Brand name for: Premetrexed.


Manufactured by: Eli Lilly & Co.




This anti-cancer chemotherapy medicine is in a class of drugs called antimetabolites. http://www.drugs.com/pro/alimta.html1

Alimta works by interfering with enzymes that the cancer cell needs to replicate.  It blocks folate (a B vitamin cancer cells use to make new genetic material) therefore disrupting the ability of cancer cells grow and reproduce.
Throughout treatment with Alimta, patients will need to take folic acid and vitamin B-12 to protect  stomach, blood cells, and bone marrow from the side effects of Alimta. The patient will need to start taking these supplements a week before receiving their first Alimta infusion, and will keep taking them for 3 weeks after treatment ends.

Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are available over the counter. Patients should take only the forms and strengths of these supplements that their doctor has recommended.
Alimta is usually given every 3 weeks.