Leucorin 15mg Tablet

About

Leucovorin, also known as folinic acid, is a formyl derivative of tetrahydrofolic acid. It is a metabolically active form of folic acid that does not require reduction by dihydrofolate reductase, making it effective even when this enzyme is inhibited. Leucovorin is primarily used as a "rescue" agent to protect healthy cells from the toxic effects of folic acid antagonists, particularly methotrexate, in cancer chemotherapy. It replenishes folate stores, allowing normal cells to recover while cancer cells, which accumulate methotrexate, are still affected. Additionally, it is used in combination with fluorouracil to enhance its cytotoxic effects in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Its mechanism in this context involves stabilizing the binding of fluorouracil's active metabolite to thymidylate synthase, thereby prolonging enzyme inhibition and improving therapeutic efficacy.

Uses

• Rescue therapy after high-dose methotrexate treatment.
• Potentiation of fluorouracil in colorectal cancer.
• Treatment of megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency.
• Antidote to other folic acid antagonists (e.g., pyrimethamine, trimethoprim).

Directions For Use

Take this medicine as directed by your physician. Do not alter the dose or stop treatment without consulting your doctor.

Benefits

• Reduces toxicity of methotrexate to healthy cells.
• Enhances efficacy of fluorouracil in cancer treatment.
• Treats certain types of anemia.
• Provides essential folate support.
• Improves patient tolerance to chemotherapy.
• Offers a critical rescue option in oncology.

Side Effects

• Allergic reactions (rare)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomatitis (mouth sores)
• Fever
• Rash
• Itching
• Insomnia
• Agitation
• Depression
• Seizures (rare)

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - No specific interaction with alcohol is known, but it's generally advisable to limit alcohol intake during medical treatment.
• Pregnancy - Leucovorin should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the risks, as its effects on fetal development are not fully established.
• Breastfeeding - Exercise caution when Leucovorin is administered to a breastfeeding woman, as it is unknown if it is excreted in human milk.
• Liver - No specific dose adjustment is typically required for patients with liver conditions, but caution is advised in severe hepatic impairment.
• Kidney - Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with severe renal impairment, especially when used as methotrexate rescue.
• Lung - No specific precautions or dose adjustments are generally needed for patients with pre-existing lung conditions.

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