Pemetrexed Actavis

Package leaflet: Information for the user

Pemetrexed Actavis 100 mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion

Pemetrexed Actavis 500 mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion

Pemetrexed Actavis 1000 mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion

pemetrexed

Read allofthisleafletcarefully beforeyou startreceiving thismedicinebecauseitcontains importantinformationforyou.

- Keep thisleaflet. You may needto readitagain.

- Ifyou haveany furtherquestions, ask yourdoctororpharmacist.

- Ifyou getany sideeffects, talkto yourdoctoror nurse or pharmacist.Thisincludesany possibleside effectsnotlistedinthisleaflet.See section 4.

What isinthisleaflet:

1. What Pemetrexed Actavis isand whatitisusedfor

2. What you need to knowbeforeyou use Pemetrexed Actavis

3. Howto usePemetrexed Actavis

4. Possiblesideeffects

5. Howto storePemetrexed Actavis

6. Contentsofthepackand otherinformation

1. WhatPemetrexed Actavis is andwhatit isusedfor

Pemetrexed Actavis isa medicine used inthetreatmentofcancer. It contains the active substance pemetrexed. Pemetrexed belongs to a group of medicines known as folic acid analogues and disrupts processes that are essential for cell replication.

Pemetrexed Actavis isgiven in combination with cisplatin, anotheranti-cancermedicine, astreatmentfor malignantpleuralmesothelioma, a formof cancerthataffectstheliningof thelung,to patientswho havenot received priorchemotherapy.

Pemetrexed Actavis isalso given in combination with cisplatinfor theinitialtreatmentofpatientswith advanced stageof lungcancer.

Pemetrexed Actaviscan beprescribedtoyou ifyou havelung cancerat an advanced stageifyourdiseasehas respondedtotreatmentoritremainslargelyunchanged afterinitialchemotherapy.

Pemetrexed Actavis isalso atreatmentforpatientswith advancedstageof lungcancerwhosediseasehas progressed afterotherinitialchemotherapyhas beenused.

2. Whatyouneed toknow beforeyouuse Pemetrexed Actavis

Do notusePemetrexed Actavis

- ifyou areallergicto pemetrexed or anyof theotheringredientsof this medicine (listed in section 6).

- ifyou arebreast-feeding;you mustdiscontinuebreast-feedingduringtreatmentwith Pemetrexed Actavis.

- ifyou haverecentlyreceived or areabouttoreceivea vaccineagainstyellowfever.

Warningsandprecautions

Talk toyourdoctoror hospital pharmacist beforereceivingPemetrexed Actavis.

Ifyou currentlyhaveor havepreviouslyhad problemswith yourkidneys, talktoyour doctoror hospitalpharmacistas youmaynot beableto receivePemetrexed Actavis.

Beforeeach infusion you willhavesamplesof yourblood taken to evaluateifyou havesufficientkidneyand liverfunction and to checkthatyou haveenough blood cellsto receivePemetrexed Actavis. Your doctormaydecideto changethe doseor delaytreatingyou dependingon yourgeneralconditionand if yourbloodcellcountsaretoo low. Ifyou arealsoreceivingcisplatin, yourdoctorwillmakesurethat you areproperlyhydrated and receiveappropriatetreatmentbeforeand afterreceivingcisplatinto preventvomiting.

Ifyou havehad or aregoingto haveradiationtherapy, pleasetellyourdoctor, astheremaybe an early or lateradiation reaction with Pemetrexed Actavis.

Ifyou havebeen recentlyvaccinated, pleasetellyourdoctor, as thiscan possiblycause bad effects with Pemetrexed Actavis.

Ifyou haveheartdiseaseor ahistoryof heartdisease,pleasetellyourdoctor.

Ifyou havean accumulation of fluid around yourlungs, yourdoctormaydecideto removethe fluid beforegivingyou Pemetrexed Actavis.

Children and adolescents

Thereisno relevantuse ofPemetrexed Actavis inthepaediatricpopulation.

Othermedicinesand Pemetrexed Actavis

Please tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines forpain orinflammation (swelling), such asmedicinescalled “nonsteroidalanti-inflammatorydrugs”(NSAIDs), includingmedicinespurchased withouta doctor’sprescription (suchas ibuprofen).Therearemanysortsof NSAIDswith different durationsofactivity. Basedon theplanneddateof yourinfusion ofPemetrexed Actavis and/oron thestatusof yourkidneyfunction, yourdoctorneedsto adviseyou on which medicinesyou can takeand when you can takethem. Ifyou areunsure, ask yourdoctoror pharmacistifany ofyourmedicinesareNSAIDs.

