Folinic acid, also known as 5-formyl tetrahydrofolic acid or leucovorin, treats various cancers when employed with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Additionally, leucovorin serves as an antidote to folic acid antagonists like methotrexate. Folinic acid's properties allow it to function as an antidote, chemotherapy-modulating agent, and rescue agent for the chemotherapy category of medications. This activity will discuss the approved indications, intricate mechanism of action, and contraindications for folinic acid while addressing its role in treating specific cancer types and megaloblastic anemia. The activity will also discuss the adverse event profile, off-label applications, and monitoring protocols associated with folinic acid, offering insights for the interprofessional team involved in the care of patients undergoing treatment with 5-FU, methotrexate, and other conditions where folinic acid proves indispensable.
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