How is Alimta given?
Alimta is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 10 minutes to complete. Throughout your treatment with Alimta, you will need to take folic acid and vitamin B-12 to protect your stomach, blood cells, and bone marrow from the side effects of Alimta. You will need to start taking these supplements a week before receiving your first Alimta infusion, and will keep taking them for 3 weeks after your treatment ends. Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are available over the counter. Be sure to take only the forms and strengths of these supplements that your doctor has recommended. Your doctor may also prescribe steroid medications to reduce certain side effects of Alimta. To treat mesothelioma, the Alimta injection is usually followed by infusion of cisplatin (Platinol) 30 minutes later. Cisplatin must be given very slowly, and is usually i
