Alimta is a medical formulation administered along with cisplatin for the effective management of pleural mesothelioma, which is a malignant strain of lung cancer. If you seek to purchase crucial medications like these from licensed online Canadian drug stores, you can also gain access to professional advice regarding the safe usage of such drugs. These can help in dealing with potentially disturbing side effects. For example, accomplished drug selling portals will recommend that you take vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements along with Alimta in order to limit the adverse impacts of this drug on the stomach lining and intestines. Such valuable practical tips will prove useful because this drug will need to be taken for a prolonged period of time.
Given that Alimta is essentially a chemotherapy drug, there are several associated repercussions that patients might have to come to terms with, when they are subjected to it. While some could be rare and case specific, there are others that are more commonly experienced. Potentially serious side effects and drug reactions should always receive immediate medical attention in order to avoid further complications.
Alimta: Side Effects
The best way to deal with the potential side effects of Alimta therapy is by knowing what they might be before starting treatment. This will help you remain alert with regard to the symptoms and ensure early diagnosis and treatment. Some of these side effects include:
Oral sores or ulcers can be a common aftermath of Alimta. The sores can appear in the throat, mouth or lips, and can prove to be immensely painful and unpleasant in certain cases. However, you can help in reducing the intensity of the associated discomfort by maintaining proper oral hygiene. Rinsing your mouth thoroughly with warm salt water prior to and after meals can also help a great deal.
Loss of appetite and constipation have also been commonly observed. Manage them by making interesting variations to your daily meals, so that the urge to eat can be suitably rekindled. In addition, you can also include some fibrous fruits and vegetables in your diet to manage the constipation. However, if the symproms worsen over time, seek medical advice.
Skin rashes are also common in patients who have been subjected to this drug for a considerable period of time. Most often, doctors do prescribe certain steroids along with Alimta, in order to manage this problem.
This chemotherapy drug is often associated with gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea in certain cases. Diarrhea can be potentially dangerous in as much as it drains out fluids from the body very rapidly. It is important to keep yourself hydrated. If the bouts are severe, seek medical attention.
Lack of mental alertness could be another after effect of this treatment. Most often, patients complain of higher than usual mental tiredness and extreme sleepiness for unexplained reasons. These conditions can be suitably addressed with duly prescribed medications.
These are some of the more common side effects of this medication. Patient could also experience side effects that are specific to their case. If any unusual symptoms are observed, seek your doctor’s advice.