Like other chemotherapy medicines Pemetrexed ActavisPemetrexed Actavis is not recommended with live attenuated vaccines. Inactive vaccines should be used where possible.

Tell your doctor or hospital pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Pregnancy, breast-feedingandfertility

Pregnancy

Ifyou arepregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby,tellyourdoctor and ask for advice before taking this medicine.The useof Pemetrexed Actavis should beavoided duringpregnancy. Yourdoctorwilldiscusswith you thepotentialriskof taking Pemetrexed Actavis duringpregnancy. Women mustuse effectivecontraception duringtreatmentwith Pemetrexed Actavis.

Breast-feeding

Ifyou arebreast-feeding, tellyourdoctor.

Breast-feedingmustbe discontinued duringPemetrexed Actavis treatment.

Fertility

Men areadvised notto fathera child duringand up to6 monthsfollowingtreatmentwith Pemetrexed Actavis and shouldthereforeuse effectivecontraceptionduringtreatmentwith Pemetrexed Actavis and forup to 6 monthsafterwards. Ifyou would liketo fathera childduringthetreatmentor inthe6 months followingreceiptoftreatment, seekadvicefromyourdoctoror pharmacist.Youmaywantto seek counsellingon spermstoragebeforestartingyour therapy.

Driving and usingmachines

Pemetrexed Actavis may makeyou feeltired. Becarefulwhendrivinga carorusingmachines.

Pemetrexed Actavis containssodium

One vial of 100 mgcontainsapproximately11.29 mgsodiumper vial.

One vial of 500 mg contains approximately 53.77 mg sodium per vial. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.

One vial of 1000 mg contains approximately 107.54 mg sodium per vial. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.

3. How tousePemetrexed Actavis

Pemetrexed Actavis powder for concentrate for solution for infusion will always be given to you by a healthcare professional.The doseof Pemetrexed Actavis is 500 milligramsfor everysquaremetreofyourbody’ssurfacearea. Your heightand weightaremeasuredto workout thesurfaceareaofyourbody. Yourdoctorwillusethis body surfaceareato workout therightdoseforyou.Thisdosemaybe adjusted, ortreatmentmaybe delayed dependingon yourbloodcellcountsand on yourgeneralcondition. A hospitalpharmacist, nurseor doctorwillhavemixedthePemetrexed Actavis powderwith 9 mg/ml(0.9 %)sodiumchloridesolution forinjectionbeforeitis given to you.

You willalwaysreceivePemetrexed Actavis byinfusion into oneof yourveins.Theinfusion willlast approximately10 minutes.

When usingPemetrexed Actavis in combination withcisplatin:

Thedoctoror hospitalpharmacistwillworkout thedoseyou need based on yourheightand weight. Cisplatinisalso given by infusion intoone ofyourveins, and isgiven approximately30 minutesafter theinfusion of Pemetrexed Actavis hasfinished.Theinfusionof cisplatin willlastapproximately2 hours.

You should usually receive your infusion once every 3 weeks.

Additional medicines:

Corticosteriods: your doctor will prescribe you steroid tablets (equivalent to 4 milligram of dexamethasone twice a day) that you will need to take on the day before, on the day of, and the day after Pemetrexed Actavis treatment. This medicine is given to you to reduce the frequency and severity of skin reactions that you may experience during your anticancer treatment.

Vitamin supplementation:yourdoctorwillprescribeyou oralfolicacid(vitamin)or amultivitamin containingfolicacid (350 to 1000 micrograms)thatyou must takeonce aday whileyou aretaking Pemetrexed Actavis. You musttakeat least5 dosesduringtheseven daysbeforethefirstdoseof Pemetrexed Actavis. You mustcontinuetakingthefolicacid for21 daysafterthelastdoseofPemetrexed Actavis. You willalsoreceive an injection ofvitamin B₁₂(1000 micrograms)in theweekbeforeadministration ofPemetrexed Actavis and then approximatelyevery9 weeks(correspondingto3 coursesofPemetrexed Actavis treatment).Vitamin B₁₂and folicacidaregiven to you to reducethepossibletoxiceffectsof theanticancertreatment.

Your condition will be closely monitored during treatment. This routinely involves blood tests, including checks on your liver and kidney function. Your dose may be changed or treatment delayed depending on results from these tests.

Ifyou haveany furtherquestionson theuse ofthismedicine, askyour doctororpharmacist.

4. Possiblesideeffects

Likeallmedicines,thismedicine can causesideeffects, although noteverybodygetsthem.

