Leucovorin Calcium Injection
Aprazer Healthcare – Leading WHO-GMP certified manufacturer and global exporter of Leucovorin Calcium Injection (Leucokast). High-quality, reliable, affordable medicine.
Available finished formulation under our brand name Leucokast-50.
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Comprehensive Medical Overview
Leucovorin
Classification: Folinic acid derivative
What is Leucovorin?
It is a calcium salt of folinic acid.
It is Vitamin B9 in its reduced form.
It is widely used to reduce methotrexate toxicity.
It is given as an adjuvant with chemotherapy drugs.
Leucokast is a Leucovorin calcium injection, IP 50 mg/ml.
Leucokast, manufactured by Aprazer Healthcare, is a globally prescribed brand.
Aprazer Healthcare is a pharmaceutical manufacturer/exporter.
We are a recognized drug supplier from India.
We supply drugs worldwide.
Our portfolio extends from oncology products to a range of antiviral drugs.
What are Leucovorin injection uses?
It is used as methotrexate rescue therapy to protect healthy cells.
It is used in combination with 5-FU chemotherapy.
How does Leucovorin injection work?
Methotrexate rescue:
Leucovorin bypasses the methotrexate activity of blocking folate synthesis.
It increases folate levels and helps protect healthy cells.
In combination with 5-fluorouracil:
It enhances the action of 5FU.
Leucovorin helps block DNA synthesis.
How is Leucovorin injection administered?
It is administered as -
• Intravenous injection
• Intramuscular injection
It must not be administered intrathecally.
Leucovorin injection side effects –
Leucovorin combined with 5-fluorouracil can increase 5FU toxicity-
• Severe nausea, vomiting
• Severe diarrhea
• Mouth ulcers
• Bone marrow suppression
Side effects when used with methotrexate:
• Mouth sores
• Oral irritation
• Vomiting
• Nausea
Leucovorin drug interactions -
Leucovorin can interact with drugs that are metabolized through the folate pathway.
Fluorouracil (5-FU) – Leucovorin enhances the activity of 5-FU; it may increase toxicity.
Glucarpidase- It is used in methotrexate rescue therapy.
Leucovorin must be given at least 2 hours apart from Glucarpidase.
Certain anticonvulsants– Leucovorin may reduce the efficacy of certain anti-seizure drugs.
Antifolate drugs- The timing of leucovorin injection is crucial.
Leucovorin may lower the efficacy of antifolate drugs.
Precautions with Leucovorin injection-
1. It is administered slowly by IV or IM route.
2. Leucovorin formulation may contain benzyl alcohol; it can cause toxicity in neonates and young infants.
3. It must not be used as a substitute for folinic acid.
4. Timely administration of leucovorin is essential. Incorrect timing may reduce methotrexate efficacy.
5. Methotrexate clearance must be monitored in patients with fluid retention or pleural effusion.
6. Patients with renal impairment or pediatric patients need regular monitoring of organ function.
Leucovorin injection warnings-
Leucovorin in combination with 5-FU may increase the risk of 5-FU toxicity.
It must never be administered intrathecally.
Avoid its use if one has known hypersensitivity to the drug or excipients.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is urine pH monitored during methotrexate rescue therapy?
The urine pH is controlled at 7 or neutral.
A lower urine pH may interfere with methotrexate clearance.
What should be monitored during methotrexate rescue therapy?
• Kidney function
• Plasma concentration of methotrexate
• Urine pH
• Total blood count
• GIT toxicity
Why is it advised not to combine leucovorin and methotrexate injection?
These cannot be mixed or used through the same line.
It may reduce methotrexate efficacy.
Which is the pharmaceutical manufacturer from India?
Aprazer Healthcare manufactures a comprehensive range of drugs.
It is a recognized drug exporter from India.