About calcium folinate
Folate analogue and rescue agent
Used for
- Reduces harmful effects of methotrexate and other folate-blocking medicines
- Treats folate-deficiency megaloblastic anaemia when oral treatment is unsuitable
- Used with fluorouracil to treat certain colorectal cancers
Usual adult dose
Varies by use. Methotrexate rescue is adjusted to drug levels; fluorouracil regimens vary by cancer protocol.
Usual dose in children
Methotrexate rescue is individually adjusted by body size, drug levels, and treatment protocol.
Common side effects
- Allergic reactions, including rash or rarely severe breathing difficulty
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Fever
- Seizures, rarely, especially with certain medicines
Important warnings
- Must be given under medical supervision; dose and timing depend on the indication.
- Does not prevent or treat all effects of methotrexate; follow-up blood tests may be needed.
- Can increase fluorouracil toxicity, including severe diarrhoea and mouth sores.
- Not suitable for treating vitamin B12-deficiency anaemia alone.
Pregnancy
Use depends on the reason for treatment; fluorouracil combinations may harm an unborn baby. Specialist assessment is required.
Breastfeeding
Safety depends on the treatment and accompanying medicines; fluorouracil is generally incompatible with breastfeeding.
Interactions
- May increase fluorouracil effects and toxicity.
- Can reduce the effectiveness of some epilepsy medicines, including phenytoin and phenobarbital.
- Can interfere with methotrexate rescue if given at the wrong dose or time.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.