You mustcontactyourdoctorimmediatelyifyou noticeany ofthefollowing:

^Fe^v^er ^or ⁱⁿ^f^ec^tⁱ^on ⁽^co^mm^oⁿ⁾^: ⁱ^f ^y^{ou ha}^v^e ^a ^t^e^m^pe^r^a^t^u^r^e ^of ³⁸^º^C ^o^r ^g^r^ea^t^e^r^, ^s^w^e^a^tⁱ^ng ^or ^o^t^h^e^r signs of infection(since you might have less white blood cells than normal which is very common). Infection (sepsis) may be severe and could lead to death.
If you start feeling chest pain (common) or having a fast heart rate (uncommon).
If you have pain, redness, swelling or sores in your mouth (very common).
Allergic reaction: if you develop skin rash (very common) / burning or prickling sensation (common), or fever (common). Rarely, skin reactions may be severe and could lead to death. Contact your doctor if you get a severe rash, or itching, or blistering (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic epidermal necrolysis).
If you experience tiredness, feeling faint, becoming easily breathless or if you look pale (since you might have less haemoglobin than normal which is very common).
If you experience bleeding from the gums, nose or mouth or any bleeding that would not stop, reddish or pinkish urine, unexpected bruising (since you might have less platelets than normal which is very common).
If you experience sudden breathlessness, intense chest pain or cough with bloody sputum (uncommon)(may indicate a blood clot in the blood vessels of the lungs)

Other sideeffectswith Pemetrexed Actavismayinclude:

Verycommon(may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

Lowwhiteblood cells

Lowhaemoglobin level(anaemia)

Lowplateletcount

Diarrhoea

Vomiting

Pain,redness,swellingorsoresin yourmouth

Nausea

Lossofappetite

Fatigue(tiredness)

Skin rash, peeling of the skin

Hairloss

Constipation

Lossofsensation

Kidney:abnormalblood tests

Common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

Allergicreaction:skinrash/burningorpricklingsensation

Infectionincludingsepsis

Fever

Dehydration

Kidneyfailure

Irritation oftheskinanditching

Hives

Chestpain

Muscleweakness

Conjunctivitis(inflamed eye)

Upsetstomach

Painin theabdomen

Tastechange

Liver:abnormalbloodtests

Wateryeyes

Dizziness

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

Acuterenalfailure

Fastor irregular heartrate

Inflammation oftheliningoftheoesophagus(gullet)hasbeen experienced with Pemetrexed Actavis/radiation therapy

Colitis(inflammation oftheliningofthelargebowel,which maybeaccompaniedbyintestinalor rectalbleeding)

Interstitialpneumonitis(scarringoftheairsacsofthelung)

Oedema(excess fluid in bodytissue, causingswelling)

Somepatientshaveexperienced aheart attack, strokeor“mini-stroke”whilereceivingPemetrexed Actavis usuallyin combinationwith another anticancertherapy

Pancytopenia-combined lowcountsofwhitecells, redcellsand platelets

Radiation pneumonitis(scarringoftheairsacsofthelungassociated withradiation therapy)may occurin patientswhoarealso treated withradiation eitherbefore, duringoraftertheirPemetrexed Actavis therapy.

Extremitypain, lowtemperatureand discolouration havebeen reported.

Blood clotsin thelungblood vessels(pulmonaryembolism)

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

Radiation recall(askinrash likeseveresunburn)which can occuron skinthathaspreviouslybeen exposed toradiotherapy, fromdaysto yearsaftertheradiation.

Bullousconditions(blisteringskin diseases)-includingStevens-Johnson syndromeandToxic epidermalnecrolysis

Immune mediated haemolyticanaemia(antibody-mediated destruction ofred bloodcells)

Hepatitis(inflammation oftheliver)

Anaphylacticshock(severeallergicreaction)

Reporting of side effects

Ifyou getanysideeffects, talkto yourdoctororpharmacist.Thisincludesanypossiblesideeffects notlistedintheleaflet. You can also report side effects directly via <[To be completed nationally]>. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. How tostorePemetrexed Actavis

Keep this medicine outofthesight and reach ofchildren.

Do notusethis medicine aftertheexpirydatewhich is stated on the label and carton after ‘EXP’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

This medicinal product does not require any special temperature storage conditions.

Reconstituted and infusionsolutions

When prepared as directed,reconstituted and infusionsolutionsofPemetrexed Actavis contain no antimicrobial preservatives. Chemical and physical in-use stability of reconstituted and infusion solutions of pemetrexed were demonstrated for 3 days at room temperature at normal lighting conditions and 14 days at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C). Froma microbiologicalpoint of view, theproductshouldbe used immediately. Ifnot used immediately, in-usestoragetimesand conditionspriorto usearetheresponsibilityof theuserand would notbe longerthan 24 hoursat 2°C to 8°C, unless reconstitution / dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.

