Details

Leucovorin is a form of folic acid. Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer. Folic acid is present in many foods such as dried beans, peas, oranges, spinach, and others. Leucovorin is used to reduce the side effects of large doses or accidental overdose of medications that can reduce the effects of folic acid in the body. Leucovorin may also be used to treat anaemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by chemotherapy. Before taking leucovorin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease liver disease or lung disease. Do not take leucovorin if you have anaemia that is caused by a lack of vitamin B12.

Typical Uses

Leucovorin is used to treat or prevent serious blood cell disorders (such as thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anaemia) caused by certain drugs (folic acid antagonists such as methotrexate, trimethoprim, pyrimethamine).

Side Effects

Common side effects of leucovorin may include diarrhoea, severe allergic reactions like rash, hives, itching, and difficulty in breathing or swallowing.

Drug Interactions

• Leucovorin+capecitabine- Products containing folic acid may increase the effects of capecitabine. You may be more likely to develop serious side effects such as anaemia, bleeding problems, infections, and nerve damage when these medications are used together.
• Leucovorin+ceftriaxone- Ceftriaxone and calcium can form crystals when they are mixed together in solution or in the bloodstream. Life-threatening and fatal reactions have occurred when the crystals accumulated in the lung and kidneys of newborns. If you (or your child) require treatment with ceftriaxone and leucovorin by injection directly into the veins, your healthcare providers can help prevent this interaction by taking a few simple precautions.
• Leucovorin+fluorouracil- Products containing folic acid may increase the effects of fluorouracil. You may be more likely to develop serious side effects such as anaemia, bleeding problems, infections, and nerve damage when these medications are used together.
• Leucovorin+trimethoprim- Ask your doctor before using trimethoprim together with leucovorin. Using these medications together has been associated with increased rates of treatment failure. If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use both medications.

Mechanism of action

Leucovorin calcium belongs to the class of medications called as folic acid analogues. It works by protecting healthy cells from the effects of methotrexate, while allowing it to enter and kill cancerous cells.

Pregnancy Category : C