Pralatrexate is used to treat a certain type of cancer known as Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL). It is used when other drugs do not work or the cancer returns after treatment with other drugs. Pralatrexate works by killing cancer cells.

How to use Folotyn IV
Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start using pralatrexate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by a health care professional in a clinic or hospital. It is injected into a vein, usually over 3 to 5 minutes, once a week for 6 weeks. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice redness, pain, or swelling during your injection.
Dosage is based on your body size, medical condition, and response to treatment, including side effects.
You should avoid contact with this medication on the skin. If this occurs, immediately wash with soap and water. If this medication gets in the eyes, rinse with water.
To get the most benefit from this medication, do not miss any doses. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.
Your doctor may also direct you to take folic acid and give you vitamin B12 shots to help prevent mouth sores from pralatrexate treatment.

Redness or sores of the mouth/lips/throat, or nausea, may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do have serious side effects.
Serious skin reactions can occur. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop rash, peeling, sores or blisters on the skin.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (such as fever, cough, sore throat, chills), easy bleeding/bruising, dehydration, feeling weak, looking pale, shortness of breath.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using pralatrexate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential harm to a nursing infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.
Some of the products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that affect immune system (such as efalizumab, natalizumab), NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen), probenecid, sulfa antibiotics (such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole).
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs) which can increase the risk of side effects when used with pralatrexate. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES:
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts, liver function tests, kidney function tests) should be performed before you start treatment, periodically to monitor your progress, or to check for side effects.

MISSED DOSE:
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

STORAGE:
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised September 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.