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Pemetrexed 100 mg/10mL Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution — NDC 71288-0166-10 package photo
Label image from the product's FDA listing (DailyMed) — may show a different pack size or an older label revision.

Pemetrexed 100 mg/10mL Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution — NDC 71288-166-10 (Billing 71288-0166-10)

by Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc. · 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON / 10 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE

This is a package of Pemetrexed 100 mg/10mL Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution from Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc., no longer marketed (first marketed May 2022). It is the main listing for this product, which comes in 3 package sizes.

NDC 71288-0166-10
🏷️ FDA NDC (as labeled) 71288-166-10 billing pads the product segment with a zero
This package
Contains10 mL in 1 vial, single-dose Medicaid pays$101.00 / unit · 12 mo Per package$1,009.97 / 10 ml · Medicaid Pack sizes3 compare ↓
Main listing for product 71288-166 · Also comes in: 10 mL 71288-166-91 10 mL 71288-166-92
Rx only Generic Discontinued Non-controlled ⇄ Compare with another NDC
🗂️ FDA directory synced Oct 1, 2026 · this listing last changed Aug 27, 2026 · sources: openFDA · FDA label (DailyMed) · FDA Orange & Purple Book · First Databank · CMS NADAC, ASP, Medicare & Medicaid · RxNorm
📋 All sources & update times →

This page is curated, coded, and maintained by

Compiled from public FDA, CMS, DailyMed, NADAC, and related drug data sources. Editorial policy

⚠️
Other active recalls for Pemetrexed Disodium (different manufacturers) — 2 · tap to view
These affect other manufacturers’ products for the same ingredient — not necessarily the exact NDC on this page.
Class II · Jul 29, 2026 — Discolored solution. The firm has received market complaints reporting green to dark green discoloration in certain vials (Shilpa Medicare Limited) · FDA recall D-0764-2026
Class II · Jul 29, 2026 — Discolored solution. The firm has received market complaints reporting green to dark green discoloration in certain vials (Shilpa Medicare Limited) · FDA recall D-0765-2026
Each entry is an official FDA enforcement report — look up any recall number in the FDA recall database ↗

Identity & classification

Regulatory identifiers FDA, NLM and CMS codes for this package

FDA NDC (as labeled) 71288-166-10
Product NDC 71288-166
11-digit billing NDC 71288016610
NCPDP billing unit EA — each (per item)
UNII F4GSH45R4C
Application # ANDA208696
SPL Set ID 1ceacc3e-f555-489b-8b16-2baa58b2f5a5
Established class (EPC) Folate Analog Metabolic Inhibitor
Mechanism of action Folic Acid Metabolism Inhibitors
DEA schedule Non-controlled
Marketing category ANDA
Marketing status Discontinued
FDA listing status Listed (active directory)
Marketing start 2022-05-25
Marketing end 2026-08-28
Route INTRAVENOUS
Dosage form INJECTION, POWDER, LYOPHILIZED, FOR SOLUTION
Substance PEMETREXED DISODIUM HEMIPENTAHYDRATE
TE code (Orange Book) AP · RLD · RS

Drug-database identifiers Medi-Span GPI and First Databank GCN / HICL / AHFS classification

GCN Seq No 063546
GCN 99268
HICL code 025905
Ingredient (HICL) Pemetrexed Disodium
HIC1 code V
Therapeutic class — broad (HIC1) Neoplasms
HIC2 code V1
Therapeutic class — intermediate (HIC2) Antineoplastic Drugs
HIC3 code V1B
Therapeutic class — specific (HIC3) Antineoplastic - Antimetabolites
AHFS code 10:00.00.00
AHFS class Antineoplastic Agents
FDB label name PEMETREXED DISODIUM 100 MG VL
FDB brand name Pemetrexed Disodium
Legend status F — Federal legend — prescription drug or device
Quick answers
  • GSN (GCN sequence number): 063546
  • GCN: 99268
  • HICL (First Databank): 025905
  • AHFS class code: 10:00.00.00
Why two NDCs? The FDA registers this code as 71288-166-10 — a 5-3-2 layout, and that's what's printed on the package and shown on DailyMed. For insurance claims, every NDC is standardized to a uniform 11-digit 5-4-2 format by adding a zero to the product segment → 71288-0166-10. Same drug, same package — only the format differs.
Where does this data come from?
Identifiers from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Structured Product Labeling; RxCUI from RxNorm (NLM); GPI from Medi-Span; GCN / HIC / AHFS / legend from First Databank.

Clinical

Label name PEMETREXED DISODIUM 100 MG VL Ingredient Pemetrexed Disodium
📖 What it is MedlinePlus · NLM

Pemetrexed injection is used in combination with other chemotherapy medications as a first treatment for a certain type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body. Pemetrexed injection is also used alone to treat NSCLC as ongoing treatment in people who have already received certain chemotherapy medications and whose cancer has not worsened and in people who could not be treated successfully with other chemotherapy medications. Pemetrexed injection is also in combination with another chemotherapy medication as a first treatment for mal...

Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗
📗 Our plain-language guide HelloPharmacist
  • It treats non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, in several situations such as first treatment, maintenance and recurrent disease. It also treats malignant pleural mesothelioma,...
  • It is given as an IV infusion that takes about 10 minutes, on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle. You will also take folic acid daily, get a vitamin B12 shot, and take dexamethasone around...
  • Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea and mouth sores are common. Low blood counts can also happen, which is why you will have blood tests. Your team...
  • Call for fever or signs of infection, severe skin blistering or peeling, new cough or trouble breathing, or much less urine than usual. Also report redness or blistering where you...
📖 Read our full Pemetrexed Disodium guide →

Supplement & herbal interactions

🌿 Drug–supplement interaction checker →
Where does this data come from?
Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine); supplement & herbal interactions and nutrient depletion data from the Natural Medicines database; our full guide is HelloPharmacist editorial content.

Pricing

A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.

Price systemPer mLPer package
Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs.
Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo $101.00 $1,009.97 / 10 ml
Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data.
Medicare Part B allowsASP · J9305 $6.952 / J9305 unit —
Where does this data come from?
NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) is the CMS weekly pharmacy-acquisition-cost survey — what pharmacies pay. ASP (Average Sales Price) is the CMS Medicare Part B drug-payment file, published quarterly. Medicaid pays is computed by us from CMS State Drug Utilization Data (total reimbursed ÷ units, trailing 12 months) — gross of rebates and inclusive of dispensing fees, so it reflects what Medicaid paid, not an acquisition cost. Medicare drug plans pay is the median negotiated point-of-sale unit cost across plans listing this NDC in the CMS quarterly Prescription Drug Plan pricing files, before rebates. The VA pays is the federal contract price (FSS, and the statutory Big 4 ceiling where listed) from the VA National Acquisition Center pharmaceutical price file. All are free public government data; each measures a different payer, so the figures are not directly comparable.

