Leucovorin
About
Leucovorin belongs to the class of medicines known as folic acid analogues (a form of vitamin B). It is primarily used to treat an overdose of methotrexate (cancer medicine). It is used to prevent the harmful effects of methotrexate. Methotrexate is used to treat cancer, severe rheumatoid arthritis, and severe psoriasis. It can cause side effects like swollen gums, headaches, hair loss, dizziness, etc. Infrequently, it can cause fatal side effects. Harmful effects of methotrexate include vision loss, seizures/ fits, loss of consciousness etc. It can damage the blood, liver, bone marrow, lungs, etc. The drug can lead to birth defects and death in unborn babies.
Leucovorin contains leucovorin, which is a form of vitamin B. It is folic acid in its active form. Leucovorin works by preventing healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate (cancer medicines) while accepting it to enter and kill the cancer cells. It should be administered as soon as possible after taking methotrexate.
Take Leucovorin as prescribed by your doctor. Depending on your medical conditions, you are advised to take Leucovorin for as long as your doctor prescribes it. You may experience infections, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. Most of these side effects of Leucovorin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Before taking the Leucovorin, let your doctor know about all your allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to medicines or food. Inform your doctor about your medical history and other medications you are currently taking to rule out any potential negative effects. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding or if you have anaemia, GI toxicity, renal impairment and seizures.
Uses of Leucovorin
Medicinal Benefits
Leucovorin is used to prevent the harmful effects of methotrexate (cancer medicine) when methotrexate is used to treat some types of cancer. Leucovorin is also used to treat patients who accidentally overdose on methotrexate or similar medicines. Leucovorin works by preventing healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate (cancer medicines) while accepting it to enter and kill the cancer cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Leucovorin
- Infections
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor about any allergic or hypersensitive reactions to medications or food before taking the Leucovorin. Inform your doctor about your medical history and any other medications you are currently taking so that any potential side effects can be ruled out. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not use Leucovorin in more than prescribed doses or longer duration as it may cause adverse effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Leucovorin may interact with anticancer medicines (e..g fluorouracil, capecitabine, pafolacianine) and antibiotics (e.g. trimethoprim, ceftriaxone).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Leucovorin may interact with disease conditions, including anaemia, GI toxicity, renal impairment and seizures.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid intake of alcohol as it may cause some side effects and make the effect of Leucovorin less effective.
Pregnancy
cautionLeucovorin should be used in pregnancy only when the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the fetus.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known that Leucovorin may pass with breast milk. Discuss with your doctor about the benefits and risks of using this Leucovorin.
Driving
safe if prescribedLeucovorin does not show any effect on the ability to drive.
Liver
cautionLeucovorin to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionLeucovorin to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
safe if prescribedLeucovorin is safe in children if prescribed by your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Create a well-balanced and healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, omega-3-rich foods, and lean protein sources.
- Keep your weight under control with a BMI of 19.5-24.9.
- Avoid chronic stress.
- Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
- Quitting smoking and alcohol consumption is the best strategy to lower the risk of many health complications.
Special Advise
- Inform your doctor if you are also taking certain medicines like phenytoin for your fits disorder, as Leucovorin may reduce the antiepileptic effects.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Harmful effects of methotrexate: Methotrexate is used to treat cancer, severe rheumatoid arthritis, and severe psoriasis. It can cause side effects like swollen gums, headache, hair loss, dizziness, etc. Infrequently, it can cause fatal side effects. Harmful effects of methotrexate include vision loss, seizures/ fits, loss of consciousness, etc. It can damage the blood, liver, bone marrow, lungs, etc. The drug can lead to birth defects and death in unborn babies.
FAQs
Leucovorin contains leucovorin. Leucovorin works by preventing healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate (cancer medicines) while accepting it to enter and kill the cancer cells.
Leucovorin is an antidote to the side effects of various chemotherapy medications, such as methotrexate.
Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the directions mentioned on the label or pack. Dispose of the unused Leucovorin. Ensure children, pets, and other people do not consume it.
