(pral a TREX ate)
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma: Treatment of relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)
There are no contraindications listed in the manufacturer 's labeling.
Note: Initiate vitamin supplements before initial pralatrexate dose: Folic acid 1 to 1.25 mg/day orally beginning 10 days prior to initial pralatrexate dose; continue during treatment and for 30 days after last pralatrexate dose; vitamin B12 1,000 mcg IM within 10 weeks prior to initial pralatrexate dose and every 8 to 10 weeks thereafter (after first dose, subsequent B12 doses may be administered on the same day as pralatrexate).
Prior to administering any dose, mucositis should be ≤grade 1 and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) should be ≥1,000/mm3; platelets should be ≥100,000/mm3 for the first dose and ≥50,000/mm3 for subsequent doses
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), relapsed or refractory: IV: 30 mg/m2 once weekly for 6 weeks of a 7-week treatment cycle; continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (O 'Connor 2011)
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, relapsed or refractory (off-label use): IV: 15 mg/m2 once weekly for 3 weeks of a 4-week treatment cycle (Horwitz 2012)
Refer to adult dosing.
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), relapsed or refractory:
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 mL/minute/1.73 m2: No dosage adjustment necessary.
eGFR 15 to <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2: Initial: Reduce dose to 15 mg/m2; if dose reductions for toxicity are necessary, reduce each dose to 10 mg/m2.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD), including dialysis: Avoid use (unless the potential benefit outweighs risks).
Patients with total bilirubin >1.5 mg/dL, AST or ALT >2.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), or ALT or AST >5 times ULN if documented hepatic lymphoma involvement were excluded from clinical trials. Persistent abnormalities may indicate hepatotoxicity requiring dosage modification:
Grade 3 (AST or ALT >5 to 20 times ULN or bilirubin >3 to 10 times ULN): Omit dose; decrease to 20 mg/m2 when recovers to ≤grade 2
Grade 4 (AST or ALT >20 times ULN or bilirubin >10 times ULN): Discontinue treatment.
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]). Withdraw into syringe for administration; do not dilute (manufacturer recommends immediate use after placing in syringe). Discard unused portion in the vial.
Administer IV push (undiluted) over 3 to 5 minutes into the line of a free-flowing normal saline IV
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]).
Store intact vials refrigerated at 2 ‚ °C to 8 ‚ °C (36 ‚ °F to 46 ‚ °F). Store in original carton to protect from light until use. Unopened vials (stored in the original carton) are stable for up to 72 hours at room temperature (discard after 72 hours).
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Intravenous [preservative free]:
Folotyn: 20 mg/mL (1 mL); 40 mg/2 mL (2 mL)
BCG (Intravesical): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Avoid combination
Coccidioides immitis Skin Test: Immunosuppressants may diminish the diagnostic effect of Coccidioides immitis Skin Test. Monitor therapy
Denosumab: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Specifically, the risk for serious infections may be increased. Monitor therapy
Echinacea: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Immunosuppressants. Consider therapy modification
Fingolimod: Immunosuppressants may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Fingolimod. Management: Avoid the concomitant use of fingolimod and other immunosuppressants when possible. If combined, monitor patients closely for additive immunosuppressant effects (eg, infections). Consider therapy modification
Leflunomide: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Leflunomide. Specifically, the risk for hematologic toxicity such as pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and/or thrombocytopenia may be increased. Management: Consider not using a leflunomide loading dose in patients receiving other immunosuppressants. Patients receiving both leflunomide and another immunosuppressant should be monitored for bone marrow suppression at least monthly. Consider therapy modification
Lenograstim: Antineoplastic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Lenograstim. Consider therapy modification
Natalizumab: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Natalizumab. Specifically, the risk of concurrent infection may be increased. Avoid combination
Nivolumab: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Nivolumab. Consider therapy modification
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents: May increase the serum concentration of PRALAtrexate. More specifically, NSAIDS may decrease the renal excretion of pralatrexate. Management: Closely monitor for increased pralatrexate serum levels and/or toxicity if used concomitantly with an NSAID. Monitor for decreased pralatrexate serum levels with NSAID discontinuation. Monitor therapy
Pimecrolimus: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Probenecid: May increase the serum concentration of PRALAtrexate. Monitor therapy
Roflumilast: May enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Immunosuppressants. Consider therapy modification
Salicylates: May increase the serum concentration of PRALAtrexate. Salicylate doses used for prophylaxis of cardiovascular events are unlikely to be of concern. Consider therapy modification
Sapropterin: PRALAtrexate may decrease the serum concentration of Sapropterin. Specifically, pralatrexate may decrease tissue concentrations of tetrahydrobiopterin. Monitor therapy
Sipuleucel-T: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sipuleucel-T. Monitor therapy
Sulfamethoxazole: May increase the serum concentration of PRALAtrexate. More specifically, sulfamethoxazole may decrease excretion of pralatrexate. Management: Closely monitor for increased pralatrexate serum level and/or possible toxicity with concomitant use of sulfamethoxazole. Monitor for decreased pralatrexate levels with discontinuation of sulfamethoxazole. Monitor therapy
Tacrolimus (Topical): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Tofacitinib: Immunosuppressants may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Tofacitinib. Management: Concurrent use with antirheumatic doses of methotrexate or nonbiologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is permitted, and this warning seems particularly focused on more potent immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Trastuzumab: May enhance the neutropenic effect of Immunosuppressants. Monitor therapy
Trimethoprim: May increase the serum concentration of PRALAtrexate. More specifically, trimethoprim may decrease excretion of pralatrexate. Management: Closely monitor for increased pralatrexate serum level and/or possible toxicity with concomitant use of trimethoprim. Monitor for decreased pralatrexate levels with discontinuation of trimethoprim. Monitor therapy