Billing & reimbursement

FDA NDC (as labeled)71288-166-10
11-digit billing NDC71288-0166-10
Format5-3-2 as registered → padded to 5-4-2 for billing (zero added to the product segment)
HCPCS J-codeJ9305
DescriptorINJECTION, PEMETREXED, NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, 10 MG
Billing units / pkg10 units
How the units are derivedThis package is 1 EA; the HCPCS unit is 10 MG, so one package = 10 billing units.
Medicare Part B spend (2026 (Q1))$4,172,753 · 13,253 claims · $314.85 per claim (all NDCs under J9305)
Crosswalk sourcePDAC NDC-HCPCS crosswalk (DME MAC / DMEPOS)
Where does this data come from?
The HCPCS J-code crosswalk comes from the CMS ASP NDC-HCPCS crosswalk and the DMEPDAC (DME MAC) NDC-HCPCS crosswalk — free public CMS data. Billing units are derived from the code’s descriptor and the package amount.

Packaging — all sizes for this product

Package NDCDescription Marketing startMarketing endStatus
71288-0166-10 You're viewing this Main listing 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON / 10 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE 2022-05-25 — Active
71288-0166-91 71288-166-91 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON / 10 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE 2022-05-25 — Active
71288-0166-92 71288-166-92 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON / 10 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE 2022-05-25 Aug 28, 2026 Discontinued by firm

In Medicaid, this is the most-dispensed pack of this product — about 94% of fills over the last four reported quarters. See all packs ↓

Pack size FAQ

What quantity is in this package?
This package is listed by the FDA — 1 vial, single-dose in 1 carton / 10 ml in 1 vial, single-dose.
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Pemetrexed 100 mg/10mL Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution?
Use the 11-digit billing form listed in the identifiers section of this page. Pharmacy and medical claims use the 11-digit form; the FDA label may print a shorter form of the same code.

Therapeutic equivalents

ProductLabelerPackNADAC/unitTEStatusPrice vs. this
Alimta 100 mg/4mL 00002-7640-01 Eli 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/4mL 16729-0229-03 Accord 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/4.2mL 25021-0260-10 Sagent 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/4mL 31722-0336-31 Camber 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg 43547-0632-01 Solco 100 injections — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed disodium 100 mg/4mL 43598-0386-62 Dr. 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/4mL 55150-0381-01 Eugia 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/4mL 63323-0134-10 Fresenius 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/4mL 67184-0503-01 Qilu 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/4mL 68001-0535-41 BluePoint 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/4mL 68001-0538-41 BluePoint 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/4mL 68001-0543-41 BluePoint 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/4mL 70069-0834-01 Somerset 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
pemetrexed 100 mg/4mL 70710-1654-01 Zydus 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
pemetrexed 100 mg/4mL 70771-1691-01 Zydus 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/4.2mL 71288-0145-10 Meitheal 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/10mLthis 71288-0166-10 Meitheal 1 vial — AP Discontinued —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/4mL 72338-0100-01 Waverley 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/10mL 72603-0325-01 NorthStar 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Pemetrexed Dipotassium 100 mg/4mL 83831-0111-01 Avyxa 1 vial — — FDA listed —
Axtle 100 mg/4mL 83831-0131-01 Avyxa 1 vial — — FDA listed —
Pemrydi Rtu 100 mg/10mL 70121-2453-01 Amneal 1 vial — — FDA listed —
Pemetrexed 100 mg/10mL 63759-3048-01 Shilpa 1 vial — — FDA listed —
About this product: this is a generic version of the medicine. FDA equivalence ratings are shown when available, and other versions are listed above, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
Equivalents are other NDCs of the same ingredient, form and route from the openFDA NDC Directory, ranked least-expensive-first by NADAC. Therapeutic-equivalence (AB) ratings come from the FDA Orange Book; biologics use the FDA Purple Book for biosimilar & interchangeable status.

Availability & generic status

🏛️
2022
On the market since
May 2022
📍
2026
Currently FDA-listed
4 years listed
🔓
·
Generic on the market
this product is a generic
✅This is a generic drug

This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.

Where does this data come from?
Patents and exclusivity from the FDA Orange Book (small-molecule drugs), refreshed from public FDA data. Generic launch timing is an estimate, not a guarantee.

Inactive Ingredients / Excipients

Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.

💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.

  • UNII QTT17582CB
    A strong acid used to adjust and maintain the proper pH level in liquid medicines, ensuring stability and preventing breakdown of active ingredients.
  • UNII 3OWL53L36A
    A natural sugar alcohol derived from seaweed or synthesized in the lab. It's used as a filler to add bulk, a sweetener in sugar-free formulas, and a disintegrant to help tablets break apart in the stomach.
  • UNII 55X04QC32I
    A strong alkaline chemical used to adjust and maintain the pH balance of liquid medicines. It helps keep the medicine stable and ensures it stays effective during storage.

3 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.

Where does this data come from?
Data sourced from official FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL) via DailyMed — ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.

Inactive ingredient FAQ

Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
No. Inactive ingredients can differ by manufacturer, dosage form, strength, and package / product version.
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Some SPLs do not provide a complete structured inactive-ingredient list, and older or unusual labels may only include the information in narrative text.
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Yes. They can matter for allergies, intolerances, dyes, gluten / lactose concerns, preservatives, and formulation differences — but confirm with a pharmacist or the manufacturer when it’s clinically important.

Manufacturer & labeler

LabelerMeitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Application holderJIANGSU HANSOH PHARMACEUTICAL GROUP CO LTD
FDA applicationANDA208696 (ANDA)
Labeler code71288
First marketedMay 2022
Product typeHuman Prescription Drug
Portfolio158 products on file
The labeler markets the product; the application holder owns the FDA approval. They’re often the same company but can differ (e.g. a repackager or an authorized generic). A mailing address / phone appears here when the manufacturer includes it in the product’s FDA label (not all do).
Where does this data come from?
Labeler, application holder and registered establishment from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Drugs@FDA; address/contact from the product’s FDA label.

Full prescribing information FDA SPL

The complete FDA label for this product — the official prescribing information, verbatim, section by section. Very long sections are excerpted here and marked; the full text is on DailyMed (linked in the sources below). Jump with a chip, search within the label, or expand everything.
🎯 Indications and Usage ⏱️ Dosage and Administration 💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ⛔ Contraindications ⚠️ Warnings and Cautions 🤒 Adverse Reactions 🔄 Drug Interactions 👥 Use in Specific Populations 🤰 Pregnancy 🧒 Pediatric Use 🧓 Geriatric Use 🆘 Overdosage 🧬 Clinical Pharmacology 🧬 Mechanism of Action 📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling 📦 Storage and Handling 📋 Description 💬 Information for Patients 🧬 Pharmacokinetics 🧬 Pharmacodynamics 🔬 Clinical Studies 🧪 Nonclinical Toxicology 📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility 📚 References 📄 Patient Package Insert 📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel
🎯 Indications and Usage ~2 min read ▾

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pemetrexed for Injection is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor indicated: in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy, for the initial treatment of patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. ( 1.1 ) in combination with cisplatin for the initial treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC. ( 1.1 ) as a single agent for the maintenance treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC whose disease has not progressed after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy.

( 1.1 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent, metastatic non-squamous, NSCLC after prior chemotherapy. ( 1.1 ) Limitations of Use : Pemetrexed for Injection is not indicated for the treatment of patients with squamous cell, non-small cell lung cancer. ( 1.1 ) initial treatment, in combination with cisplatin, of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma whose disease is unresectable or who are otherwise not candidates for curative surgery.

