Study Showed ALIMTA(R) (pemetrexed for injection) Improved Survival in Certain Types of Non-Small Cell L...(ia (27 vs 10);fatigue (80 vs 74); thromb...),Health

See complete Warnings, Precautions, Adverse Reactions, and Dosage and Administration sections in the full Prescribing Information for safety and dosing guidelines.

Important Safety Information for GEMZAR

Myelosuppression is usually the dose-limiting toxicity with GEMZAR therapy.

Contraindication

Known hypersensitivity to GEMZAR.

Warnings

Infusion times of GEMZAR longer than 60 minutes and more frequent than weekly dosing have been shown to increase toxicity.

Pulmonary toxicity has been reported. In cases of severe lung toxicity, GEMZAR therapy should be discontinued immediately and appropriate supportive care measures instituted.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) and/or renal failure have been reported following one or more doses of GEMZAR. Renal failure leading to death or requiring dialysis, despite discontinuation of therapy, has been rarely reported. The majority of the cases of renal failure leading to death were due to HUS.

Serious hepatotoxicity, including liver failure and death, has been reported very rarely in patients receiving GEMZAR alone or in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs.

GEMZAR is Pregnancy Category D. GEMZAR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.

Precautions

Use caution in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or hepatic insufficiency. Administration of GEMZAR may exacerbate underlying hepatic insufficiency.

The optimum regimen for safe administration of GEMZAR with therapeutic doses of radiation has not yet been determined in all tumor types. GEMZAR has radiosensitizing activity and radiation recall reactions have been reported.