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Leucovorin Calcium

This page contains brief details about the drug leucovorin calcium, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Leucovorin calcium is a folic acid analog approved for its medical use on December 02, 2002, by US food and drug administration.

Mechanism of Action of Abciximab

Leucovorin calcium counteracts the therapeutic effects of folic acid antagonists such as methotrexate and similar medications by inhibiting the dihydrofolate reductase enzyme. It treats anemia by supplying the folic acid needed for red blood cell formation. It treats colorectal cancer by enhancing the therapeutic effects of another anticancer medication called 5-fluorouracil.

AVAILABLE BRANDS

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Leucorin 15mg Injection
SAMARTH LIFE SCIENCES PVT LTD ₹115.00
Leucovorin Calcium 15mg Injection
FRESENIUS KABI INDIA PVT LTD ₹42.00
Leucovorin Calcium 50mg Injection
FRESENIUS KABI INDIA PVT LTD ₹198.00
Recovorin 50mg Injection
FRESENIUS KABI INDIA PVT LTD ₹248.00

Uses of Leucovorin Calcium

Leucovorin calcium is used to prevent the harmful effects of methotrexate medicine when treating certain types of cancer. It is also used to treat people who have accidentally overdosed on methotrexate medicine or medications that belong to a similar class. It is also used with other anticancer medications to treat colorectal cancer (cancer that begins in the colon or rectum). Other uses include treating anemia caused by low levels of folic acid in the body.

Leucovorin Calcium Drug administaration and Dosage available

Leucovorin calcium is available as injection and tablet. The drug should be administered only by healthcare professionals experienced with cancer chemotherapy. Your physician will determine the dose and frequency of administration based on the type of cancer and severity of the disease. The medicine is administered either intravenously (into your vein) or intramuscularly (into your muscle) based on your disease condition.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of Leucovorin Calcium

Warnings

This drug may cause hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in your blood). Notify your healthcare professional if you face any symptoms during or after the administration of the drug. Inform your physician immediately if you have diarrhea symptoms after administering leucovorin calcium.

Precautions

Inform your physician if you have or ever had liver disease, kidney problems, heart problems, before starting the treatment with this medicine. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, suspect pregnancy, or planning to become pregnant. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to leucovorin calcium, calcium folinate, or any of the other ingredients in it. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with the effects of Leucovorin calcium and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. Especially inform your physician if you are taking medications for seizures.

Side Effects

The common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, inflamed and sore mouth, and tiredness. Serious side effects include allergic reactions like rash, low blood pressure, wheezing, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face or throat.

Word Of Advice

Store leucovorin calcium in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C. Keep the injection away from the reach of children and pets. If you forgot your dosing schedule, inform your healthcare professional immediately and reschedule the dosing. Inform your doctor if you have vomited immediately after receiving the injection. If you accidentally take too much leucovorin calcium, contact your doctor and seek medical advice immediately. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Your physician may advise you to do regular blood tests to monitor your disease condition and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Frequently Asked Question

It is important to get leucovorin calcium at the right time. If you missed your appointment, contact your healthcare provider and schedule your dosing immediately. Keep follow-ups on your next schedule.
Leucovorin calcium is usually administered 24 hours after methotrexate so that it does not interfere with the therapeutic effect of methotrexate. It can also be used in methotrexate overdose; it should be administered as soon as possible.
Leucovorin calcium may cause allergic reactions like rash, low blood pressure, wheezing, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face or throat.
There is no evidence that leucovorin calcium cause seizures. But the medicine can affect the effect of seizure medication when administered concurrently. Inform your physician about all your medicines, including over-the-counter medications.
Leucovorin calcium starts acting on the body within 5 minutes of administration. However, this might vary with respect to dosage, the patient receiving the drug, and response to treatment.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.