Uses of Pralatrexate (Folotyn)

Praletrexate is also known as Folotyn. This is a specific antimetabolite, called an antifolate, that is designed to build up in cancer cells. Antifolate mimics the structure of natural molecules involved in DNA chain synthesis. Cancer cells mistake the anti-metabolite for a normal metabolite, allowing the compound to block or slow down important enzymes involved in DNA synthesis, which then causes cell death.

Pralatrexate is given by intravenous infusion (IV, into a vein). The dosage of Pralatrexate is based on an individual's height and weight. Pralatrexate affects certain vitamins in the body, so people receiving this therapy must take vitamin supplements to minimize the risk of serious side effects. Your doctor may prescribe folic acid and B12 supplements before, during, and after treatment with Pralatrexate.

Some medicines can affect the way Pralatrexate works. Drugs that can cause interactions include Bactrim (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole), probenecid, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen, aspirin, Naproxen, Aleve, Motrin. Depending on the medications you're taking, you may need to change the schedule or dose of your medications because of their interactions, or change one of your therapies. You need to tell your treating doctor or medical professional of any changes that need to be made.

There are several things you can do to control the side effects of Pralatrexate . Here are some of the most common or important side effects of the drug:
4.1. Mouth ulcers or mucositis Some cancer treatments including treatment with Pralatrexate can cause sores or pain in your mouth or throat. Signs of this condition are your mouth, tongue, inside of your cheeks, or throat becoming white, sore, or sore. When you have mouth sores, regular oral care can help prevent or control canker sores. If mouth sores become painful, your doctor may recommend pain medication.
Some methods help limit mouth ulcers such as
Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush or cotton swab twice a day. Avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Gargle with baking soda or salt with warm water (2 teaspoons of baking soda or 1 teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce cup of warm water) 4 times per day. If your mouth becomes too dry, you can eat moist foods, drink plenty of water, and suck on sugar-free hard candies. Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco, drinking alcoholic beverages and citrus juices. 4.2. Low red blood cell test or anemia Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues in your body. When your red blood cell count is low, you may feel tired or weak. You should tell your healthcare professional if you experience shortness of breath, shortness of breath or chest pain. If the red blood cell count is too low, the doctor may order a blood transfusion.
4.3. Low white blood cell count or leukopenia White blood cells (WBC) are very important to fight infection. While being treated for cancer, your white blood cell count may drop, putting you at higher risk of infection. You should tell your doctor if you have a fever with a temperature higher than 100.4°F or 38°C, sore throat or cold, trouble breathing, cough, burning when urinating, or sores that don't heal.
4.4. Fever Fever can be a common side effect of Pralatrexate, but it can also be a warning sign of an infection. If you develop a fever with a body temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C, you should notify your doctor immediately.
4.5. Peripheral edema Peripheral edema is swelling of the extremities due to fluid retention. It can cause swelling of the hands, arms, legs, ankles, and feet. The swelling may become uncomfortable. Inform your treating doctor if you are experiencing any new or worsening swelling.
4.6. Nosebleeds During treatment with Pralatrexate, you may experience light bleeding, such as nosebleeds. Although nosebleeds may not seem to be a cause for concern, you should notify your doctor immediately if you experience bleeding of any kind.
4.7. Cough Pralatrexate may cause a new or worsening cough. Tell your treating doctor about any changes in your breathing, including difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing.
4.8. Persistent diarrhea Persistent diarrhea or intestinal problems (colitis, inflammatory bowel disease): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramps, mucus or bloody stools, dark or tar-like stools, fever . The degree of diarrhea can be different for different people. Your doctor may prescribe additional medications to reduce diarrhea. In addition, you can change your daily diet.
4.9. Less common side effects Skin reactions: Pralatrexate can cause serious skin reactions including rash, sores, peeling, and blistering of the skin. You can use an alcohol-free moisturizer on your skin and lips; Avoid moisturizers that contain perfume or scent. Your doctor may recommend a topical medication if itching is bothersome. If your skin is cracked or bleeding, be sure to keep it clean to avoid infection. Be sure to inform your treating physician of any rash that develops, as this could be a reaction. They can give you more tips on taking care of your skin. High toxicity to the liver: When using Pralatrexate, you may experience liver problems, specifically hepatitis: Characterized by signs of yellowing eyes, dark or brown urine, abdominal pain , bleeding or bruising more easily than usual, or severe nausea and vomiting. Your doctor can monitor for liver problems using blood tests called liver function tests. Tumor lysis syndrome: If you had a large amount of tumor cells in your body prior to treatment with Pralatrexate, you have an increased risk of tumor lysis syndrome. This syndrome is understood as tumor cells die too quickly and their waste overwhelms the body. You may be given Allopurinol and intravenous fluids to help prevent this.

Exposing your baby to Pralatrexate can cause birth defects, so you should not become pregnant or father a child while using this medicine. For men, effective birth control is needed during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last treatment, even if you believe you are not producing sperm. For women, taking effective birth control is necessary during treatment and for at least 6 months after your last treatment, even if your periods stop. You should not breast-feed while you are being treated with this medicine and for at least 1 week after your last dose of Pralatrexate. Pralatrexate, also known as Folotyn, is a cancer medicine. Pralatrexate is used to treat T-cell lymphoma that has spread throughout the body. To ensure effective use and avoid unwanted side effects, patients can take the drug according to a prescription or strictly as directed by a doctor or specialist pharmacist.
Follow Vinmec International General Hospital website to get more health, nutrition and beauty information to protect the health of yourself and your loved ones in your family.