New Drugs: Use Them Or Pass

Today my hematologist mentioned a drug that is relatively new on the market [The FDA approved it in September of 2009 under what they call an accelerated approval because it meets unmet medical needs). The drug is called Pralatrexate and it is marketed under the brand name Folotyn].

Has anyone here contemplated taking a drug the extent of the side effects of which are not yet fully known? I'm kind of torn here. We hear so much about some drugs having horrendous consequences a few years after they debut.

I haven't heard of this drug yet. I will google it and see what it comes up with. I do know that the newer drugs are better and less side effects. But some of the old ones are good too. I wish you the best, it can't hurt to try it. Let us know how it goes.

Hugs, Karen

Good Morning,

Pralatrexate injection is used to treat peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL; a form of cancer that begins in a certain type of cells in the immune system) that has not improved or that has come back after treatment with other medications. Pralatrexate injection has not been shown to help people who have lymphoma live longer. Pralatrexate injection is in a class of medications called folate analogue metabolic inhibitors. It works by killing cancer cells.

Folotyn is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. You will need to take folic acid and receive vitamin B₁₂ injections while you are using Folotyn.

I did not find any info re Depression treatment. As you said,  this is a new drug so there is not a lot of research re long term side effects.

Kindly,

Kitt

I am sorry to hear that you have LGL Leukemis Dave. I hope that this medication can help you. I understand your feelings on whether or not to try it. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs, Karen

Dave,

I am so sorry, I did not know you had LGL - you have my prayers and support always.  So many drugs are used off label that I thought that was your question. 

Looking at your question from the view point of treating LGL and  knowing you from your very wise posts I would believe you have investigated this drug well. 

Would I use this drug - if there were no other choices left to me or my hubby and children, yes I would go for it. 

Loss my sister to ovarian cancer little over a year ago and she chose to go for anything that may help her. She was a very brave woman and I loved her dearly - so much grit -

I have your back, Dave,

Kindly,

Kitt