Folinic acid is a B vitamin which is used to decrease the harmful effects of different medications, such as pyrimethamine
or trimetrexate. It is also used to treat certain types of anemias and cancers, and is being studied for the treatment of mild neutropenia (low white blood cell counts).
HOW should this drug be taken ?
Folinic acid comes as a 5 mg and a 15 mg tablet which can be taken with or without food. It is also available as an
injection for administration intravenously (i.e., through a needle placed in one of your veins) or intramuscularly (i.e., through an injection into your arm/buttocks).
What should you do if you FORGET a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time of the next dose. Do not
double the dose, just carry on with your regular dosing schedule. Always check to ensure that the drug has not expired before using it, especially if you have missed a dose.
What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause ? What should you do about them?
Some people may experience an allergic reaction. If you have any of the following symptoms soon after taking folinic
acid, STOP taking the drug and tell your doctor IMMEDIATELY: sudden wheeziness and chest pain or tightening, swelling of eyelids, face or lips, skin rash or "hives" anywhere on the body.
Other side effects of folinic acid may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomatitis (red, painful, swollen mouth or
throat with small ulcers or sores). If these effects occur and are bothersome, please call the clinic or discuss them at your next visit.
Rarely, folinic acid can cause leukopenia (a decrease in the number of white blood cells). Your blood will be checked on a regular basis to monitor for this.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED REGULARLY.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug ?
Before beginning treatment with folinic acid, make sure your doctor knows if · you are taking ANY other drugs (including
those not prescribed by your doctor); or · you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breast-feeding a child.
This information will help you and your physician decide if the potential benefits of treating your condition with folinic acid will outweigh the possible risks.
This medication can interact with other drugs, including antiseizure medications. It is important that your physician or
pharmacist knows about other drugs you are taking, even medications you can buy without a prescription.
How should this medication be STORED?
Store folinic acid tablets at room temperature (2-30° C), and protected from light and humidity.
KEEP THIS AND ANY OTHER DRUGS OUT OF SIGHT AND OUT OF REACH FROM CHILDREN. DO NOT USE THIS
MEDICINE AFTER THE EXPIRY DATE ("EXP") shown on the outside of the package.
Do not store in your bathroom or kitchen as heat and moisture may cause the medication to lose potency.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR PHARMACIST OR PHYSICIAN OR NURSE.
WRITE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS DOWN TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED.
A pharmacist at ___________________ is available to answer questions.
The telephone number is ___________. Please ask for ____________________.
