Leucovorin Tablet 15mg

About Leucovorin Tablet 15mg

Leucovorin Tablet 15mg Uses

• Reduces the toxic effects of high dose methotrexate during cancer chemotherapy, a use known as leucovorin rescue.
• Used alongside fluorouracil to improve treatment response in colorectal cancer.
• Treats megaloblastic anemia caused by folate deficiency when folic acid alone is not suitable.
• Given as part of combination chemotherapy protocols for osteosarcoma and certain other cancers.

Leucovorin Tablet 15mg Benefits

• Protects healthy cells from the harmful effects of methotrexate, allowing higher chemotherapy doses to be used safely.
• Improves the effectiveness of fluorouracil based chemotherapy regimens.
• Corrects folate deficiency more reliably than folic acid in patients needing rapid replenishment.
• Supports bone marrow recovery during intensive cancer treatment.

What Experts Say

Leucovorin calcium is the reduced, active form of folate, which means the body can use it immediately without needing the enzyme that methotrexate blocks. This is why doctors across Pakistan rely on it as a rescue agent rather than plain folic acid during high dose methotrexate treatment cycles.

Dosing and timing are carefully calculated based on the methotrexate level in the blood, body surface area, and kidney function. Physicians in Pakistan typically start leucovorin rescue within 24 hours of the methotrexate dose and continue dosing every six hours until blood methotrexate levels fall to a safe range.

Regular monitoring of blood counts, kidney function, and methotrexate levels is essential throughout treatment. Oncologists also watch for signs of mucositis, diarrhea, or infection, since these can signal that rescue therapy needs to be adjusted, extended, or given at a higher dose than usual.

Drug Class

• Folate analog and chemotherapy rescue agent

Leucovorin Tablet 15mg formula

• Leucovorin Calcium

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Leucovorin Tablet 15mg?

• Take exactly as prescribed by your oncologist, usually alongside or after a methotrexate dose.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Doses are often given at specific timed intervals, so follow your treatment schedule closely.
• Do not skip or delay a dose, since timing affects how well it protects healthy cells from methotrexate toxicity.
• Complete the full course as directed by your treating physician.

Drug Interactions

• Methotrexate: used together intentionally as a rescue agent, but timing must be carefully controlled by the treating doctor.
• Fluorouracil: leucovorin can increase both the effect and the toxicity of fluorouracil.
• Antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin and phenobarbital: leucovorin may reduce their effectiveness.
• Trimethoprim: combining with leucovorin may reduce trimethoprim's effectiveness against certain infections.
• Cotrimoxazole: similar reduced effectiveness has been reported when combined with leucovorin.

Risks and warnings

• Should only be used under direct supervision of an oncologist or physician experienced in chemotherapy protocols.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia may worsen if leucovorin is given without correcting B12 levels first.
• May increase the toxicity of fluorouracil based chemotherapy when combined, requiring close monitoring.
• Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures, since high doses have been linked to increased seizure frequency.
• Not a substitute for proper folate deficiency testing before starting treatment.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use only if clearly advised by their treating doctor.

Leucovorin Tablet 15mg Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores or stomatitis
• Skin rash or itching
• Fever
• Fatigue or general weakness
• Allergic reactions such as swelling or difficulty breathing in rare cases
• Increased risk of seizures at high doses in patients with seizure disorders

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the tablets in their original blister pack until ready to use.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not store in the bathroom or near moisture.
• Dispose of expired or unused tablets safely, do not flush down the toilet.