Vaccines (Inactivated): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Inactivated). Management: Vaccine efficacy may be reduced. Complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to starting an immunosuppressant. If vaccinated during immunosuppressant therapy, revaccinate at least 3 months after immunosuppressant discontinuation. Consider therapy modification
Vaccines (Live): Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vaccines (Live). Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Live). Management: Avoid use of live organism vaccines with immunosuppressants; live-attenuated vaccines should not be given for at least 3 months after immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
CBC with differential (baseline and weekly), serum chemistries, including renal and liver function tests (prior to the first and fourth doses in each cycle); mucositis severity (baseline and weekly); monitor for signs of tumor lysis syndrome and for dermatologic reactions
>10%:
Cardiovascular: Edema (30%)
Central nervous system: Fatigue (36%), fever (32%)
Dermatologic: Rash (15%; grades 3/4: 0%), pruritus (14%; grade 3: 2%; grade 4: 0%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Hypokalemia (15%)
Gastrointestinal: Mucositis (70%; grade 3: 17%; grade 4: 4%), nausea (40%), constipation (33%), vomiting (25%), diarrhea (21%), anorexia (15%), abdominal pain (12%)
Hematologic: Thrombocytopenia (41%; grade 3: 14%; grade 4: 19%), anemia (34%; grade 3: 15%; grade 4: 2%), neutropenia (24%; grade 3: 13%; grade 4: 7%), leukopenia (11%; grade 3: 3%; grade 4: 4%)
Hepatic: Transaminases increased (13%; grade 3: 5%; grade 4: 0%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Limb pain (12%), back pain (11%)
Respiratory: Cough (28%), epistaxis (26%), dyspnea (19%), pharyngolaryngeal pain (14%)
Miscellaneous: Night sweats (11%), infection
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Tachycardia (10%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Dehydration (serious >3%)
Hematologic: Neutropenic fever (serious >3%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness (10%)
Respiratory: Upper respiratory infection (10%)
Miscellaneous: Sepsis (serious >3%)
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Bowel obstruction, cardiopulmonary arrest, lymphopenia, odynophagia, pancytopenia, skin exfoliation, skin ulceration, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)
The mean fractions of a dose excreted as unchanged drug in the urine decreases with declining renal function.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Bone marrow suppression: May cause thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and anemia; may require dosage modification. Monitor blood counts. Prophylactic folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements are necessary to reduce hematologic toxicity.
- Dermatologic reactions: Severe and potentially fatal dermatologic reactions, including skin exfoliation, ulceration, and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been reported. Skin reaction may be progressive; severity may increase with continued treatment; may also involve skin and subcutaneous tissues which are affected by lymphoma. Monitor all dermatologic reactions closely; withhold or discontinue treatment for severe dermatologic reaction.
- Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity and liver function test abnormalities have been observed with use. Monitor liver function. Persistent abnormalities may indicate hepatotoxicity and may require dosage modification or discontinuation.
- Mucositis: Pralatrexate may cause mucositis (includes stomatitis or mucosal inflammation of gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts). Monitor weekly; may require dosage modification. Prophylactic folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements are necessary to reduce treatment-related mucositis.
- Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS): Pralatrexate may cause (TLS). Monitor closely; if TLS develops, treat for associated complications.
Disease-related concerns:
- Renal impairment: Patients with moderate to severe renal impairment are at higher risk for increased exposure and toxicity. Monitor renal function and for systemic toxicity due to increased exposure. Dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR 15 to <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2). Unless the potential benefits outweigh potential risks, avoid use in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), including patients undergoing dialysis. Serious adverse reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis and mucositis were reported in patients with ESRD undergoing dialysis. Concurrent use with drugs with substantial renal clearance (eg, NSAIDs, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) may result in delayed pralatrexate clearance.
Concurrent drug therapy issues
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
Special handling:
- Hazardous agent: Use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]).
D
Adverse effects were observed in animal reproduction studies. May cause fetal harm if administered to a pregnant woman.
Antifolate analog; inhibits DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis by selectively entering cells expressing reduced folate carrier (RFC-1), is polyglutamylated by folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS) and then competes for the DHFR-folate binding site to inhibit dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)
S-diastereomer: 105 L; R-diastereomer: 37 L
Not significantly metabolized by phase I hepatic isoenzymes or phase II glucuronidases.
Urine (~34% as unchanged drug; parent drug [racemic pralatrexate]: ~39%); Feces (34%); Respiratory (10% [exhaled])
12 to 18 hours
~67%
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, pharyngitis, back pain, constipation, diarrhea, or night sweats. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of infection, signs of bleeding (vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; coughing up blood; hematuria; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a reason or that get bigger; or any severe or persistent bleeding), signs of liver problems (dark urine, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or jaundice), signs of fluid and electrolyte problems (mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, abnormal heartbeat, severe dizziness or passing out, tachycardia, increased thirst, seizures, severe loss of strength and energy, lack of appetite, urinary retention or change in the amount of urine passed, dry mouth, dry eyes, or nausea or vomiting), shortness of breath, severe mouth sores, pale skin, edema, severe loss of strength and energy, signs of toxic epidermal necrolysis (red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin [with or without fever]; red or irritated eyes; or sores in mouth, throat, nose, or eyes), or signs of tumor lysis syndrome (tachycardia or abnormal heartbeat; any passing out; urinary retention; muscle weakness or cramps; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or lack of appetite; or feeling sluggish) (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.