamin supplementation during treatment and for 21 days after the last dose of ALIMTA to reduce the severity of hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity of ALIMTA [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )] . Obtain a complete blood count at the beginning of each cycle. Do not administer ALIMTA until the ANC is at least 1500 cells/mm 3 and platelet count is at least 100,000 cells/mm 3 . Permanently reduce ALIMTA in patients with an ANC of less than 500 cells/mm 3 or platelet count of less than 50,000 cells/mm 3 in previous cycles [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 )] . In Studies JMDB and JMCH, among patients who received vitamin supplementation, incidence of Grade 3-4 neutropenia was 15% and 23%, the incidence of Grade 3-4 anemia was 6% and 4%, and incidence of Grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia was 4% and 5%, respectively. In Study JMCH, 18% of patients in the ALIMTA arm required red blood cell transfusions compared to 7% of patients in the cisplatin arm [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. In Studies JMEN, PARAMOUNT, and JMEI, where all patients received vitamin supplementation, incidence of Grade 3-4 neutropenia ranged from 3% to 5%, and incidence of Grade 3-4 anemia ranged from 3% to 5%. 5.2 Renal Failure ALIMTA can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, renal toxicity. The incidences of renal failure in clinical studies in which patients received ALIMTA with cisplatin were: 2.1% in Study JMDB and 2.2% in Study JMCH. The incidence of renal failure in clinical studies in which patients received ALIMTA as a single agent ranged from 0.4% to 0.6% (Studies JMEN, PARAMOUNT, and JMEI [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Determine creatinine clearance before each dose and periodically monitor renal function during treatment with ALIMTA. Withhold ALIMTA in patients with a creatinine clearance of less than 45 mL/minute [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] . 5.3 Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Toxicity Serious a …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Renal failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Bullous and exfoliative skin toxicity [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Interstitial pneumonitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Radiation recall [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of ALIMTA, when administered as a single agent are fatigue, nausea, and anorexia. ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of ALIMTA when administered with cisplatin are vomiting, neutropenia, anemia, stomatitis/pharyngitis, thrombocytopenia, and constipation. ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of ALIMTA when administered in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy are fatigue/asthenia, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, cough, dyspnea, and pyrexia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates cannot be directly compared to rates in other clinical trials and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of ALIMTA, when administered as a single agent, are fatigue, nausea, and anorexia. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of ALIMTA, when administered in combination with cisplatin are vomiting, neutropenia, anemia, stomatitis/pharyngitis, thrombocytopenia, and constipation. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of ALIMTA, when administered in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy, are fatigue/asthenia, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, cough, dyspnea, and pyrexia. Non-Squamous NSCLC First-line Treatment of Metastatic Non-squamous NSCLC with Pembrolizumab and Platinum Chemotherapy The safety of ALIMTA, in combination with pembrolizumab and investigator's choice of platinum (either carboplatin or cisplatin), was investigated in Study KEYNOTE-189, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized (2:1), active-controlled trial in patients with previously untreated, metastatic non-squamous NSCLC with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. A total of 607 patients received ALIMTA, pembrolizumab, and platinum every 3 weeks for 4 cycles followed by ALIMTA and pembrolizumab (n=405), or placebo, ALIMTA, and platinum every 3 weeks for 4 cycles followed by placebo and ALIMTA (n=202). Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment; a medical condition that required immunosuppression; or who had received more than 30 Gy of thoracic radiation within the prior 26 weeks were ineligible [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . The median duration of exposure to ALIMTA was 7.2 months (range: 1 day to 1.7 years). Seventy-two percent of patients received carboplatin. The study population characteristics were: median age of 64 years (range: 34 to 84), 49% age 65 years or older, 59% male, 94% White and 3% Asian, and 18% with history of brain metastases at baseline. ALIMTA was discontinued for adverse reactions in 23% of patients in the ALIMTA, pembrolizumab, and platinum arm. The most common adverse reactions resulting in discontinuation of ALIMTA in this arm were acute kidney injury (3%) and pneumonitis (2%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of ALIMTA occurred in 49% of patients in the ALIMTA, pembrolizumab, and platinum arm. The most common adverse reactions or laboratory abnormalities leading to interruption of ALIMTA in this arm (≥2%) were neutropenia (12%), anemia (7%), asthenia (4%), pneumonia (4%), thrombocytopenia (4%), increased blood creatinine (3%), …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Ibuprofen increased risk of ALIMTA toxicity in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Modify the ibuprofen dosage as recommended for patients with a creatinine clearance between 45 mL/min and 79 mL/min. ( 2.5 , 5.6 , 7 ) Effects of Ibuprofen on Pemetrexed Ibuprofen increases exposure (AUC) of pemetrexed [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . In patients with creatinine clearance between 45 mL/min and 79 mL/min: Avoid administration of ibuprofen for 2 days before, the day of, and 2 days following administration of ALIMTA [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . Monitor patients more frequently for myelosuppression, renal, and gastrointestinal toxicity, if concomitant administration of ibuprofen cannot be avoided.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, ALIMTA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . There are no available data on ALIMTA use in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of pemetrexed to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic, resulting in developmental delays and malformations at doses lower than the recommended human dose of 500 mg/m 2 [see Data ] . