Calcium Leucovorin

Calcium Leucovorin has a few names by which it is often referred to like Leucovorin, Citrovorum Factor and Folinic Acid. Leucovorin is folic acid but in a reduced form and it is used both as a single drug treatment as well as a combination drug treatment to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and is referred to as chemoprotectant.

It is used as a combination drug along with fluoruracil in the treatment of head and neck cancers, colon and rectal cancers, gastrointestinal cancers and esophageal cancers. Effectively used as an antidote against chemo drugs like methotrexate and is also used to treat megaloblastic anemia where there is a deficiency of folic acid.

How is this drug administered?

It is injected into the vein through intravenous IV, in some cases orally in tablet form and also as an injection directly into the muscles. The amount of drug administered as well as the mode depends upon other body factors like the type of cancer, stage, body structure etc.

What are the side effects?

Side effects by this drug as such are not there but there is certain side effect which is due to the other combination drug used in the treatment of cancer. When leucovorin is given in combination of 5-FU the side effects are more severe than when administered with methotrexate. There are some allergic reactions like rashes, itching, nausea, vomiting etc which are some common side effects that are attributed to the treatment of all cancer drugs.

You need to consult your doctor if any of the following side effects persists for more than a day: breathlessness, wheezing, swelling of the facial muscles, hives etc.

Precautions that you need to take:

Your doctor should have a complete knowledge about the medications that you are presently on, you also need to get his approval before any immunization or vaccination, avoid pregnancy, breast feeding and also you need to let him know about any impending pregnancy.

Self care methods:

If you are taking leucovorin in tablet form you need to keep enough space between each dose, increase water or fluid intake until and unless you are advised against so, take plenty of rest, follow a proper hygiene and a nutritious diet, a regular blood test will ensure the proper functioning of the internal organs.

How does leucovorin work?

This is a compound which is structured similarly to the folic acid and this is a vitamin. This is a combination drug therapy and used in combination of fluorouracil and methotrexate. Its main function is to enhance the effect of the other drugs that are used to treat various types of cancer.

When administered singly it stays in the body only for a short duration but when used as a combination drug it helps create an enzyme binding with the cancerous cells and induces self destruction. When used with methotrexate it not only destroys the cancerous cells but also destroys the normal cells that surround these cancerous cells. Leucovorin is administered after 24 hours of administering methotrexate to minimize the side effects of this drug.