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Folotyn
If you have peripheral T-cell lymphoma, your healthcare provider may prescribe Folotyn. It is approved specifically for use when the cancer has not improved or has come back after previous treatment. It is given as an intravenous injection once a week for six weeks, followed by a one-week break. Some people may experience side effects like nausea, fatigue, and mouth sores.
Folotyn® (pralatrexate) is a prescription medication approved to treat peripheral T-cell lymphoma, a cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system. It is for use in people whose disease has not improved, or has returned after other treatment.
(Click Folotyn Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Folotyn is made by Allos Therapeutics, Inc.
Folotyn works by inhibiting an enzyme known as dihydrofolate reductase. This enzyme is important for transforming an inactive form of folic acid into the active form, which is necessary to make some of the building blocks needed for DNA production. By inhibiting this enzyme, Folotyn interferes with the ability of cells, including cancer cells, to repair and replicate (copy) themselves.
Some general considerations to keep in mind during treatment with Folotyn include the following:
- Folotyn comes as a liquid that is injected slowly into a vein (an intravenous, or IV, injection) once a week for six weeks, followed by a one-week break. The injection is normally given over three to five minutes.
- The injection will be given by a healthcare provider in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or clinic.
- You will need to take folic acid and vitamin B12 during treatment with Folotyn to help prevent certain side effects.
- The medication should be inspected before use and should not be used if it contains particles or is discolored.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be used as prescribed. It is important to keep all of your appointments to receive your Folotyn doses.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD