apollo
0
Written By Bayyarapu Mahesh Kumar , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Last Updated Dec 4, 2024 | 1:09 PM IST

Leucowell 50 mg Injection is used to treat methotrexate overdose and Prevent its harmful effects. It contains leucovorin, a form of vitamin B. It is folic acid in its active form. It works by preventing healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate (cancer medicines) while allowing it to enter and kill cancer cells. It should be administered as soon as possible after taking methotrexate. Common side effects of Leucowell 50 mg Injection are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation.

Read more
Prescription drug

Whats That

tooltip
Prescription drug
 Trailing icon
Consult Doctor

Synonym

LEUCOVORIN

Consume Type

PARENTERAL

Return Policy

Not Returnable

Expires on or after

Jan-27

for this medicine

About Leucowell 50 mg Injection

Leucowell 50 mg Injection is used to treat harmful effects caused by an overdose of methotrexate (cancer medicine). Methotrexate is used to treat cancer, severe rheumatoid arthritis, and severe psoriasis. It can cause fatal side effects sometimes. Harmful effects of methotrexate include vision loss, seizures/ fits, loss of consciousness, etc. Leucowell 50 mg Injection is also used to treat anemia (low amount of red blood cells) caused by low folic acid levels in the body. Leucowell 50 mg Injection is also used to treat colorectal cancer with the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (cancer that begins in the large intestine).

Leucowell 50 mg Injection contains leucovorin, which is a form of vitamin B. It is folic acid in its active form. Leucowell 50 mg Injection 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.

Leucowell 50 mg Injection is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. You may experience infections, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. Most of these side effects of Leucowell 50 mg Injection 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 Leucowell 50 mg Injection, tell your doctor about all your allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to medicines or food. Also, 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, or seizures.

Uses of Leucowell 50 mg Injection

Treatment of Overdose of methotrexate and Prevention of harmful effects of methotrexate

Medicinal Benefits

Leucowell 50 mg Injection is used to prevent the harmful effects of methotrexate (cancer medicine) when methotrexate is used to treat some types of cancer. Leucowell 50 mg Injection is also used to treat patients who accidentally overdose on methotrexate or similar medicines. Leucowell 50 mg Injection works by preventing healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate (cancer medicines) while accepting it to enter and kill the cancer cells. Leucovorin injection is also used to treat anaemia (low red blood cell count) caused by low folic acid levels in the body. Leucowell 50 mg Injection is also used to treat colorectal cancer with the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (cancer that begins in the large intestine).

Directions for Use

Leucowell 50 mg Injection will be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Kindly do not self-administer.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Leucowell 50 mg Injection

  • Infections
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation

Drug Warnings

Inform your doctor about any allergic or hypersensitive reactions to medications or food before taking the Leucowell 50 mg Injection. 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 Leucowell 50 mg Injection in more than prescribed doses or for a longer duration as it may cause adverse effects.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interactions: Leucowell 50 mg Injection 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: Leucowell 50 mg Injection may interact with disease conditions, including anaemia, GI toxicity, renal impairment and seizures.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List

  • FLUOROURACIL
  • CAPECITABINE
  • PAFOLACIANINE
  • CEFTRIAXONE

Habit Forming

No

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 fit disorder, as Leucowell 50 mg Injection may reduce the antiepileptic effects.

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, 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.

bannner image

Alcohol

Caution

Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may cause some side effects and make Leucowell 50 mg Injection less effective.

bannner image

Pregnancy

Caution

Leucowell 50 mg Injection should be used in pregnancy only when the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the foetus. So, inform your doctor before receiving a Leucovorin injection if you are pregnant or expecting.

bannner image

Breast Feeding

Caution

It is not known that Leucowell 50 mg Injection may pass with breast milk. All the benefits and risks should be discussed with your doctor before taking Leucowell 50 mg Injection.

bannner image

Driving

Safe

Leucowell 50 mg Injection does not affect the ability to drive.

bannner image

Liver

Caution

Leucowell 50 mg Injection to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver conditions. Inform your doctor if you have pre-existing or a history of liver conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.

bannner image

Kidney

Caution

Leucowell 50 mg Injection to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney conditions. Inform your doctor if you have pre-existing or a history of kidney conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.

bannner image

Children

Safe if prescribed

Leucowell 50 mg Injection is generally safe for use in children. However, if you have concerns, please consult your doctor.

Country of origin

INDIA

Manufacturer/Marketer address

305, Bakshi House, 40-41, Nehru Place ., New Delhi- 110 017
Other Info - LEU0099

Author Details

Doctor imageWe provide you with authentic, trustworthy and relevant information

FAQs

Leucowell 50 mg Injection is used to treat Overdose of methotrexate and Prevention of harmful effects of methotrexate.
Leucowell 50 mg Injection contains leucovorin. Leucowell 50 mg Injection works by preventing healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate (cancer medicines) while accepting it to enter and kill the cancer cells.
Leucowell 50 mg Injection is an antidote to the side effects of various chemotherapy medications, such as methotrexate.
Parenteral therapy should only be used for patients unable to take oral medications or in an emergency clinical situation.
Leucowell 50 mg Injection starts to act on the body within 5 minutes of administration. It is not the same for everyone. It differs based on your health conditions, dosage received and the treatment recommended by your doctor.
Leucowell 50 mg Injection contains Leucovorin, a form of vitamin B as its active substance.
Megaloblastic anemia is a condition where abnormal, oversized red blood cells form due to defective DNA production, typically from lack of vitamin B12 or folate (folic acid). Symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, and sometimes neurological issues.
Your doctor may recommend specific blood tests during your treatment with Leucowell 50 mg Injection to check serum methotrexate levels especially if you are undergoing methotrexate chemotherapy or in cases of overdose, to help adjust the dosage and duration of Leucowell 50 mg Injection. A complete blood count (CBC) will also be done to check red blood cell levels if you are being treated for megaloblastic anemia. These tests are essential for ensuring the treatment is both safe and effective.
To promote the excretion of methotrexate during treatment with Leucowell 50 mg Injection, it's important to stay well-hydrated, maintain an alkaline urine pH (this enhances drug excretion), and ensure adequate urine output. Kidney function should also be closely monitored. Food, medicines, and drinks which increase urinary acidity should be avoided during the treatment. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
The side effects of Leucowell 50 mg Injection include infections, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhoea. These do not require any medical treatment as they will gradually reduce over time. However consult the doctor, if these persist longer.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.
icon image

Keep Refrigerated. Do not freeze.

Add to Cart