Leucorin 15mg Tablet 10'S

Introduction About LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET

LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET contains Leucovorin Calcium, which belongs to the group of medicines called Folic acid analogs. LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET is used to increase folic acid levels in the body, whereas methotrexate (medicine) lowers folic acid levels in the body. It is therefore used to counteract this and support the maintenance of folic acid levels. This  is  known  as Leucovorin rescue. This medicine is also used to manage a form of anaemia (megaloblastic) which results from low levels of folic acid.

Your doctor may advise to do routine blood tests to evaluate and monitor your health condition. LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use in patients with pernicious anaemia or other megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET is generally safe medicine to use with no common side effects if taken in the right amount. Contact your doctor if you experience any unusual side effects.

Uses Of LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET

It is used:

• to increase folic acid levels in the body, whereas methotrexate (medicine) lowers folic acid levels in the body. It is therefore used to counteract this and support the maintenance of folic acid levels
• to manage a form of anaemia (megaloblastic) which results from low levels of folic acid

How LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET Works

Leucovorin Calcium is an active metabolite of folic acid and an essential coenzyme for nucleic acid synthesis. It can be used to selectively rescue cells from the adverse effects of methotrexate. Methotrexate inhibits nucleic acid synthesis by blocking the activation of folic acid. Leucovorin is folic acid in its active (reduced) form, so it allows nucleic acid synthesis to proceed even in the presence of methotrexate.

How to use LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET

Take LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and duration for you.

Side Effects Of LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET should be used with caution during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as it is not known whether it may cause harm to the unborn baby. Contact your doctor before taking LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET.

Breastfeeding

Use with Caution

LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. It is not known whether the medicine is excreted through breast milk. Contact your doctor before taking LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET does not affect your ability to drive or operate a machine.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Leucovorin calcium or have an intolerance to lactose or other ingredients in this medicine.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Tell your doctor if you have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, vitamin supplements, herbal products or the following:

• antibiotics (used to manage bacterial infections) ex. chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
• antiepileptics (used to manage epilepsy) ex. phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidone
• fluorouracil (used for cancer)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else have accidentally taken too much of LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Contact your physician if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET out of the sight and reach from children
• Store LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET below 25°C

FAQs About LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET

Q: What is LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET used for?

A: LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET is used to increase folic acid levels in the body, whereas methotrexate (medicine) lowers folic acid levels in the body. It is therefore used to counteract this and support the maintenance of folic acid levels. This  is  known  as Leucovorin rescue. This medicine is also used to manage a form of anaemia (megaloblastic) which results from low levels of folic acid.

Q: Can I take LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET to manage folic acid deficiency caused by other medicines?

A: LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET is an active form of folic acid. It can be used to manage methotrexate's harmful effects (which reduce folic acid levels). LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET increases folic acid levels. It is used to reverse this and help to maintain folic acid levels.

Q: Can I take LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET while breastfeeding?

A: LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET should be used with caution by breastfeeding women. It is not known whether the medicine is excreted through breast milk. Contact your doctor before taking LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET.

Q: When LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET is not recommended?

A: LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use in patients with pernicious anaemia or other megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.

Q: Is LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET a chemo drug?

A: LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET is not a chemotherapy medication, but it is given in conjunction with chemotherapy medications such as fluorouracil (5-FU) to enhance the effects of fluorouracil and to make the medicine work better.

Q: Can LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET cause serious side effects?

A: LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET may cause serious side effects such as swelling of the face, eyelids, and lips, causing sudden wheezing, difficulty in breathing, and rash or itching over the entire body. Stop taking LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET and contact your physician immediately if you experience the following effects.

Q: Should LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET be taken with food?

A: Take LEUCORIN 15MG TABLET with or without food, as advised by your physician. Depending on your age, body weight, and disease state, your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and duration for you.

References

1. Robert J. Kizior, Keith J. Hodgson. Leucovorin. Saunders Nursing Drug handbook 2021. 29th edition. 2021. Page-681.

2. Hegde VS, Nagalli S. Leucovorin. National Institute of Health. NLM. National centre for biotechnology information. Stat Pearls. January 2022. [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553114/

3. Orion Corporation. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in May 2020] [Accessed on 10th August 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1369.pdf

4. West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. Leucovorin calcium. [Revised in October 2020] [Accessed on 10th August 2022] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=33663425-4731-4977-9127-9e59b6b91497&type=pdf

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin Screening
• Vitamin Basic Package

Author Details

Written By Dr. Janet.C - Pharm.D

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Rajnikant - MBBS, MD (Physiology)

Last updated on 24 Feb 2024 | 10:22 PM(IST)