FOLINIC ACID What should you do if you FORGET a It is important that you keep your dose? doctor appointments and come for

your laboratory tests so that your Other NAMES : Leucovorin  If you miss a dose of folinic acid, take it progress can be followed.

as soon as possible. However, if it is WHY is this drug prescribed ? time for your next dose, do not double What other PRECAUTIONS should

the dose, just carry on with your regular you follow while using this drug? Folinic acid is a B vitamin that is used to schedule. decrease the harmful effects of different Folinic acid can interfere with certain drugs, such as pyrimethamine What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drugs, for example phenytoin (Daraprim ) or trimetrexate drug cause? What should you do (Dilantin ), phenobarbital and (Neutrexin ). It is also used to treat about them? primidone (Mysoline ). Inform your certain types of anemias and cancers. doctor and pharmacist of all prescribed

Some people may experience an and non-prescribed drugs you are HOW should this drug be taken? allergic reaction . If you have any of the taking. As well, you should inform them following symptoms soon after taking of natural products you are taking. If you Folinic acid comes as a 5 mg tablet that folinic acid, STOP taking the drug and wish to start a new drug or natural can be taken with or without food. It is call your doctor IMMEDIATELY: sudden product, please consult with your also available as an injection for problems breathing, chest pain or pharmacist before doing so. intravenous (through your veins) or tightening, swelling of eyelids, face, intramuscular (through a muscle in an tongue or lips, skin rash or “hives” The safety of folinic acid in pregnant arm or buttock) administration. anywhere on the body, skin itchiness, women or during breastfeeding has not and fever. yet been established. Discuss this with When given to prevent adverse effects your doctor if this is a concern.  caused by pyrimethamine (Daraprim ), When folinic acid is given with 5- the usual dose is 10 to 25 mg once fluorouracil (5-FU), an anti-cancer drug, How should this drug be STORED? daily. The folinic acid dose can be an increase in the 5-FU adverse effects increased when given for other reasons. may appear. These adverse effects Folinic acid tablets should be stored in a

include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cool (15-30 °C) dry place, protected from Your dosage is: stomatitis (red, painful, swollen mouth light and well out of the reach of or throat with small ulcers or sores), or children. Ensure that the drug has not 5 mg tablet leukopenia (a decrease in the number expired by checking the expiry date of white blood cells). Your blood will be (“EXP”) shown on the outside of the ___tablets (____mg) _____ times a day checked on a regular basis. Folinic package. acid does not cause these adverse effects if you are not receiving 5-FU. Do not store in your bathroom or kitchen, as heat and moisture may cause the drug to be less active.

If you have any questions or concerns about this drug or if you

are experiencing adverse effects, please discuss them with your pharmacist, doctor or nurse. FOLINIC

ACID Write questions or concerns down to ensure they are addressed.

The following pharmacist is available to answer questions:

Pharmacist: ______Telephone: ______

MEDICATION

FACT SHEET

Reference: Product Monograph Lederle Leucovrin 

Calcium (citrovorum factor (calcium salt of folinic acid). Montreal,Qc, Canada: Wyeth Canada Inc., 2008. Prepared by the Ontario HIV Pharmacy Professional Specialty Group, 2003. Reviewed 2009.

Additional medication fact sheets and updates may be found at: www.hivclinic.ca