Pralatrexate is used to treat a certain type of cancer
(peripheral T-Cell lymphoma-PTCL). Pralatrexate works by slowing or
stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if 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 as directed by your
doctor, usually once a week for 6 weeks. Tell your doctor or nurse right
away if you notice redness, pain, or swelling during your
injection.
The dosage is based on your body size, medical
condition, and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
To help prevent mouth sores and other side effects, your
doctor may also direct you to take folic acid and give you vitamin B12
shots. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for all your
medications.
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea may occur.
If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur. Brush
your teeth carefully/gently, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol,
and rinse your mouth often with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt.
It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
This medication decreases bone marrow function, an
effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells,
white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your
body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell
your doctor right away if you develop any of the following
symptoms:
- unusual tiredness
- pale skin
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever, chills, cough)
- easy bleeding/bruising
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of dehydration (such as unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast
heartbeat, dizziness/lightheadedness)
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
- shortness of breath
Pralatrexate sometimes causes side effects due to the
rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your
risk, your doctor may add a medication and tell you to drink plenty of
fluids. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such
as:
- low back/side pain (flank pain)
- signs of kidney problems (such as painful urination,
pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine)
- muscle spasms/weakness
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 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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
- liver problems
Pralatrexate can make you more likely to get infections
or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an
infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles,
flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for
more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
pralatrexate before having any immunizations/vaccinations. 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).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using pralatrexate.
Pralatrexate may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor may order a pregnancy
test before you start this medication. Women using this medication should
ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 6 months
after the last dose. Men using this medication should ask about reliable
forms of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last
dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right
away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for 1 week after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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:
- 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 someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts,
liver/kidney function) should be done before you start treatment with this
medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).