Calcium Folinate
About Calcium Folinate
Calcium Folinate 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 contains calcium folinate, also known as Leucovorin, which is a form of vitamin B. It is folic acid in its active form. Calcium Folinate 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 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 do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor.
Before taking the Calcium Folinate, 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.
Uses of Calcium Folinate
Medicinal Benefits
Calcium Folinate 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 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).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Calcium Folinate
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Urticaria or hives
- Stomatitis (oral mucositis)
Drug Warnings
Before taking the Calcium Folinate, 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 Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Calcium Folinate 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 may interact with disease conditions, including anaemia, GI toxicity, renal impairment and seizures.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid the consumption of alcohol as it may cause some side effects and make the impact of Calcium Folinate less effective.
Pregnancy
cautionCalcium Folinate should not be used when pregnancy unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Calcium Folinate.
Breast Feeding
cautionCalcium Folinate should not be used in nursing mothers unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are a nursing mother. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Calcium Folinate.
Driving
safeCalcium Folinate does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Calcium Folinate if you have had a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Calcium Folinate if you have had a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine based on your condition.
Children
safe if prescribedYour doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Calcium Folinate.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- 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 with alcohol as there may be an interaction.
- Avoid tobacco use.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
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.
FAQs
Calcium Folinate is used to prevent the harmful effects of methotrexate.
Calcium Folinate contains calcium folinate, also known as Leucovorin. This compound prevents healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate (cancer medicine) while accepting it to enter and kill cancer cells.
Calcium Folinate is an antidote to the side effects of various chemotherapy medications, such as methotrexate.
Calcium Folinate is contraindicated to use in populations with pernicious anaemia or other forms of megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
It is contraindicated to use if you are known for hypersensitivity to any components present in Calcium Folinate or if you have Pernicious anaemia or other anaemias due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Megaloblastic anemia is a condition where abnormal, oversized red blood cells form due to defective DNA production, typically from a lack of vitamin B12 or folate (folic acid). Symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, and sometimes neurological issues.
Calcium Folinate starts to act on the body within a few minutes of administration. It is not the same for everyone. It differs based on your health conditions, the dosage received, and the treatment recommended by your doctor.
Your doctor may recommend specific blood tests during your treatment with Calcium Folinate to check methotrexate levels especially if you are undergoing chemotherapy or in cases of overdose. A complete blood count (CBC) will also be done to check red blood cell levels if you are being treated for anemia and also calcium levels (to avoid hypercalcemia due to calcium in Calcium Folinate). These tests are essential for ensuring the treatment is both safe and effective.
To promote the excretion of methotrexate during treatment with Calcium Folinate, increase fluid intake to maintain urine output above 2,500 mL/day for 12 hours before and 36 hours after methotrexate infusion. Ensure urine pH is above 7.0 before the infusion and avoid acidic substances. Measure blood methotrexate levels at 24, 48 and 72 hours after infusion.
