Pralatrexate

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

Pralatrexate is typically given after other treatments have not worked.

Pralatrexate may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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 can raise your chances of bleeding or getting an infection. Contact your doctor if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding, or if you have new signs of infection such as fever, chills, or body aches.

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.

• If you are a woman, do not use pralatrexate if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either 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.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty 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 right away if you have:

• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• signs of tumor cell breakdown--tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth;
• low white blood cell counts--fever, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing;
• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet;
• low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or feeling limp; or
• dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin.

Common side effects of pralatrexate may include:

• sores or white patches in or around your mouth, trouble swallowing or talking, dry mouth, bad breath, altered sense of taste;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
• nausea; or
• feeling tired.

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 the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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).

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

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

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

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• trimethoprim;
• sulfamethoxazole;
• probenecid; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

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.