Cisplatin and Pemetrexed Chemotherapy Side Effects

Hematologic and Non-Hematologic Toxicities

• Fatigue, dehydration, and stomatitis are significantly more common with the pemetrexed/cisplatin combination, as reported by the Thorax journal 1
• Complete blood counts should be obtained to assess nadir timing during days 8 and 15, according to Praxis Medical Insights 2
• Vitamin B12 1000 μg intramuscularly must be started at least 1 week before first pemetrexed dose and continued every 9 weeks, as recommended by Praxis Medical Insights 3
• Folic acid 0.4-1.0 mg orally daily must be started at least 1 week before first dose and continued throughout treatment, as recommended by Praxis Medical Insights 3
• Overall, 62% of patients receiving pemetrexed plus cisplatin experience grade 3-4 adverse events, as reported by the Thorax journal 5