What is the drug leucovorin calcium used for?
Leucovorin is used to prevent harmful effects of methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall; cancer chemotherapy medication) when methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer. Leucovorin is also used to treat people who have accidentally received an overdose of methotrexate or similar medications.
What is Wellcovorin used to treat?
This medication is used to treat or prevent serious blood cell disorders (such as thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia) caused by certain drugs (folic acid antagonists such as methotrexate, trimethoprim, pyrimethamine).
What is the mechanism of action of leucovorin?
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Leucovorin is folic acid in its active (reduced) form, so it allows nucleic acid synthesis to proceed even in the presence of methotrexate. Leucovorin can also compete with methotrexate for the same transport processes into the cell.
Why take leucovorin after methotrexate?
Leucovorin is normally started 24 hours after methotrexate is given. This delay gives the methotrexate a chance to exert its anti-cancer effects. Leucovorin is also used by itself to treat certain anemia problems when folic acid deficiency is present.
Is leucovorin calcium a chemo drug?
Leucovorin is not a chemotherapy medication, but is given in conjunction with chemotherapy. Leucovorin can be used with the chemotherapy medication fluorouracil (5-FU). In this case, it is used to enhance the effects of the fluorouracil, in other words, to make the drug work better.
Is leucovorin calcium the same as folic acid?
Leucovorin is also called folinic acid. It’s very similar, but not the same as folic acid. Folic acid is an over-the-counter dietary supplement for low folate levels, whereas leucovorin is only available by prescription, and it treats side effects from methotrexate and other anti-folate medications.
Is folinic acid the same as folic acid?
Folic acid and folinic acid are forms of vitamin B9. The human body needs folate to perform many functions, including cell division, growth, and the production of new red blood cells. Folinic acid is chemically different to folic acid but both work in a similar way.
Can you take folic acid and leucovorin together?
You should not take supplemental folic acid while receiving leucovorin, as this may enhance the effect to an undesirable degree. If you are taking the oral form of leucovorin, it is important to make sure you are taking the correct amount of medication every time.
Is leucovorin calcium chemotherapy?
About: Leucovorin (Calcium Leucovorin, Citrovorum Factor, Folinic Acid) Leucovorin is not a chemotherapy medication, but is given in conjunction with chemotherapy. Leucovorin can be used with the chemotherapy medication fluorouracil (5-FU).
Does leucovorin help clear methotrexate?
Leucovorin is a medication used in the treatment of methotrexate toxicity and chemotherapy regimens. Leucovorin is a folate analog. This activity reviews the indications, action, and contraindications for leucovorin as a valuable agent in the reversal of methotrexate toxicity and as a part of chemotherapy regimens.
Is leucovorin the same as folic acid?