The Basics
What is Pemetrexed?
Used in combination with pembrolizumab to treat metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
Brand names for Pemetrexed
Alimta
How Pemetrexed is classified
Antineoplastic Agents, Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic, Antirheumatic Agents, Folic Acid Antagonists, Immunosuppressive Agents
Pemetrexed During Pregnancy
Pemetrexed pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Pemetrexed while pregnant
N/A
Taking Pemetrexed While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Pemetrexed?
Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal high-dose antineoplastic drug therapy. The manufacturer recommends that mothers should not to breastfeed during treatment with pemetrexed and for one week after the last dose. Chemotherapy may adversely affect the normal microbiome and chemical makeup of breastmilk.[1] Women who receive chemotherapy during pregnancy are more likely to have difficulty nursing their infant.[2]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal high-dose antineoplastic drug therapy. The manufacturer recommends that mothers should not to breastfeed during treatment with pemetrexed and for one week after the last dose. Chemotherapy may adversely affect the normal microbiome and chemical makeup of breastmilk.[1] Women who receive chemotherapy during pregnancy are more likely to have difficulty nursing their infant.[2]
Possible effects of Pemetrexed on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Pemetrexed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Urbaniak C, McMillan A, Angelini M et al. Effect of chemotherapy on the microbiota and metabolome of human milk, a case report. Microbiome. 2014;2:24. PMID: 25061513
2. Stopenski S, Aslam A, Zhang X et al. After chemotherapy treatment for maternal cancer during pregnancy, is breastfeeding possible? Breastfeed Med. 2017;12:91-7. PMID: 28170295
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
