What is folinic acid rescue?

Folinic acid is sometimes given with methotrexate, which is used to treat different types of cancer. It is mainly used with higher doses of methotrexate to help reduce the side effects. This is sometimes called folinic acid rescue or leucovorin rescue.

When do you use leucovorin rescue?

To be effective, leucovorin rescue must be started within 24 to 48 hours of metho- trexate initiation, or within 24 hours of completion. It should be continued until the methotrexate level falls below 0.1 µM. The amount needed to reverse toxicity is proportional to the methotrexate concentration.

What is the function of folinic acid?

Folinic acid, also known as leucovorin, is a medication used to decrease the toxic effects of methotrexate and pyrimethamine. It is also used in combination with 5-fluorouracil to treat colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer, may be used to treat folate deficiency that results in anemia, and methanol poisoning.

Where is folinic acid from?

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 that is plentiful in dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli. It is essential for DNA production, correct cell division, activating B12, reducing homocysteine levels and supporting the synthesis of SAMe for healthy mood and joints.

How does leucovorin rescue work?

Often called “leucovorin rescue,” it essentially saves the body from toxicity by providing another source of folic acid to those healthy cells in need over a required two- to three-day period of multiple doses.

What is the mechanism of action of 5-fluorouracil?

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) can activate p53 by more than one mechanism: incorporation of fluorouridine triphosphate (FUTP) into RNA, incorporation of fluorodeoxyuridine triphosphate (FdUTP) into DNA and inhibition of thymidylate synthase (TS) by fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) with resultant DNA damage.

Is folinic acid a prescription drug?

Folic Acid is an over the counter and prescription vitamin used as a nutritional supplement, a prophylaxis for Neural Tube Defects and to treat Folic Acid Deficiency. Folic Acid may be used alone or with other medications. Folic Acid belongs to a class of drugs called Vitamins, Water-Soluble.

Does folinic acid cause diarrhea?

When taken by mouth: It is likely safe for most people to take folic acid in doses of no more than 1 mg daily. Doses higher than 1 mg daily may be unsafe. These doses might cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, irritability, confusion, behavior changes, skin reactions, seizures, and other side effects.

Why is fluorouracil given with leucovorin?

When given in combination with Leucovorin, Leucovorin can enhance the binding of fluorouracil to an enzyme inside of the cancer cells. As a result fluorouracil may stay in the cancer cell longer and exert its anti-cancer effect on the cells.