What is Folotyn?
Folotyn is a cancer drug. Folotyn can be used to treat T-cell lymphoma, which has spread throughout the entire body. Folotyn can be used to treat relapsed lymphoma T cells or when other treatments have failed.
Warnings
Tell your doctor that you have kidney problems before you start taking Folotyn. Folotyn lowers blood cells, which help the body fight infections and clot blood. You could get an infection more easily or bleed. If you notice unusual bleeding or bruising or signs of an infection (fever chills, body aches), call your doctor. If you are pregnant, do not take pralatrexate. It may harm an unborn child. Tell your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant while on treatment. While you are taking Folotyn, it is not recommended that you breastfeed your baby. To help prevent certain side effects, you may need to take folic acid orally and receive injections of vitamin B12. Your doctor should instruct you how to take the medication.
Before you take this drug
If you've ever had liver or renal problems, tell your doctor. Before starting Folotyn treatment, you may need a negative pregnancy result. If either the mother or father are taking this medication, it can cause harm to an unborn child.
- Do not take Folotyn while pregnant if you're a woman. Use birth control to avoid pregnancy during the time you use this medication and for 6 months following your last dose.
- Use effective birth control if you are male and your partner may become pregnant. Continue to use birth control for at least three months after your last dose.
- Do not wait to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using Folotyn.
Take this medication at least one week before breastfeeding again.
How to take Folotyn?
Folotyn can be infused into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. Folotyn can be given for up to six weeks in a row, once a week. You may be prescribed folic acid before, during, and after treatment with Folotyn. You may receive B12 shots every 8–10 weeks. This can protect your blood from some of the side effects caused by pralatrexate. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions. Folotyn may increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will be required to undergo frequent medical testing. The results of your tests may delay the cancer treatment.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for lymphoma:
Adult dose: 30 mg/m2 intravenously pushed over 3 to 5 minutes, once weekly in 7-week cycles.
Duration: until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities.
Comments:
Patients should take a low dose of oral folic acid (between 1 mg and 1.25 mg per day) every day.
Folic acid should be taken 10 days prior to the first dose and for 30 days following the last dose.
Patients should receive an injection of B12 (1mg) within 10 weeks prior to the first dose and then every 8–10 weeks thereafter.
Subsequent B12 shots can be administered on the same day that pralatrexate is being used.
Use: treatment of patients with relapsed and refractory peripheral lymphoma.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your appointment to receive your Folotyn, call your doctor and ask for instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
You should not get a live vaccine while taking Folotyn. This could cause a serious infection. Live vaccines are available for measles (chickenpox), rubella, mumps (MMR), yellow fever, typhoid (typhoid), varicella, zoster, and influenza (influenza).
Side effects of Folotyn
If you experience symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling or severe skin reactions (fever or sore throat with burning eyes and blistered or peeling skin rashes; red or purple rash), see your physician immediately.
If you experience:
- Liver disorders: fatigue, nausea, itching, dark-colored urine, and clay-colored stool. Jaundice: yellowing of the skin, eyes, or lips.
- Signs of tumor cell breakdown: fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; rapid or slow heartbeat; tingling around the mouth or hands; or numbness in your feet and hands;
- Low white blood cell counts: fever, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing;
- Anemia (low red blood cells): pale skin; unusual fatigue; feeling lightheaded or short of breath, cold hands or feet
- Low sodium level; cramps in the legs; constipation; increased thirst or urination; numbness, tingling or numbness; muscle weakness; or a limp feeling.
- Symptoms of dehydration: feeling thirsty, hot, or unable to urinate. Heavy sweating or being hot with dry, itchy skin.
Folotyn may cause side effects such as:
- Dry mouth, bad breath, or sores around the mouth
- Are You Suffering From Easy Bruises, Unusual Bleeding or Purple or Red Patches Under Your Skin?
- Nausea;
- Feeling tired?
There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, always contact your physician first. You can reach the FDA directly by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088; report any possible adverse reactions there as well.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Trimethoprim;
- Sulfamethoxazole;
- Probenecid;
- Nsaids are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These include aspirin (advil), ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac (Indomethacin), meloxicam (Aleve), and celecoxib.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may interact with pralatrexate. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
