Why do we give vitamin B12 with Alimta?

SAN FRANCISCO-Adding vitamin B12 and folic acid to chemotherapy with pemetrexed disodium (Alimta) reduces the incidence of severe life-threatening toxicities, according to research presented at the 37th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO abstract 300).

Can you give B12 and folate together?

Both folic acid and vitamin B12 are essential for health. But when taken together, these B vitamins may interact with each other. You shouldn’t take more than 1,000 micrograms (mcg.) of supplemental folic acid per day.

Why are the vitamins folate and B12 important in red blood cell production?

Folate has an important role in cell division and it is especially needed during infancy and pregnancy. Human body requires folate in order to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia, while vitamin B12 plays an important role in supplying essential methyl groups for protein and DNA synthesis.

What does B12 folate help with?

Vitamin B12 and folate are two vitamins that are part of the B complex of vitamins. B12 and folate work with vitamin C to help the body make new proteins. They are necessary for normal red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) formation, repair of tissues and cells, and synthesis of DNA.

What does Alimta do?

ALIMTA and platinum are chemotherapies used to treat advanced nonsquamous nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells that are dividing quickly in your body. By adding KEYTRUDA to this combination, your body’s own immune system is also used to detect and fight cancer cells.

Can Alimta cause shortness of breath?

Lung problems (pneumonitis). ALIMTA can cause serious lung problems that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any new or worsening symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, or fever.

How does B12 affect red blood cell production?

Erythroblasts require folate and vitamin B12 for proliferation during their differentiation. Deficiency of folate or vitamin B12 inhibits purine and thymidylate syntheses, impairs DNA synthesis, and causes erythroblast apoptosis, resulting in anemia from ineffective erythropoiesis.

How does vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies affect RBC production?

Vitamin B12 or B9 (commonly called folate) deficiency anaemia occurs when a lack of vitamin B12 or folate causes the body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that cannot function properly. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body using a substance called haemoglobin.

Can low B12 cause hair loss?

Low B12 and Hair Loss Symptoms of low B12 often occur when blood level drops below 300 ng/l and include hair loss, breathlessness, lack of energy palpitations, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, tingling in the hands and feet. There are two types of B12 deficiency: Lack of dietary B12 – usually vegetarians and vegans.

When to take vitamin B12 before taking Alimta?

To prevent certain side effects of Alimta, you will need to take folic acid supplements and receive vitamin B12 injections (starting 7 days before your first dose of Alimta). Take only the amount of folic acid that your doctor has prescribed.

Why do I need to take folic acid with Alimta?

Take only the amount of folic acid that your doctor has prescribed. Alimta can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

How does Alimta help in the treatment of cancer?

Alimta can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections.

What is the effect of folic acid on MTA?

Clinically, supplementation with high doses of folic acid (FA) and vitamin B 12 (VB12) lowers MTA cytotoxicities. An antagonistic effect of FA/VB12 on MTA efficacy has been proposed. However, patients who receive FA/VB12 show better tolerance to MTA with improved survival.