Two medication errors occurred because of confusion between folinic acid and folic acid. Folinic acid, also known as leucovorin calcium, is a useful antidote to folic acid antagonists.
In one case, a hospital pharmacy correctly dispensed leucovorin calcium when folinic acid was ordered. However, a nurse thought the order was for folic acid and borrowed a dose of folic acid from surplus patient supplies that had not yet been returned to the pharmacy. In the other case, a unit secretary and a pharmacist transcribed a folinic acid order as folic acid.
Prescribers should use the name leucovorin calcium when prescribing folinic acid. Another caution regarding this drug name: Communicating leucovorin calcium without stating "calcium" could cause it to be confused with Leukeran (chlorambucil).
Copyright Springhouse Corporation Oct 2000
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