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, inform your doctor 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.
Overdose of methotrexate, Prevention of harmful effects of methotrexate.
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.
Infections
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
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-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.
Avoid intake of alcohol as it may cause some side effects and make the effect of LEUCOVORIN less effective.
LEUCOVORIN should be used in pregnancy only when the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the fetus.
It is not known that LEUCOVORIN may pass with breast milk. Discuss with your doctor about the benefits and risks of using this LEUCOVORIN.
LEUCOVORIN does not show any effect on the ability to drive.
LEUCOVORIN 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.
LEUCOVORIN 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.
LEUCOVORIN is safe in children if prescribed by your doctor.
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.
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.