Leucovorin Calcium
About Leucovorin Calcium
Leucovorin Calcium 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. Leucovorin Calcium is also used to treat anemia (low amount of red blood cells) caused by low folic acid levels in the body. Leucovorin Calcium is also used to treat colorectal cancer with the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (cancer that begins in the large intestine).
Leucovorin Calcium contains leucovorin, which is a form of vitamin B. It is folic acid in its active form. Leucovorin Calcium 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.
Leucovorin Calcium 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 Leucovorin Calcium 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 Calcium, 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 Leucovorin Calcium
Medicinal Benefits
Leucovorin Calcium is used to prevent the harmful effects of methotrexate (cancer medicine) when methotrexate is used to treat some types of cancer. Leucovorin Calcium is also used to treat patients who accidentally overdose on methotrexate or similar medicines. Leucovorin Calcium 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. Leucovorin Calcium is also used to treat colorectal cancer with the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (cancer that begins in the large intestine).
Directions for Use
Leucovorin Calcium will be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Kindly do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Leucovorin Calcium
- Infections
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor about any allergic or hypersensitive reactions to medications or food before taking the Leucovorin Calcium. 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 Calcium in more than prescribed doses or for a longer duration as it may cause adverse effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Leucovorin Calcium 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 Calcium may interact with disease conditions, including anaemia, GI toxicity, renal impairment and seizures.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol as it may cause some side effects and make Leucovorin Calcium less effective.
Pregnancy
cautionLeucovorin Calcium 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.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known that Leucovorin Calcium may pass with breast milk. All the benefits and risks should be discussed with your doctor before taking Leucovorin Calcium.
Driving
safeLeucovorin Calcium does not affect the ability to drive.
Liver
cautionLeucovorin Calcium 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.
Kidney
cautionLeucovorin Calcium 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.
Children
safe if prescribedLeucovorin Calcium is generally safe for use in children. However, if you have concerns, please consult 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 fit disorder, as Leucovorin Calcium 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, 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.
FAQs
Leucovorin Calcium is used to treat Overdose of methotrexate and Prevention of harmful effects of methotrexate.
Leucovorin Calcium contains leucovorin. Leucovorin Calcium works by preventing healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate (cancer medicines) while accepting it to enter and kill the cancer cells.
Leucovorin Calcium 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.
Leucovorin Calcium 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.
Leucovorin Calcium 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 Leucovorin Calcium 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 Leucovorin Calcium. 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 Leucovorin Calcium, 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 Leucovorin Calcium 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.