( 1.2 )

1.1Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Pemetrexed for Injection is indicated: in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy, for the initial treatment of patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. in combination with cisplatin for the initial treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC. as a single agent for the maintenance treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC whose disease has not progressed after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent, metastatic non-squamous, NSCLC after prior chemotherapy.

Limitations of Use: Pemetrexed for Injection is not indicated for the treatment of patients with squamous cell, non-small cell lung cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] .

1.2Mesothelioma Pemetrexed for Injection is indicated, in combination with cisplatin, for the initial treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma whose disease is unresectable or who are otherwise not candidates for curative surgery.

⏱️ Dosage and Administration ~3 min read ▾

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose of pemetrexed for injection administered with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes, administered after pembrolizumab and prior to platinum chemotherapy, on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle. ( 2.1 ) The recommended dose of pemetrexed for injection, administered as a single agent or with cisplatin, in patients with creatinine clearance of 45 mL/minute or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle.

( 2.1 , 2.2 ) Initiate folic acid 400 mcg to 1,000 mcg orally, once daily, beginning 7 days prior to the first dose of pemetrexed for injection and continue until 21 days after the last dose of pemetrexed for injection. ( 2.4 ) Administer vitamin B 12 , 1 mg intramuscularly, 1 week prior to the first dose of pemetrexed for injection and every 3 cycles. ( 2.4 ) Administer dexamethasone 4 mg orally, twice daily the day before, the day of, and the day after pemetrexed for injection administration.

( 2.4 )

2.1Recommended Dosage for Non-Squamous NSCLC The recommended dose of pemetrexed for injection when administered with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy for the initial treatment of metastatic non-squamous NSCLC in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes administered after pembrolizumab and prior to carboplatin or cisplatin on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for 4 cycles. Following completion of platinum-based therapy, treatment with pemetrexed for injection with or without pembrolizumab is administered until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Please refer to the full prescribing information for pembrolizumab and for carboplatin or cisplatin. The recommended dose of pemetrexed for injection when administered with cisplatin for initial treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes administered prior to cisplatin on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for up to six cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

The recommended dose of pemetrexed for injection for maintenance treatment of non-squamous NSCLC in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. The recommended dose of pemetrexed for injection for treatment of recurrent non-squamous NSCLC in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

2.2Recommended Dosage for Mesothelioma The recommended dose of pemetrexed for injection when administered with cisplatin in patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater is 500 mg/m 2 as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

2.3Renal Impairment Pemetrexed for injection dosing recommendations are provided for patients with a creatinine clearance (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation) of 45 mL/min or greater [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.2 )] . There is no recommended dose for patients whose creatinine clearance is less than 45 mL/min [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] .

2.4Premedication and Concomitant Medications to Mitigate Toxicity Vitamin Supplementation Initiate folic acid… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths 40 words ▾

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS For injection: 100 mg or 500 mg pemetrexed as a white or off-white lyophilized powder in single-dose vials for reconstitution. For Injection: 100 mg or 500 mg lyophilized powder in single-dose vial ( 3 )

⛔ Contraindications 34 words ▾

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Pemetrexed for Injection is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed. ( 4 )

⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ~3 min read ▾

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myelosuppression: Can cause severe bone marrow suppression resulting in cytopenia and an increased risk of infection. Do not administer pemetrexed when the absolute neutrophil count is less than 1,500 cells/mm 3 and platelets are less than 100,000 cells/mm 3 . Initiate supplementation with oral folic acid and intramuscular vitamin B 12 to reduce the severity of hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity of pemetrexed.

( 2.4 , 5.1 ) Renal Failure: Can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, renal failure. Do not administer when creatinine clearance is less than 45 mL/min. ( 2.3 , 5.2 ) Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Toxicity: Permanently discontinue for severe and life-threatening bullous, blistering or exfoliating skin toxicity.

( 5.3 ) Interstitial Pneumonitis: Withhold for acute onset of new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms. Permanently discontinue if pneumonitis is confirmed. ( 5.4 ) Radiation Recall: Can occur in patients who received radiation weeks to years previously; permanently discontinue for signs of radiation recall.

( 5.5 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.7 , 8.1 , 8.3 )

5.1Myelosuppression and Increased Risk of Myelosuppression without Vitamin Supplementation Pemetrexed can cause severe myelosuppression resulting in a requirement for transfusions and which may lead to neutropenic infection. The risk of myelosuppression is increased in patients who do not receive vitamin supplementation. In Study JMCH, incidences of Grade 3-4 neutropenia (38% versus 23%), thrombocytopenia (9% versus 5%), febrile neutropenia (9% versus 0.6%), and neutropenic infection (6% versus 0) were higher in patients who received pemetrexed plus cisplatin without vitamin supplementation as compared to patients who were fully supplemented with folic acid and vitamin B 12 prior to and throughout pemetrexed plus cisplatin treatment.

Initiate supplementation with oral folic acid and intramuscular vitamin B 12 prior to the first dose of pemetrexed; continue vitamin supplementation during treatment and for 21 days after the last dose of pemetrexed to reduce the severity of hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity of pemetrexed [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Obtain a complete blood count at the beginning of each cycle. Do not administer pemetrexed until the ANC is at least 1,500 cells/mm 3 and platelet count is at least 100,000 cells/mm 3 .

Permanently reduce pemetrexed in patients with an ANC of less than 500 cells/mm 3 or platelet count of less than 50,000 cells/mm 3 in previous cycles [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ] . In Studies JMDB and JMCH, among patients who received vitamin supplementation, incidence of Grade 3-4 neutropenia was 15% and 23%, the incidence of Grade 3-4 anemia was 6% and 4%, and incidence of Grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia was 4% and 5%, respectively. In Study JMCH, 18% of patients in the pemetrexed arm required red blood cell transfusions compared to 7% of patients in the cisplatin arm [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .

In Studies JMEN, PARAMOUNT, and JMEI, where all patients received vitamin supplementation, incidence of Grade 3-4 neutropenia ranged from 3% to 5%, and incidence of Grade 3-4 anemia ranged from 3% to 5%.

5.2Renal Failure Pemetrexed can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, renal toxicity. The incidences of renal failure in clinical studies in which patients received pemetrexed with cisplatin were: 2.1% in Study JMDB and 2.2% in Study JMCH. The incidence of renal failure in clinical studies in which patients received pemetrexed as a single agent ranged from 0.4% to 0.6% (Studies JMEN, PARAMOUNT, and JMEI [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .

Determine creatinine clearance before each dose and periodically monitor renal function during treatment with pemetrexed. Withhold pemetrexed in patients with a creatinine clearance of less than 45 mL/minute [see Dosage and Administration… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🤒 Adverse Reactions ~3 min read ▾

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Renal failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Bullous and exfoliative skin toxicity [see Warning and Precautions (5.3) ] Interstitial pneumonitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Radiation recall [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of pemetrexed, when administered as a single agent are fatigue, nausea, and anorexia.

( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of pemetrexed when administered with cisplatin are vomiting, neutropenia, anemia, stomatitis/pharyngitis, thrombocytopenia, and constipation. ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of pemetrexed when administered in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy are fatigue/asthenia, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, cough, dyspnea, and pyrexia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-844-824-8426 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates cannot be directly compared to rates in other clinical trials and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of pemetrexed, when administered as a single agent, are fatigue, nausea, and anorexia. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of pemetrexed, when administered in combination with cisplatin are vomiting, neutropenia, anemia, stomatitis/pharyngitis, thrombocytopenia, and constipation.

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) of pemetrexed, when administered in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy, are fatigue/asthenia, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, cough, dyspnea, and pyrexia. Non-Squamous NSCLC First-line Treatment of Metastatic Non-squamous NSCLC with Pembrolizumab and Platinum Chemotherapy The safety of pemetrexed, in combination with pembrolizumab and investigator's choice of platinum (either carboplatin or cisplatin), was investigated in Study KEYNOTE-189, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized (2:1), active-controlled trial in patients with previously untreated, metastatic non-squamous NSCLC with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

A total of 607 patients received pemetrexed, pembrolizumab, and platinum every 3 weeks for 4 cycles followed by pemetrexed and pembrolizumab (n=405), or placebo, pemetrexed, and platinum every 3 weeks for 4 cycles followed by placebo and pemetrexed (n=202). Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment; a medical condition that required immunosuppression; or who had received more than 30 Gy of thoracic radiation within the prior 26 weeks were ineligible [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] .

The median duration of exposure to pemetrexed was 7.2 months (range: 1 day to 1.7 years). Seventy-two percent of patients received carboplatin. The study population characteristics were: median age of 64 years (range: 34 to 84), 49% age 65 years or older, 59% male, 94% White and 3% Asian, and 18% with history of brain metastases at baseline.

Pemetrexed was discontinued for adverse reactions in 23% of patients in the pemetrexed, pembrolizumab, and platinum arm. The most common adverse reactions resulting in discontinuation of pemetrexed in this arm were acute kidney injury (3%) and pneumonitis (2%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of pemetrexed occurred in 49% of patients in the pemetrexed, pembrolizumab, and platinum arm.

The most common adverse reactions or laboratory abnormalities leading to interruption of pemetrexed in this arm (≥2%) were neutropenia (12%), anemia (7%), asthenia (4%), pneumonia (4%… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🔄 Drug Interactions 113 words ▾

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Ibuprofen increased risk of pemetrexed toxicity in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Modify the ibuprofen dosage as recommended for patients with a creatinine clearance between 45 mL/min and 79 mL/min. ( 2.5 , 5.6 , 7 ) Effects of Ibuprofen on Pemetrexed Ibuprofen increases exposure (AUC) of pemetrexed [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

In patients with creatinine clearance between 45 mL/min and 79 mL/min: Avoid administration of ibuprofen for 2 days before, the day of, and 2 days following administration of pemetrexed [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Monitor patients more frequently for myelosuppression, renal, and gastrointestinal toxicity, if concomitant administration of ibuprofen cannot be avoided.

👥 Use in Specific Populations ~3 min read ▾

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 )

8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, pemetrexed can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] . There are no available data on pemetrexed use in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of pemetrexed to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic, resulting in developmental delays and malformations at doses lower than the recommended human dose of 500 mg/m 2 [see Data ] .

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus [see Use in Special Populations (8.3) ] . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Pemetrexed was teratogenic in mice.

Daily dosing of pemetrexed by intravenous injection to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis increased the incidence of fetal malformations (cleft palate; protruding tongue; enlarged or misshaped kidney; and fused lumbar vertebra) at doses (based on BSA) 0.03 times the human dose of 500 mg/m 2 . At doses, based on BSA, greater than or equal to 0.0012 times the 500 mg/m 2 human dose, pemetrexed administration resulted in dose-dependent increases in developmental delays (incomplete ossification of talus and skull bone; and decreased fetal weight).

8.2Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of pemetrexed or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from pemetrexed, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with pemetrexed and for one week after the last dose.

8.3Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Based on animal data pemetrexed can cause malformations and developmental delays when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating pemetrexed injection [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Contraception Females Because of the potential for genotoxicity, advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with pemetrexed and for 6 months after the last dose.

Males Because of the potential for genotoxicity, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with pemetrexed and for 3 months after the last dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . Infertility Males Pemetrexed may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] .

8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of pemetrexed in pediatric patients have not been established. The safety and pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed were evaluated in two clinical studies conducted in pediatric patients with recurrent solid tumors ( NCT00070473 N=32 and NCT00520936 N=72). Patients in both studies received concomitant vitamin B 12 and folic acid supplementation and dexamethasone.

No tumor responses were observed. Adverse reactions observed in pediatric patients were similar to those observed in adults. Single-dose pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed were evaluated in 22 patients age 4 to 18 years enrolled in NCT00070473 were within range of values in adults.

8.5Geriatric Use Of the 3,946 patients enrolled in clinical studies of pemetrexed, 34% were 65 and over and 4% were 75 and over. No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. The incidences of Grade 3-4 anemia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, hypertension, and neutropenia were higher in patients 65 years of age and older as compared to younger patien… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🤰 Pregnancy ~1 min read ▾

8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, pemetrexed can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] . There are no available data on pemetrexed use in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of pemetrexed to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic, resulting in developmental delays and malformations at doses lower than the recommended human dose of 500 mg/m 2 [see Data ] .

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus [see Use in Special Populations (8.3) ] . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Pemetrexed was teratogenic in mice.

Daily dosing of pemetrexed by intravenous injection to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis increased the incidence of fetal malformations (cleft palate; protruding tongue; enlarged or misshaped kidney; and fused lumbar vertebra) at doses (based on BSA) 0.03 times the human dose of 500 mg/m 2 . At doses, based on BSA, greater than or equal to 0.0012 times the 500 mg/m 2 human dose, pemetrexed administration resulted in dose-dependent increases in developmental delays (incomplete ossification of talus and skull bone; and decreased fetal weight).

🧒 Pediatric Use 99 words ▾

8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of pemetrexed in pediatric patients have not been established. The safety and pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed were evaluated in two clinical studies conducted in pediatric patients with recurrent solid tumors ( NCT00070473 N=32 and NCT00520936 N=72). Patients in both studies received concomitant vitamin B 12 and folic acid supplementation and dexamethasone.

No tumor responses were observed. Adverse reactions observed in pediatric patients were similar to those observed in adults. Single-dose pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed were evaluated in 22 patients age 4 to 18 years enrolled in NCT00070473 were within range of values in adults.

🧓 Geriatric Use 83 words ▾

8.5Geriatric Use Of the 3,946 patients enrolled in clinical studies of pemetrexed, 34% were 65 and over and 4% were 75 and over. No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. The incidences of Grade 3-4 anemia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, hypertension, and neutropenia were higher in patients 65 years of age and older as compared to younger patients: in at least one of five randomized clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2) ] .

🆘 Overdosage 34 words ▾

10 OVERDOSAGE No drugs are approved for the treatment of pemetrexed overdose. Based on animal studies, administration of leucovorin may mitigate the toxicities of pemetrexed overdosage. It is not known whether pemetrexed is dialyzable.

🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ~3 min read ▾

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1Mechanism of Action Pemetrexed is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor that disrupts folate-dependent metabolic processes essential for cell replication. In vitro studies show that pemetrexed inhibits thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFT), which are folate-dependent enzymes involved in the de novo biosynthesis of thymidine and purine nucleotides. Pemetrexed is taken into cells by membrane carriers such as the reduced folate carrier and membrane folate binding protein transport systems.

Once in the cell, pemetrexed is converted to polyglutamate forms by the enzyme folylpolyglutamate synthetase. The polyglutamate forms are retained in cells and are inhibitors of TS and GARFT.

12.2Pharmacodynamics Pemetrexed inhibited the in vitro growth of mesothelioma cell lines (MSTO- 211H, NCI-H2052) and showed synergistic effects when combined with cisplatin. Based on population pharmacodynamic analyses, the depth of the absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) nadir correlates with the systemic exposure to pemetrexed and supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B 12 . There is no cumulative effect of pemetrexed exposure on ANC nadir over multiple treatment cycles.

12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption The pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed when pemetrexed was administered as a single agent in doses ranging from 0.2 to 838 mg/m 2 infused over a 10-minute period have been evaluated in 426 cancer patients with a variety of solid tumors. Pemetrexed total systemic exposure (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (C max ) increased proportionally with increase of dose. The pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed did not change over multiple treatment cycles.

Distribution Pemetrexed has a steady-state volume of distribution of 16.1 liters. In vitro studies indicated that pemetrexed is 81% bound to plasma proteins. Elimination The total systemic clearance of pemetrexed is 91.8 mL/min and the elimination half-life of pemetrexed is 3.5 hours in patients with normal renal function (creatinine clearance of 90 mL/min).

As renal function decreases, the clearance of pemetrexed decreases and exposure (AUC) of pemetrexed increases. Metabolism Pemetrexed is not metabolized to an appreciable extent. Excretion Pemetrexed is primarily eliminated in the urine, with 70% to 90% of the dose recovered unchanged within the first 24 hours following administration.

In vitro studies indicated that pemetrexed is a substrate of OAT3 (organic anion transporter 3), a transporter that is involved in the active secretion of pemetrexed. Specific Populations Age (26 to 80 years) and sex had no clinically meaningful effect on the systemic exposure of pemetrexed based on population pharmacokinetic analyses. Racial Groups The pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed were similar in Whites and Blacks or African Americans.

Insufficient data are available for other ethnic groups. Patients with Hepatic Impairment Pemetrexed has not been formally studied in patients with hepatic impairment. No effect of elevated AST, ALT, or total bilirubin on the PK of pemetrexed was observed in clinical studies.

Patients with Renal Impairment Pharmacokinetic analyses of pemetrexed included 127 patients with impaired renal function. Plasma clearance of pemetrexed decreases as renal function decreases, with a resultant increase in systemic exposure. Patients with creatinine clearances of 45, 50, and 80 mL/min had 65%, 54%, and 13% increases, respectively in systemic exposure (AUC) compared to patients with creatinine clearance of 100 mL/min [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .

Third-Space Fluid The pemetrexed plasma concentrations in patients with various solid tumors with stable, mild to moderate third-space fluid were comparable to those observed in patients without third space fluid collections. The effect of severe third space fluid on pharmacokinetics is not known. Drug Interaction Studies Dru… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🧬 Mechanism of Action 102 words ▾

12.1Mechanism of Action Pemetrexed is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor that disrupts folate-dependent metabolic processes essential for cell replication. In vitro studies show that pemetrexed inhibits thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFT), which are folate-dependent enzymes involved in the de novo biosynthesis of thymidine and purine nucleotides. Pemetrexed is taken into cells by membrane carriers such as the reduced folate carrier and membrane folate binding protein transport systems.

Once in the cell, pemetrexed is converted to polyglutamate forms by the enzyme folylpolyglutamate synthetase. The polyglutamate forms are retained in cells and are inhibitors of TS and GARFT.

📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling 106 words ▾

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Pemetrexed for Injection, USP is a white or off-white lyophilized powder supplied in single-dose vials for reconstitution for intravenous infusion. NDC Pemetrexed for Injection, USP Package Factor 71288- 166 -10 100 mg Single-Dose Vial 1 vial per carton 71288- 167 -50 500 mg Single-Dose Vial 1 vial per carton Storage and Handling Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Pemetrexed for Injection, USP is a hazardous drug.

Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

📦 Storage and Handling 50 words ▾

Storage and Handling Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Pemetrexed for Injection, USP is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

📋 Description 136 words ▾

11 DESCRIPTION Pemetrexed is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor. The drug substance, pemetrexed disodium heptahydrate, has the chemical name: L-Glutamic acid, N-[4-[2-(2-amino-4,7-dihydro-4-oxo-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)ethyl]benzoyl]-, disodium salt, heptahydrate with a molecular formula of C 20 H 19 N 5 Na 2 O 6 ·7H 2 O and a molecular weight of 597.49. The structural formula is as follows: Pemetrexed for Injection, USP is a sterile white or off-white lyophilized powder in single-dose vials to be reconstituted for intravenous infusion.

Each 100-mg vial of Pemetrexed for Injection, USP contains 100 mg pemetrexed (equivalent to 139.8 mg pemetrexed disodium heptahydrate) and 106 mg mannitol. Each 500-mg vial of Pemetrexed for Injection, USP contains 500 mg pemetrexed (equivalent to 699.0 mg pemetrexed disodium heptahydrate) and 500 mg mannitol. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added to adjust pH.

Structural Formula

💬 Information for Patients ~2 min read ▾

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling ( Patient Information ). Premedication and Concomitant Medication: Instruct patients to take folic acid as directed and to keep appointments for vitamin B 12 injections to reduce the risk of treatment-related toxicity. Instruct patients of the requirement to take corticosteroids to reduce the risks of treatment-related toxicity [see Dosage and Administration (2.4 ) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].

Myelosuppression : Inform patients of the risk of low blood cell counts and instruct them to immediately contact their physician for signs of infection, fever, bleeding, or symptoms of anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Renal Failure : Inform patients of the risks of renal failure, which may be exacerbated in patients with dehydration arising from severe vomiting or diarrhea. Instruct patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider for a decrease in urine output [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .

Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Disorders : Inform patients of the risks of severe and exfoliative skin disorders. Instruct patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider for development of bullous lesions or exfoliation in the skin or mucous membranes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Interstitial Pneumonitis: Inform patients of the risks of pneumonitis.

Instruct patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider for development of dyspnea or persistent cough [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Radiation Recall: Inform patients who have received prior radiation of the risks of radiation recall. Instruct patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider for development of inflammation or blisters in an area that was previously irradiated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] .

Increased Risk of Toxicity with Ibuprofen in Patients with Renal Impairment: Advise patients with mild to moderate renal impairment of the risks associated with concomitant ibuprofen use and instruct them to avoid use of all ibuprofen containing products for 2 days before, the day of, and 2 days following administration of Pemetrexed for Injection, USP [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) , Warnings and Precautions (5.6) , and Drug Interactions (7) ] . Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Advise females of reproductive potential and males with female partners of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] .

Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection, USP and for 6 months after the last dose. Advise females to inform their prescriber of a known or suspected pregnancy. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection, USP and for 3 months after the last dose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) and Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] .

Lactation : Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection, USP and for 1 week after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2) ] . meitheal ® Mfd. for Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Chicago, IL 60631 (USA) ©2023 Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc. Mfd. by Jiangsu Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China 222069 Revised: December 2023 602667B01

🧬 Pharmacokinetics ~3 min read ▾

12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption The pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed when pemetrexed was administered as a single agent in doses ranging from 0.2 to 838 mg/m 2 infused over a 10-minute period have been evaluated in 426 cancer patients with a variety of solid tumors. Pemetrexed total systemic exposure (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (C max ) increased proportionally with increase of dose. The pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed did not change over multiple treatment cycles.

Distribution Pemetrexed has a steady-state volume of distribution of 16.1 liters. In vitro studies indicated that pemetrexed is 81% bound to plasma proteins. Elimination The total systemic clearance of pemetrexed is 91.8 mL/min and the elimination half-life of pemetrexed is 3.5 hours in patients with normal renal function (creatinine clearance of 90 mL/min).

As renal function decreases, the clearance of pemetrexed decreases and exposure (AUC) of pemetrexed increases. Metabolism Pemetrexed is not metabolized to an appreciable extent. Excretion Pemetrexed is primarily eliminated in the urine, with 70% to 90% of the dose recovered unchanged within the first 24 hours following administration.

In vitro studies indicated that pemetrexed is a substrate of OAT3 (organic anion transporter 3), a transporter that is involved in the active secretion of pemetrexed. Specific Populations Age (26 to 80 years) and sex had no clinically meaningful effect on the systemic exposure of pemetrexed based on population pharmacokinetic analyses. Racial Groups The pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed were similar in Whites and Blacks or African Americans.

Insufficient data are available for other ethnic groups. Patients with Hepatic Impairment Pemetrexed has not been formally studied in patients with hepatic impairment. No effect of elevated AST, ALT, or total bilirubin on the PK of pemetrexed was observed in clinical studies.

Patients with Renal Impairment Pharmacokinetic analyses of pemetrexed included 127 patients with impaired renal function. Plasma clearance of pemetrexed decreases as renal function decreases, with a resultant increase in systemic exposure. Patients with creatinine clearances of 45, 50, and 80 mL/min had 65%, 54%, and 13% increases, respectively in systemic exposure (AUC) compared to patients with creatinine clearance of 100 mL/min [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .

Third-Space Fluid The pemetrexed plasma concentrations in patients with various solid tumors with stable, mild to moderate third-space fluid were comparable to those observed in patients without third space fluid collections. The effect of severe third space fluid on pharmacokinetics is not known. Drug Interaction Studies Drugs Inhibiting OAT3 Transporter Ibuprofen, an OAT3 inhibitor, administered at 400 mg four times a day decreased the clearance of pemetrexed and increased its exposure (AUC) by approximately 20% in patients with normal renal function (creatinine clearance >80 mL/min).

In Vitro Studies Pemetrexed is a substrate for OAT3. Ibuprofen, an OAT3 inhibitor inhibited the uptake of pemetrexed in OAT3-expressing cell cultures with an average [I u ]/IC 50 ratio of 0.38. In vitro data predict that at clinically relevant concentrations, other NSAIDs (naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib) would not inhibit the uptake of pemetrexed by OAT3 and would not increase the AUC of pemetrexed to a clinically significant extent. [ see Drug Interactions (7) ] .

Pemetrexed is a substrate for OAT4. In vitro, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib) are not inhibitors of OAT4 at clinically relevant concentrations. Aspirin Aspirin, administered in low to moderate doses (325 mg every 6 hours), does not affect the pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed.

Cisplatin Cisplatin does not affect the pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed and the pharmacokinetics of total platinum are unaltered by pemetrexed. Vitamins Neither folic acid nor vitamin B 12 affect the pharmacokinetics of peme… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🧬 Pharmacodynamics 69 words ▾

12.2Pharmacodynamics Pemetrexed inhibited the in vitro growth of mesothelioma cell lines (MSTO- 211H, NCI-H2052) and showed synergistic effects when combined with cisplatin. Based on population pharmacodynamic analyses, the depth of the absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) nadir correlates with the systemic exposure to pemetrexed and supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B 12 . There is no cumulative effect of pemetrexed exposure on ANC nadir over multiple treatment cycles.

🔬 Clinical Studies ~3 min read ▾

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

14.1Non-Squamous NSCLC Initial Treatment in Combination with Pembrolizumab and Platinum The efficacy of pemetrexed in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy was investigated in Study KEYNOTE-189 ( NCT02578680 ), a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, active-controlled trial conducted in patients with metastatic non-squamous NSCLC, regardless of PD-L1 tumor expression status, who had not previously received systemic therapy for metastatic disease and in whom there were no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment; a medical condition that required immunosuppression; or who had received more than 30 Gy of thoracic radiation within the prior 26 weeks were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by smoking status (never versus former/current), choice of platinum (cisplatin versus carboplatin), and tumor PD-L1 status (TPS <1% [negative] versus TPS ≥1%). Patients were randomized (2:1) to one of the following treatment arms: Pemetrexed 500 mg/m 2 , pembrolizumab 200 mg, and investigator's choice of cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 or carboplatin AUC 5 mg/mL/min intravenously on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for 4 cycles followed by pemetrexed 500 mg/m 2 and pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks.

Pemetrexed was administered after pembrolizumab and prior to platinum chemotherapy on Day 1. Placebo, pemetrexed 500 mg/m 2 , and investigator's choice of cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 or carboplatin AUC 5 mg/mL/min intravenously on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for 4 cycles followed by placebo and pemetrexed 500 mg/m 2 intravenously every 3 weeks. Treatment with pemetrexed continued until RECIST v1.1 (modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ)-defined progression of disease as determined by the investigator or unacceptable toxicity.

Patients randomized to placebo, pemetrexed, and platinum chemotherapy were offered pembrolizumab as a single agent at the time of disease progression. Assessment of tumor status was performed at Week 6, Week 12, and then every 9 weeks thereafter. The main efficacy outcome measures were OS and PFS as assessed by BICR RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of five target lesions per organ.

Additional efficacy outcome measures were ORR and duration of response, as assessed by the BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ. A total of 616 patients were randomized: 410 patients to the pemetrexed, pembrolizumab, and platinum chemotherapy arm and 206 to the placebo, pemetrexed, and platinum chemotherapy arm. The study population characteristics were: median age of 64 years (range: 34 to 84); 49% age 65 or older; 59% male; 94% White and 3% Asian; 56% ECOG performance status of 1; and 18% with history of brain metastases.

Thirty-one percent had tumor PD-L1 expression TPS <1%. Seventy-two percent received carboplatin and 12% were never smokers. A total of 85 patients in the placebo, pemetrexed, and chemotherapy arm received an anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibody at the time of disease progression.

