Calcium Folinate Injection 5 ml is used in cancer treatment as an antidote to reduce the toxic effects of certain cancer drugs, such as methotrexate. It can also be used in combination with 5-fluorouracil in cancer treatment (cytotoxic therapy).

Calcium Folinate Injection 5 ml contains calcium folinate, also known as Leucovorin, which is a form of vitamin B. It is folic acid in its active form. Calcium Folinate Injection 5 ml works by preventing healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate (cancer medicines) while accepting it to enter and kill the cancer cells. It should be administered as soon as possible after taking methotrexate.

Calcium Folinate Injection 5 ml will be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. You may experience nausea, diarrhoea, rash, vomiting, itching, urticaria or hives and stomatitis (oral mucositis). Most of these side effects of Calcium Folinate Injection 5 ml do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor.

Before taking the Calcium Folinate Injection 5 ml, let your doctor know if you are allergic to any ingredient in it. Inform your doctor about your medical history and other medications you are currently taking to rule out any potential negative effects. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding or if you have pernicious anaemia or other forms of megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, GI toxicity, renal impairment and seizures.

Calcium Folinate Injection 5 ml belongs to the class of medicines known as detoxifying agents or folic acid analogues used in cytotoxic therapy as an antidote to reduce the toxicity and effect of certain cancer drugs such as methotrexate. Calcium Folinate Injection 5 ml works by preventing healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate (or other cancer medicines) while accepting it to enter and kill the cancer cells. Besides this, it can also be used in combination with the drug 5-fluorouracil in cancer treatment (cytotoxic therapy).

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Rash
• Vomiting
• Itching
• Urticaria or hives
• Stomatitis (oral mucositis)

Before taking the Calcium Folinate Injection 5 ml, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Also, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, or if you have pernicious anaemia or other kinds of megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, GI toxicity, renal impairment, or seizures, please notify your doctor. Also, inform your doctor about your medical history and current drugs to rule out potential side effects.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Calcium Folinate Injection 5 ml may interact with anticancer medicines (e.g. fluorouracil, capecitabine, pafolacianine) and antibiotics (e.g. trimethoprim, ceftriaxone).

Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Calcium Folinate Injection 5 ml may interact with disease conditions, including anaemia, GI toxicity, renal impairment and seizures.

• FLUOROURACIL
• CAPECITABINE
• PAFOLACIANINE
• TRIMETHOPRIM
• CEFTRIAXONE

• Cancer can take a toll on anyone. Make sure you regularly see a therapist and take care of your mental health.
• Meditation and yoga have also proven very effective in helping cancer patients maintain a healthy attitude and body.
• Eat lean meats, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods to give you more energy. 
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration is often seen in cancers.
• Taking a stroll in the garden or spending 30 minutes doing some light physical activity can be very useful. However, do not overexert yourself if you feel too tired. 
• Avoid taking Calcium Folinate Injection 5 ml with alcohol as there may be an interaction.
• Avoid tobacco use.

Harmful effects of methotrexate: Methotrexate treats cancer, severe rheumatoid arthritis, and severe psoriasis. It can cause side effects like swollen gums, headaches, hair loss, dizziness, etc. Infrequently, it can cause fatal side effects. Harmful effects of methotrexate include vision loss, seizures/ fits, loss of consciousness, etc. It can damage the blood, liver, bone marrow, lungs, etc. The drug can lead to birth defects and death in unborn babies.