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Pralatrexate

Generic name: pralatrexate [ PRAL-a-TREX-ate ]
Brand name: Folotyn
Dosage form: intravenous solution (20 mg/mL)
Drug class: Antimetabolites

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 11, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is pralatrexate?

Pralatrexate is used to treat T-cell lymphoma that has spread throughout the body.

Pralatrexate is usually given after other treatments have failed.

Pralatrexate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Pralatrexate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Pralatrexate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of pralatrexate may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Pralatrexate can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or new signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney problems.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Pralatrexate can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using pralatrexate.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

How is pralatrexate given?

Pralatrexate is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Pralatrexate is usually given once per week for up to 6 weeks at a time.

Your doctor may have you take folic acid supplements before, during, and after your treatment with pralatrexate. You may also receive vitamin B12 injections every 8 to 10 weeks. This can help protect your blood cells from certain side effects of pralatrexate.

Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Pralatrexate can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Pralatrexate dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Lymphoma:

Usual Adult Dose: 30 mg/m2 via intravenous push over 3 to 5 minutes once weekly for 6 weeks in 7 week cycles.

Duration: Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Comments:
-Patients should take low dose (1 mg to 1.25 mg) oral folic acid daily.
-Folic acid should start 10 days before the first dose of pralatrexate and continue for 30 days after the last dose.
-Patients should also receive a B12 (1 mg) injection within 10 weeks before the first dose of pralatrexate and every 8 to 10 weeks thereafter.
-Subsequent B12 injections may be given the same day as treatment with pralatrexate.

Use: The treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your pralatrexate injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving pralatrexate?

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using pralatrexate, or you could develop a serious infection. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

What other drugs will affect pralatrexate?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect pralatrexate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.