Pemetrexed Actavis should not been used if there are any signs of particles.

Thismedicineisforsingleuseonly;anyunused solution mustbedisposed ofinaccordancewith local requirement.

6. Contents of thepackandotherinformation

What Pemetrexed Actavis contains

Theactivesubstanceispemetrexed.

Pemetrexed Actavis 100 mg: Each vialcontains100 milligramsofpemetrexed(aspemetrexed disodium hemipentahydrate).

Pemetrexed Actavis 500 mg: Each vialcontains500 milligramsofpemetrexed(aspemetrexed disodium hemipentahydrate).

Pemetrexed Actavis 1000 mg: Each vialcontains1000 milligramofpemetrexed(aspemetrexed disodium hemipentahydrate).

After reconstitution, the solution contains 25 mg/ml of pemetrexed. Furtherdilution byahealthcare providerisrequired priortoadministration.

Theotheringredientsaremannitol,hydrochloricacid and sodiumhydroxide.

WhatPemetrexed Actavis lookslikeand contentsofthepack

Pemetrexed Actavis isapowderforconcentrateforsolutionforinfusionin avial. Itisawhiteto eitheryellow or greenish-yellow lyophilisate powder.

Pemetrexed Actavis is in colourless glass vials (type I) with type I rubber (bromobutyl) lyo-stopper and an aluminium cap with polypropylene disk. Vials are sheathed in protective sleeve.

Each packofPemetrexed Actavis consistsofonePemetrexed Actavis vial.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

MarketingAuthorisationHolder

[To be completed nationally]

{Name and address}

<{tel}>

<{fax}>

<{e-mail}>

Manufacturer

S.C. SINDAN-PHARMA S.R.L.

11^thIon Mihalache Boulevard

011171, Bucharest 1

Romania

This medicinal product is authorised in the Member States of the EEA under the following names:

[To be completed nationally]

This leaflet was last revised in

15 March 2016

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d_i_sp_o_s_a_l_.

1. Useaseptictechniquesduringthereconstitutionandfurtherdilution ofpemetrexed for intravenousinfusion administration.

2. Calculate the dose and the number of Pemetrexed Actavis vials needed. Each vial contains an excess of pemetrexed to facilitate delivery of the label amount.

3. Reconstitute 100 mg vials with 4.2 ml of 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) sodium chloride solution for injection, without preservative, resulting in a solution containing 25 mg/ml pemetrexed.

Reconstitute 500 mg vials with 20 ml of 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) sodium chloride solution for injection, without preservative, resulting in a solution containing 25 mg/ml pemetrexed.

Reconstitute 1000 mg vials with 40 ml of 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) sodium chloride solution for injection, without preservative, resulting in a solution containing 25 mg/ml pemetrexed.

Gentlyswirleach vialuntilthepowderiscompletelydissolved.Theresultingsolution isclear and rangesincolourfromcolourlessto yelloworgreen-yellowwithoutadverselyaffecting productquality.ThepHofthereconstituted solutionisbetween 6.6and 7.8.Furtherdilutionis required.

4. The appropriate volume of reconstituted pemetrexed solution must be further diluted to 100 ml with 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) sodium chloride solution for injection, without preservative, and administered as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes.

5. Pemetrexed infusion solutions prepared as directed above are compatible with polyvinyl chloride and polyolefin lined administration sets and infusion bags. Pemetrexed is incompatible with diluents containing calcium, including lactated Ringer’s Injection and Ringer’s Injection.

6. Parenteral medicinal products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration prior to administration. If particulate matter is observed, do not administer.

7. Pemetrexed solutions are for single use only. Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Preparationand administration precautions: Aswith otherpotentiallytoxicanticanceragents, careshould beexercised inthehandlingand preparation ofpemetrexedinfusion solutions.Theuseof glovesisrecommended. Ifapemetrexed solutioncontactstheskin, wash theskinimmediatelyand thoroughlywith soap andwater. Ifpemetrexed solutionscontactthemucousmembranes, flush thoroughlywith water. Pemetrexedisnotavesicant.Thereisnotaspecificantidoteforextravasation ofpemetrexed.Therehavebeen afewreported casesofpemetrexed extravasation,which werenot assessedasseriousbytheinvestigator. Extravasation should bemanaged bylocalstandardpracticeas with othernon-vesicants.