The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in OS and PFS for patients randomized to pemetrexed in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy compared with placebo, pemetrexed, and platinum chemotherapy (see Table 10 and Figure 1 ). Table 10: Efficacy Results of KEYNOTE-189 a Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model. b Based on stratified log-rank test. c Response: Best objective response as confirmed complete response or partial response. d Based on Miettinen and Nurminen method stratified by PD-L1 status, platinum chemotherapy and smoking status.

NR = not reached Endpoint Pemetrexed Pembrolizumab Platinum Chemotherapy n=410 Placebo Pemetrexed Platinum Chemotherapy n=206 OS Number (%) of patients with ev… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🧪 Nonclinical Toxicology 75 words ▾

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility No carcinogenicity studies have been conducted with pemetrexed. Pemetrexed was clastogenic in an in vivo micronucleus assay in mouse bone marrow but was not mutagenic in multiple in vitro tests (Ames assay, Chinese Hamster Ovary cell assay). Pemetrexed administered intraperitoneally at doses of ≥0.1 mg/kg/day to male mice (approximately 0.0006 times the recommended human dose based on BSA) resulted in reduced fertility, hypospermia, and testicular atrophy.

📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility 72 words ▾

13.1Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility No carcinogenicity studies have been conducted with pemetrexed. Pemetrexed was clastogenic in an in vivo micronucleus assay in mouse bone marrow but was not mutagenic in multiple in vitro tests (Ames assay, Chinese Hamster Ovary cell assay). Pemetrexed administered intraperitoneally at doses of ≥0.1 mg/kg/day to male mice (approximately 0.0006 times the recommended human dose based on BSA) resulted in reduced fertility, hypospermia, and testicular atrophy.

📚 References 7 words ▾

15 REFERENCES “OSHA Hazardous Drugs.” OSHA. [https://www.osha.gov/hazardous-drugs]

📄 Patient Package Insert ~3 min read ▾

This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. PATIENT INFORMATION Pemetrexed (pem e TREX ed) for Injection, USP for Intravenous Use What is Pemetrexed for Injection, USP?

Pemetrexed for Injection, USP is a prescription medicine used to treat: a kind of lung cancer called non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pemetrexed for Injection, USP is used: ◦ as the first treatment in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy when your lung cancer with no abnormal EGFR or ALK gene has spread (advanced NSCLC). ◦ as the first treatment in combination with cisplatin when your lung cancer has spread (advanced NSCLC). ◦ alone as maintenance treatment after you have received 4 cycles of chemotherapy that contains platinum for first treatment of your advanced NSCLC and your cancer has not progressed. ◦ alone when your lung cancer has returned or spread after prior chemotherapy.

Pemetrexed for Injection is not for use for the treatment of people with squamous cell non-small cell lung cancer. a kind of cancer called malignant pleural mesothelioma. This cancer affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall. Pemetrexed for Injection, USP is used in combination with cisplatin as the first treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma that cannot be removed by surgery or you are not able to have surgery.

Pemetrexed for Injection, USP has not been shown to be safe and effective in children. Do not take Pemetrexed for Injection, USP if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any medicine that contains pemetrexed. Before taking Pemetrexed for Injection, USP, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have kidney problems. have had radiation therapy. are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Pemetrexed for Injection, USP can harm your unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant : Your healthcare provider will check to see if you are pregnant before you start treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection. You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection, USP and for 6 months after the last dose.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant during treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection, USP. Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection, USP and for 3 months after the last dose. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Pemetrexed for Injection, USP passes into breast milk.

Do not breastfeed during treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection, USP and for 1 week after the last dose. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems and take a medicine that contains ibuprofen.

You should avoid taking ibuprofen for 2 days before, the day of, and 2 days after receiving treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection, USP. How is Pemetrexed for Injection, USP given? It is very important to take folic acid and vitamin B 12 during your treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection, USP to lower your risk of harmful side effects. ◦ Take folic acid exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider 1 time a day, beginning 7 days (1 week) before your first dose of Pemetrexed for Injection, USP and continue taking folic acid until 21 days (3 weeks) after your last dose of Pemetrexed for Injection, USP. ◦ Your healthcare provider will give you vitamin B 12 injections during treatment with Pemetrexed for Injection, USP.

You will get your first vitamin B 12 injection 7 days (1 week) before your first dose of Pemetrexed for Injection, USP, and then every 3 cycles. Your healthcare provider will prescribe a medicine called corticosteroid for you to take 2 times a day for 3 days, beginning the day bef… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel 182 words ▾

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – Pemetrexed for Injection, USP 100 mg Vial Label NDC 71288- 166 -10 CAUTION: Cytotoxic Agent Pemetrexed for Injection USP 100 mg per vial Rx Only One Single-Dose Vial For intravenous use only. PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – Pemetrexed for Injection, USP 100 mg Vial Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – Pemetrexed for Injection, USP 100 mg Carton NDC 71288- 166 -10 Pemetrexed for Injection USP 100 mg per vial Rx Only One Single-Dose Vial For intravenous use only. PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – Pemetrexed for Injection, USP 100 mg Carton

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – Pemetrexed for Injection, USP 500 mg Vial Label NDC 71288- 167 -50 CAUTION: Cytotoxic Agent Pemetrexed for Injection USP 500 mg per vial Rx Only One Single-Dose Vial For intravenous use only. PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – Pemetrexed for Injection, USP 500 mg Vial Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – Pemetrexed for Injection, USP 500 mg Carton NDC 71288- 167 -50 Pemetrexed for Injection USP 500 mg per vial Rx Only One Single-Dose Vial For intravenous use only. PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – Pemetrexed for Injection, USP 500 mg Carton

Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling, mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA. Prefer the government’s original formatting? View this label on DailyMed ↗