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus [see Use in Special Populations ( 8.3 )] . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Pemetrexed was teratogenic in mice. Daily dosing of pemetrexed by intravenous injection to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis increased the incidence of fetal malformations (cleft palate; protruding tongue; enlarged or misshaped kidney; and fused lumbar vertebra) at doses (based on BSA) 0.03 times the human dose of 500 mg/m 2 . At doses, based on BSA, greater than or equal to 0.0012 times the 500 mg/m 2 human dose, pemetrexed administration resulted in dose-dependent increases in developmental delays (incomplete ossification of talus and skull bone; and decreased fetal weight). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of pemetrexed or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from ALIMTA, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ALIMTA and for one week after the last dose. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Based on animal data ALIMTA can cause malformations and developmental delays when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating Pemetrexed Injection [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Contraception Females Because of the potential for genotoxicity, advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ALIMTA and for 6 months after the last dose. Males Because of the potential for genotoxicity, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ALIMTA and for 3 months after the last dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . Infertility Males ALIMTA may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ALIMTA in pediatric patients have not been established. The safety and pharmacokinetics of ALIMTA were evaluated in two clinical studies conducted in pediatric patients with recurrent solid tumors (NCT00070473 N=32 and NCT00520936 N=72). Patients in both studies received concomitant vitamin B 12 and folic acid supplementation and dexamethasone. No tumor responses were observed. Adverse reactions observed in pediatric patients were similar to those observed in adults. Single-dose pharmacokinetics of ALIMTA were evaluated in 22 patients age 4 to 18 years enrolled in NCT00070473 were within range of values in adults. 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 3,946 patients enrolled in clinical studies of ALIMTA, 34% were 65 and over and 4% were 75 and over. No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. The incidences of Grade 3-4 anemia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, hypertension, and neutropenia were higher in patients 65 years of age and older as compared to younger patients: in at least one of five randomized clinic …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action ALIMTA is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor that disrupts folate-dependent metabolic processes essential for cell replication. In vitro studies show that pemetrexed inhibits thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFT), which are folate-dependent enzymes involved in the de novo biosynthesis of thymidine and purine nucleotides. Pemetrexed is taken into cells by membrane carriers such as the reduced folate carrier and membrane folate binding protein transport systems. Once in the cell, pemetrexed is converted to polyglutamate forms by the enzyme folylpolyglutamate synthetase. The polyglutamate forms are retained in cells and are inhibitors of TS and GARFT.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION ALIMTA (pemetrexed for injection) is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor. The drug substance, pemetrexed disodium heptahydrate, has the chemical name L-glutamic acid, N -[4-[2-(2-amino-4,7-dihydro-4-oxo-1 H -pyrrolo[2,3- d ]pyrimidin-5-yl)ethyl]benzoyl]-, disodium salt, heptahydrate with a molecular formula of C 20 H 19 N 5 Na 2 O 6 •7H 2 O and a molecular weight of 597.49. The structural formula is as follows: ALIMTA is a sterile white-to-light yellow or green-yellow lyophilized powder in single-dose vials to be reconstituted for intravenous infusion. Each 100-mg vial of ALIMTA contains 100 mg pemetrexed (equivalent to 139.8 mg pemetrexed disodium heptahydrate) and 106 mg mannitol. Each 500-mg vial of ALIMTA contains 500 mg pemetrexed (equivalent to 699 mg pemetrexed disodium heptahydrate) and 500 mg mannitol. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added to adjust pH. Structural Formula
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE No drugs are approved for the treatment of ALIMTA overdose. Based on animal studies, administration of leucovorin may mitigate the toxicities of ALIMTA overdosage. It is not known whether pemetrexed is dialyzable.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied ALIMTA, pemetrexed for injection, is a white-to-light yellow or green-yellow lyophilized powder supplied in single-dose vials for reconstitution for intravenous infusion. NDC 0002-7640-01 (VL7640): Carton containing one (1) single-dose vial of 100 mg pemetrexed. NDC 0002-7623-01 (VL7623): Carton containing one (1) single-dose vial of 500 mg pemetrexed. Storage and Handling Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15 °C -30 °C (59 °F - 86 °F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. ALIMTA is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1
How Supplied ALIMTA, pemetrexed for injection, is a white-to-light yellow or green-yellow lyophilized powder supplied in single-dose vials for reconstitution for intravenous infusion. NDC 0002-7640-01 (VL7640): Carton containing one (1) single-dose vial of 100 mg pemetrexed. NDC 0002-7623-01 (VL7623): Carton containing one (1) single-dose vial of 500 mg pemetrexed.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSShortages
Source: FDA Drug Shortages| Status | Availability | Company | Presentation | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To Be Discontinued | Eli Lilly and Co. | Alimta, Injection, 100 mg/4 mL (NDC 0002-7640-01) | October 16, 2025 | |
| To Be Discontinued | Eli Lilly and Co. | Alimta, Injection, 500 mg/20 mL (NDC 0002-7623-01) | October 16, 2025 |
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0002-7623-01 | 0002-7623 | Eli Lilly and Company | 1 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0002-7623-01) / 20 mL in 1 VIAL | February 13, 2004 |
| 0002-7640-01 | 0002-7640 | Eli Lilly and Company | 1 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0002-7640-01) / 4 mL in 1 VIAL | January 15, 2008 |
| 0002-7623 | 0002-7623 | Eli Lilly and Company | — | February 4, 2004 |
| 0002-7640 | 0002-7640 | Eli Lilly and Company | — | September 7, 2007 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| Drug Shortages | FDA | Supply availability |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.