Folotyn (pralatrexate) is a cancer medication.
Folotyn is used to treat T-cell lymphoma that has spread throughout the body. It is given for relapsed T-cell lymphoma, or after other medications have been tried without successful treatment.
Folotyn may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Before you receive Folotyn, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Folotyn can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. You may get an infection or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).
Do not use Folotyn if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. You should not breast-feed a baby while you are being treated with Folotyn. You may be required to take oral folic acid supplements and receive vitamin B12 injections to help prevent some of the side effects of Folotyn. Follow your doctor"s medication instructions very closely.
Before receiving Folotyn
You should not receive Folotyn if you are allergic to pralatrexate.
To make sure you can safely use this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Folotyn if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy during your treatment with Folotyn. Follow your doctor"s instructions about how long to prevent pregnancy after your treatment ends.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether pralatrexate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed a baby while you are being treated with Folotyn.
How is Folotyn given?
Folotyn is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Folotyn is usually given once per week for up to 6 weeks at a time. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
Your doctor may have you take folic acid supplements starting 10 days before your first dose of Folotyn and ending 30 days after your last dose. Your may also receive vitamin B12 injections every 8 to 10 weeks during treatment. This can help protect your blood cells from some of the side effects of pralatrexate. Follow your doctor"s medication instructions very closely.
Folotyn 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.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your 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?
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Folotyn, 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.
This medicine can pass into body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit, semen, vaginal fluid). For at least 48 hours after you receive a dose, avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces. Patients and caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.
Body fluids should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. Use condoms during sexual activity to avoid exposure to body fluids.
Folotyn side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Folotyn: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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bone marrow suppression--fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, red or pink urine, painful mouth sores, cough, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed, rapid heart rate;
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dehydration--feeling very thirsty or hot, are unable to urinate, and have heavy sweating or hot and dry skin;
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low potassium--confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling);
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severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common Folotyn side effects may include:
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nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation;
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tired feeling;
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swelling; or
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mild rash or itching.
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Folotyn?
Other drugs may interact with pralatrexate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