Medicaid utilization & spend

📍 This exact package only: Medicaid data is reported per full 11-digit NDC — labeler, product and pack size — so every number here is for this package alone, not the drug overall. Other pack sizes report separately.
💊 Pharmacy benefit only: These are Medicaid outpatient pharmacy claims, billed by NDC. They exclude the medical benefit — clinic- or hospital-administered drugs billed under HCPCS J-codes — so drugs used mostly that way (e.g. Avastin, Lucentis, Keytruda) can look low or missing here. That’s expected, not an error.
📅 Q1 2025 – Q1 2026 · 5 quarters of data
ⓘ The newest quarter is usually incomplete when first published; states restate recent quarters in later CMS releases, so the latest figures typically revise upward. State coverage-policy changes can also shift quarter-to-quarter totals.
Prescriptions last 4 qtrs
1.1K
Units reimbursed last 4 qtrs
4.6K
Gross reimbursed last 4 qtrs
$465.6K
Avg / prescription
$405.93
Avg / unit
$101.00
Latest quarter Q1 2026
172Rx
Fee-for-service vs managed care ⓘ
14% FFS 86% MCO
Fee-for-service · 165 Rx Managed care · 982 Rx
State Medicaid map
Alaska: no data reported AK Maine: no data reported ME Washington: no data reported WA Idaho: no data reported ID Montana: 32 units · 2.8 per 100k residents MT North Dakota: no data reported ND Minnesota: 122 units · 2.1 per 100k residents MN Wisconsin: 73 units · 1.2 per 100k residents WI Michigan: 252 units · 2.5 per 100k residents MI New York: 1,986 units · 10.1 per 100k residents NY Vermont: 184 units · 28.4 per 100k residents VT New Hampshire: 119 units · 8.5 per 100k residents NH Oregon: no data reported OR Nevada: no data reported NV Wyoming: no data reported WY South Dakota: no data reported SD Iowa: 100 units · 3.1 per 100k residents IA Illinois: 239 units · 1.9 per 100k residents IL Indiana: 406 units · 5.9 per 100k residents IN Ohio: 127 units · 1.1 per 100k residents OH Pennsylvania: 104 units · 0.8 per 100k residents PA New Jersey: 31 units · 0.3 per 100k residents NJ Massachusetts: no data reported MA California: 136 units · 0.3 per 100k residents CA Utah: no data reported UT Colorado: no data reported CO Nebraska: no data reported NE Missouri: no data reported MO Kentucky: 81 units · 1.8 per 100k residents KY West Virginia: no data reported WV Virginia: no data reported VA Maryland: no data reported MD Connecticut: no data reported CT Rhode Island: no data reported RI Arizona: no data reported AZ New Mexico: no data reported NM Kansas: no data reported KS Arkansas: 53 units · 1.7 per 100k residents AR Tennessee: no data reported TN North Carolina: 142 units · 1.3 per 100k residents NC South Carolina: no data reported SC Delaware: no data reported DE Oklahoma: no data reported OK Louisiana: 77 units · 1.7 per 100k residents LA Mississippi: no data reported MS Alabama: no data reported AL Georgia: no data reported GA D.C.: no data reported DC Hawaii: no data reported HI Texas: no data reported TX Florida: no data reported FL
Units reimbursed · per 100k residents
0.328.4
gray = no data reported ⓘ
Colors are per 100,000 residents, so big states don’t automatically dominate. Tap or hover a state for its actual totals.
Tap or hover a state
…for its Medicaid breakdown
🏆 Top states by units · per 100k residents
1 Vermont 28.4 /100k
2 New York 10.1 /100k
3 New Hampshire 8.5 /100k
4 Indiana 5.9 /100k
5 Iowa 3.1 /100k
6 Montana 2.8 /100k
7 Michigan 2.5 /100k
8 Minnesota 2.1 /100k
National units — by quarter
💵 About the dollar figures: “reimbursed” is what Medicaid paid pharmacies before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower than these numbers. Fee-for-service and managed-care claims are combined unless split above. Source: CMS State Drug Utilization Data; per-100k rates use 2023 Census population estimates.

Medicaid utilization by pack size

Medicaid (SDUD) totals over the four most recent reported quarters for every package size of this drug — handy when a specific package (e.g. a starter/titration pack) carries little or no Medicaid volume on its own.
1 vial this page71288-0166-10 1,147 Rx · $465,598
1 vial71288-0166-91 72 Rx · $17,705
1 vial71288-0166-92 No Medicaid data
Drug total (last 4 qtrs): 1,219 Rx · 4,942 units · $483,303 gross reimbursed
Tap a pack size to open its page. Source: CMS State Drug Utilization Data, last 4 quarters.

Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)

Medicare Part D (outpatient prescription) spending for Pemetrexed — the program that covers self-administered drugs. 1 manufacturer.
⚠️ Drug-level data: CMS publishes Part D spending by drug, not by NDC — these figures combine every manufacturer, strength and package size sold under the name Pemetrexed. That’s a different level of aggregation than the Medicaid card above, which is specific to this exact 11-digit NDC (pack size included), so the two aren’t directly comparable.
Period
Total Part D spend
$15.9K
Claims incl. refills
11
Beneficiaries
—
Spend / beneficiary
—
Spend / claim
$1,441.77
Trend by period
💵 About the dollar figures: spending is what Part D plans paid before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower. A blank patient count means fewer than 11 people — CMS hides counts that small to protect privacy. Source: CMS Medicare Quarterly Part D Spending by Drug (data.cms.gov), updated quarterly.

About this NDC listing & data coverage

Finished prescription product No longer marketed (per FDA listing data)
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) ✓ Available
Labeler ✓ Available
Product & package description ✓ Available
Marketing category & status ✓ Available
Active ingredient / dosage form / route ✓ Available
FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) ✓ Available
Package photos ✓ Available
Inactive ingredients (structured) ✓ Available
NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey.
Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data ✓ Available
HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk ✓ Available
Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) ✓ Available
“Not published” reflects what the public FDA / CMS / NLM sources provide for this exact package code — it is a property of the data feeds, not a judgment about the product.

Questions about this listing

Why is there no price listed?
The pricing shown on our NDC pages comes from CMS NADAC, a voluntary survey of retail community pharmacy invoices. CMS does not publish a NADAC for every NDC — packages outside the retail survey (institutional and hospital products, bulk packages, discontinued items, and many OTC items) may never receive one. A missing price reflects the survey's scope, not this product's actual cost, and does not mean the product is free or unavailable.
What does the discontinued status mean for this NDC?
The labeler reported a marketing end date (or the listing was delisted), so this specific package is no longer actively marketed. Remaining stock may still be dispensed for a time, and the NDC stays valid for historical records and claims — but data feeds (pricing, labeling) typically stop updating for it. Other package sizes or other manufacturers' versions of the same medication may still be marketed — see the equivalents section where available.
Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
Yes, they identify this exact package in different formats. The form printed on the packaging and shown on DailyMed is the one the FDA registered. Insurance claims use a fixed 11-digit 5-4-2 format, so the short segment is padded with a leading zero and the dashes are dropped. The Identity section at the top of this page lists each form of this code.
Does this product come in other package sizes?
Yes — the FDA directory lists 2 other package presentations of this same product, including 1 vial (71288-0166-91), 1 vial (71288-0166-92). Each has its own NDC and its own page — see the package list near the top of this page.
Who lists this product with the FDA?
Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the labeler of record for this NDC — the company under whose FDA-assigned code the package is listed. The labeler may be the manufacturer itself or a distributor marketing the product under its own code.
Do I need a prescription for this product?
This NDC is listed with FDA as a prescription product, so it is dispensed under a prescriber's order. Your pharmacist can tell you whether any over-the-counter forms of the same medication exist.
Does this product have a billing J-code?
Yes — this NDC cross-references HCPCS code J9305 for medical-claim billing (typically used when a product is administered in a clinical setting rather than dispensed at a retail pharmacy). See the Billing section on this page.
This page identifies an FDA-listed package (the NDC) and reports public regulatory and pricing data about the listing. It is reference information, not a medical recommendation — talk to your pharmacist or prescriber about your own medication.
Where does this data come from?
Listing facts (marketing category, packager status, marketing dates) from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory; label availability from DailyMed; pricing coverage from CMS NADAC; equivalence scope from the FDA Orange Book.
← 71288-0165-53 · Meitheal 71288-0167-50 · Meitheal →
For educational and professional reference only — not medical advice. Pricing reflects published NADAC and CMS ASP (free public data) and may differ from your acquisition cost; always verify before billing or dispensing.