Calcium Leucovorin
Introduction To Calcium Leucovorin
Calcium Leucovorin is used to prevent the harmful effects of methotrexate (anticancer medicine). It is also used to treat overdose of methotrexate.
Calcium Leucovorin is given as a slow injection into veins under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects.
Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness) are common side effects of this medicine. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells and serum methotrexate concentration in blood.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if have seizures, liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using, especially phenytoin for your seizures. To make sure it is safe for you, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
Uses of Calcium Leucovorin
- Prevention of Harmful effects of methotrexate
Benefits of Calcium Leucovorin
Prevention of Harmful effects of methotrexate
Calcium Leucovorin helps protect the body cells against the harmful effects of
methotrexate, an anti-cancer medicine. It is a form of vitamin B that is given
after 24 hours of methotrexate administration. This makes sure that
methotrexate has achieved its anti-cancer effects and also, Calcium Leucovorin will
prevent the other side effects such as anemia.
Side effects of Calcium Leucovorin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Prevorine
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
How to use Calcium Leucovorin
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Calcium Leucovorin works
Calcium Leucovorin is a form of vitamin B. It works by protecting healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate (anticancer medicine) while allowing it to enter and kill the cancer cells.
Quick tips
- You have been prescribed Calcium Leucovorin to reduce the side effects of the medicine methotrexate.
- Take it 24 hours after taking methotrexate. If taken at the same time, it may counteract the effect of methotrexate.
- Inform your doctor if you are also taking certain medications such as phenytoin for your seizures as Calcium Leucovorin may counteract the antiepileptic effects.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Calcium Leucovorin if I’m pregnant?
Calcium Leucovorin may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Calcium Leucovorin if I’m breastfeeding?
Information regarding the use of Calcium Leucovorin during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Calcium Leucovorin safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Calcium Leucovorin. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Calcium Leucovorin?
Calcium Leucovorin does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Calcium Leucovorin if I have/had kidney diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Calcium Leucovorin in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Calcium Leucovorin if I have/had liver diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Calcium Leucovorin in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Calcium Leucovorin used for?
Calcium Leucovorin is used to prevent harmful effects of methotrexate (cancer chemotherapy medication) when methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer. Calcium Leucovorin is also used to treat people who have accidentally received an overdose of methotrexate or similar medications. It is also used for the treatment of megaloblastic anemia due to folic acid deficiency and when oral therapy is not feasible.
Q. What is megaloblastic anemia?
Anemia is a blood disorder in which the number of red blood cells (RBCs) that carry oxygen is lower than usual. As a result, your tissues and organs don’t get enough oxygen. Megaloblastic anemia is a form of anemia characterized by very large red blood cells and a decrease in the number of those cells. Usually, megaloblastic anemia is due to vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency. How long does it take for Calcium Leucovorin to work?
Q. How long does it take for Calcium Leucovorin to work?
Calcium Leucovorin starts acting on the body within 5 minutes of administration. However, this might vary with respect to dosage, the patient receiving the drug, and response to treatment.
Q. What are some of the laboratory tests conducted before or during the treatment with Calcium Leucovorin?
Your doctor will prescribe blood tests to check your levels of serum methotrexate concentration (in case of methotrexate chemotherapy or overdose) to determine the optimal dose and duration of treatment with Calcium Leucovorin. You will also be prescribed a complete blood count to monitor the number of red blood cells (in case of megaloblastic anemia). Along with this, your calcium levels will also be monitored in order to prevent hypercalcemia (excess calcium) since Calcium Leucovorin contains calcium.
Q. What measures should be taken to ensure the prompt excretion of methotrexate during treatment with Calcium Leucovorin?
Maintenance of urine output above 2,500 mL/24hr in adults by increasing oral or intravenous fluids 12 hours before and for 36 hours after the end of methotrexate infusion. To monitor alkalinization of urine (this enhances drug excretion) so that the urinary pH is greater than 7.0 before methotrexate infusion. Foods, drinks, and drugs that may increase urinary acidity should be avoided during the therapy. Finally, blood methotrexate concentration should be measured at least 24, 48, and 72 hours after the initiation of the methotrexate infusion.
References
[Levoleucovorin. Parsippany, New Jersey: Actavis Pharma; 1952 [revised Sep. 2016]. Accessed 26 Mar. 2019 Available from:](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/208723s000lbl.pdf)
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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