Possible Interaction: Folic Acid and Pemetrexed

“Replacement of PMX by FA or 5-Me-THF (50 microg/mouse) resulted in a significant renal blockade (<0.1% ID/g) but at the same time in an undesired reduction of tumor uptake (<0.2% ID/g).”

“ Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation before initiating pemetrexed is necessary because of high rates of cytopenias without supplementation.”

“Clinically, supplementation with high doses of folic acid (FA) and vitamin B12 (VB12) lowers MTA cytotoxicities.”

“Supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 during treatment with pemetrexed is recommended to reduce potential haematological and gastrointestinal adverse events.”

“These observations and other reports suggest that, in view of the rise in serum folate and … homocysteine that has accompanied folic acid supplementation of food in the U.S., the addition of folic acid to … pemetrexed should be limited to the lowest recommended … provides optimal protection from pemetrexed toxicity.”

“The use of folic acid , vitamin B(12), and corticoid prophylaxis has significantly reduced pemetrexed-induced toxicity.”

“Dietary supplementation with low-dose folic acid and vitamin B(12) significantly reduces the incidence and severity of toxicities without compromising the antitumor activity of pemetrexed.”

“6) Supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 reduces haematological and gastrointestinal complications associated with the antifolate activity of pemetrexed. (”

“Routine vitamin B12 and folic acid supplementation have resulted in decreased frequency/severity of toxicities associated with pemetrexed without affecting efficacy, making this novel antifolate a safe and efficacious anticancer agent.”

“During the drug development program it was discovered that supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 profoundly increased the tolerability of pemetrexed.”