About calcium folinate
Folinic acid (reduced folate)
Used for
- Reduces harmful effects of methotrexate and other folate-blocking medicines.
- Treats folate-deficiency megaloblastic anemia when folic acid cannot be used.
- Used with fluorouracil for certain colorectal cancers.
Usual adult dose
Varies by use: methotrexate rescue is guided by methotrexate levels; other regimens are specialist-directed.
Usual dose in children
Used for methotrexate rescue in children; dose and timing are specialist-directed.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Rash, itching, or hives
- Rare serious allergic reactions
- Seizures, especially with certain epilepsy medicines
Important warnings
- Methotrexate rescue requires carefully timed dosing and laboratory monitoring.
- When combined with fluorouracil, it can increase severe diarrhea and other toxicity.
- It does not treat pernicious anemia or vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Injection should be given by a healthcare professional.
Pregnancy
Use depends on the reason for treatment; fluorouracil combinations may harm a pregnancy. Specialist assessment is needed.
Breastfeeding
Information is limited; suitability depends on the treatment and any accompanying medicines.
Interactions
- May reduce the effects of folate-antagonist medicines such as methotrexate.
- Can increase fluorouracil toxicity, including severe diarrhea.
- May reduce effects of some seizure medicines, including phenobarbital and phenytoin.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.