Folita 5mg Tablet

Uses of Folita 5mg Tablet

• Colorectal Cancer
• Methotrexate Toxicity
• Megaloblastic Anaemia

How does Folita 5mg Tablet work?

Leucovorin prevents the harmful effects of methotrexate in cancer treatment and accidental overdoses. It protects healthy cells from methotrexate toxicity while allowing it to target and kill cancer cells.

Side Effects of Folita 5mg Tablet

Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Anaphylactic reaction, Urticaria, Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Hair loss, Dermatitis, and Decreased appetite.

Quick Suggestions:

• Aim to include a wide range of colorful vegetables & Incorporate a variety of fruits in your diet.
• Include beans, Whole Grains & Omega-3-rich Foods
• Aim to keep your body mass index (BMI) between 19.5 and 24.9, as it is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases.
• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature.
• Moderation or avoidance of alcohol is advised to reduce the risk of alcohol-related health complications.
• Quitting smoking is crucial for improving overall health and reducing the risk of numerous diseases.
• If you are taking medications like phenytoin for a seizure disorder, inform your doctor if you are also using Leucovorin. Folinic acid (LEUCOVORIN) may reduce the antiepileptic effects of phenytoin, and your doctor may need to adjust your medication accordingly.

Indication

Calcium Folinate is used in the following applications:

• To reduce the toxicity of Methotrexate and to offset the effects of poor Methotrexate elimination.
• To treat Megaloblastic anemia caused by a lack of folate, similar to sprue, a nutritional deficit.
• Megaloblastic anemia in pregnancy and infancy is treated with this drug.

Pharmacology

Calcium folinate, also known as leucovorin or folinic acid, is a calcium salt of folinic acid (citrovorum factor). Folinic acid is a form of folate, which is a water-soluble B vitamin and an essential co-enzyme involved in various cellular processes, including nucleic acid synthesis.

Some key points about calcium folinate (leucovorin) are:

• Folinic Acid Metabolite: Folinic acid is a metabolite of folic acid and is essential for several biochemical reactions in the body.
• Necessary Co-Enzyme: As a co-enzyme, folinic acid is crucial for nucleic acid synthesis, including DNA and RNA, which are essential for cell growth and replication.
• Cytotoxic Treatment: Calcium folinate (leucovorin) is commonly used in cytotoxic treatments, particularly in combination with certain chemotherapeutic agents, to enhance their efficacy and reduce toxicity to healthy cells.
• Clinical Applications: Calcium folinate is used as an antidote to counteract the toxic effects of methotrexate in cases of overdose or during high-dose methotrexate therapy. It is also used to reduce the toxic effects of certain cancer drugs, such as fluorouracil, in cancer treatment.

Calcium folinate plays a critical role in supporting cellular processes, particularly during cytotoxic treatments and in cases of folic acid deficiency. As with any medication, it's essential to use calcium folinate as prescribed by a healthcare professional to ensure its safe and effective use in various clinical applications.

Dosage & Administration of Folita 5mg Tablet

1. Oral Antidote for Methotrexate Toxicity:

• Adult Dose: 15 mg every 6 hours for a total of 10 doses, starting 24 hours after the initiation of methotrexate infusion. Continue administering leucovorin until serum levels of methotrexate are less than 0.05 micromolar.
• Route of Administration: Leucovorin may also be given via intramuscular or intravenous injection.

1. Folate-deficient Megaloblastic Anemia (Oral):

• Adult Dose: 15 mg daily.

1. Intravenous Adjunct to Fluorouracil in Colorectal Cancer:

• Adult Dose: 200 mg/m2 body surface area by slow intravenous injection over at least 3 minutes, followed by 370 mg/m2 fluorouracil by intravenous injection. This treatment is given for 5 consecutive days and repeated at intervals of 28 days for 2 courses. Subsequently, it may be repeated at 4-5 weekly intervals if the patient has fully recovered from the toxic effects of the prior treatment course.

1. Intramuscular Folate-deficient Megaloblastic Anemia:

• Adult Dose: Up to 1 mg per day.

These dosing regimens are specific to the respective conditions and are intended for adult use. It's essential to follow the exact dosing instructions provided by the healthcare professional to ensure the safe and effective use of leucovorin. If you have any questions or concerns about the dosage or administration of leucovorin, please consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

Interaction

There are potential drug interactions between folinic acid (calcium folinate) and certain medications, including fluorouracil and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Here are the key points:

• Fluorouracil (5-FU) and Folinic Acid Interaction: When fluorouracil and folinic acid are administered together, there is an increased risk of toxicity associated with fluorouracil. Adverse effects, especially in elderly patients, may include severe enterocolitis (inflammation of the intestines), diarrhea, and dehydration. Therefore, the combination of these two medications should be used with caution, and the dosages and schedules should be carefully monitored by healthcare professionals.
• Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim and Folinic Acid Interaction: Concomitant use of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and folinic acid may lead to a potential drug interaction. Folinic acid has been shown to decrease the efficacy of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim in the treatment of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), which is a common cause of pneumonia in patients with AIDS. Therefore, these two medications should not be used together for the treatment of PCP, and alternative treatment options should be considered.

Contraindications

Calcium Folinate treatment is not recommended if you have any of the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity to Calcium Folinate or any of the product's ingredients is known.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency in Pernicious anemia or other Megaloblastic anemia.

Pregnancy & Lactation

In pregnant or nursing women, there are no appropriate and well-controlled clinical trials. This medication is not known to be excreted in human milk. Because many medicines are excreted in human milk, when Calcium Folinate is given to a nursing mother, caution should be used.

Precautions & Warnings

• Allergic Reactions: It's crucial to inform your doctor about any history of allergic or hypersensitive reactions to medications or food before taking Leucovorin. This is to avoid potential allergic responses to the medication.
• Medical History and Current Medications: Let your doctor know about your complete medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, to ensure that Leucovorin is safe for you to use. Additionally, inform your doctor about all other medications you are currently taking to avoid potential drug interactions or side effects.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it's essential to inform your doctor. They will assess the potential risks and benefits of using Leucovorin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• Adherence to Prescribed Doses and Duration: Follow your doctor's prescription for Leucovorin carefully, and do not use it in larger doses or for a longer duration than prescribed. Using the medication as directed by your doctor will help minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Storage Conditions

Do not store at temperatures above 30°C. Keep out of the reach of youngsters and away from light.