Calcium Folinate 50mg injection is an anticancer drug belonging to the class of detoxifying agents, containing the active ingredient Calcium Folinate. It is used in the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia (presence of large, immature, and dysfunctional red blood cells (megaloblasts) in the bone marrow). It is also used to enhance the effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of certain cancers, by increasing the efficacy of the drug while reducing its toxicity. This drug can also be used in the treatment of overdosage of folic acid antagonists. Additionally it also helps to protect healthy cells by "rescuing" them from the toxic effects of the chemotherapy drug.
This drug is contraindicated in patients who have hypersensitivity reactions. This medicine may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and a rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Excessive drug doses must be avoided since this might impair the antitumor activity of methotrexate, especially in CNS tumours where this drug accumulates after repeated courses.
There are no indications that folic acid induces harmful effects if administered during pregnancy and it is not known whether this injection can cause foetal harm, when administered to pregnant women. This drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. During pregnancy, methotrexate should only be administered on strict indications, where the benefits of the drug to the mother should be weighed against possible hazards to the foetus. It is not known whether this medicine is excreted into human breast milk. This medicine can be used during breastfeeding when considered necessary according to the therapeutic indications. Tell your physician about all the medications you have been taking recently, including herbal medicines and supplements, before taking Calcium Folinate 50mg injection.
Uses of Calcium Folinate 50mg InjectionTreatment of Megaloblastic AnaemiaReduce the toxicity of methotrexateOverdose of Folic Acid AntagonistsEnhance the effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil Therapeutic Effects of Calcium Folinate 50mg Injection
It is also known as folinic acid which is an essential for the production of DNA and the formation of red blood cells. When cells are rapidly dividing, as in cancer cells or in the normal cells of the bone marrow, folic acid is required for cell division. This medicine works by enhancing the effects of folic acid in the body. It is taken up by cells through a specific transporter protein and converted into the active form of folic acid, which can be used by cells to produce DNA and form new cells. This drug is given after methotrexate to help rescue normal cells that require folate for their growth. Interaction of Calcium Folinate 50mg Injection with other drugsInform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Calcium Folinate 50mg injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.More Information about Calcium Folinate 50mg Injection Store Calcium Folinate 50mg injection in a refrigerator(2°C-8°C).Protect from sunlightKeep it out of reach from children and pets.How to consume Calcium Folinate 50mg InjectionThe medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. This injection will be given slowly into a vein (as an injection or infusion) or it may be injected into a muscle. Do not self-administer this medicine. The dose of the injection will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors.Safety Advices for Calcium Folinate 50mg Injection
Pregnancy
It is not known whether Calcium Folinate 50mg injection can cause foetal harm, when administered to pregnant women. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy during the treatment.
Breast Feeding
It is not known if Calcium Folinate 50mg injection passes into your breast milk or if it will affect your baby. Please consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Lungs
It is not known whether Calcium Folinate 50mg injection can be administered to patients with lung problems. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver
Inform your doctor if you have any liver problems before taking Calcium Folinate 50mg injection. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended.
Alcohol
It is unknown whether consuming alcohol interacts with the Calcium Folinate 50mg injection. Please consult your doctor for more advice.
Driving
It is completely safe to drive after taking the Calcium Folinate 50mg injection.
Side Effects of Calcium Folinate 50mg InjectionSide effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.Serious
- Reduced number of blood cells
- Inflammation in the lining of mouth and intestine
- Severe allergic reactions
Common
- Nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhoea
- Redness and swelling of palms of hands and soles of feet
Word of AdviceSpecial care is needed if you are elderly and you are about to receive any fluorouracil treatment and Calcium Folinate 50mg injection at the same time in case you undergo radiotherapy or stomach trouble. Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.FAQs Q 1. What are the special precautions I should be aware of before starting treatment with Calcium Folinate 50mg injection?This drug is eliminated from the body primarily through the kidneys. Patients with impaired kidney function may need a lower dose or less frequent dosing of Calcium Folinate 50mg injection.
Q 2. Can Calcium Folinate 50mg injection be used in combination with other drugs?Yes, Calcium Folinate 50mg injection is used as an antidote to reduce the toxic effects of methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat certain types of cancer.
Q 3. What does Calcium Folinate 50mg injection do to your body?Calcium Folinate 50mg injection works by supplying the body with the necessary folate, which is required for the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and other important cellular functions.
Q 4. When you must not be given Calcium Folinate 50mg injection?Calcium Folinate 50mg injection should not be given to patients who have had an allergic reaction to it or any of its components.
Q 5. What is Calcium Folinate 50mg injection rescue?Calcium Folinate 50mg injection rescue is typically used in cancer treatment, particularly in the treatment of leukaemia and lymphoma. This involves administering Calcium Folinate 50mg injection to patients who are receiving high-dose methotrexate treatment. Calcium Folinate 50mg injection helps to reduce the toxic effects of methotrexate on healthy cells by providing a form of folic acid that can be used by the body to make new cells and DNA.
Q 6. Can I drive after receiving a Calcium Folinate 50mg injection?It is generally safe to drive after receiving a Calcium Folinate 50mg injection. However, you may experience dizziness or drowsiness as a side effect, which may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or heavy machinery. It is important to wait until you feel fully alert and able to function normally before driving.
Fact Box of Calcium Folinate 50mg InjectionMolecule name: Calcium Folinate | Therapeutic class: Anti-cancer |
Pharmacological class: Detoxifying agents | Indications: 1.Treatment of Megaloblastic Anaemia 2.Reduce the toxicity of methotrexate 3.Treatment of Overdosage of Folic Acid Antagonists 4.Enhance the effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil |
