UNIFOLIN 15 Tablet 10's

Introduction About UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET

UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET contains Leucovorin Calcium, which belongs to the group of medicines called Folic acid analogs. UNIFOLIN 15 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. UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET is generally not recommended for use in patients with pernicious anaemia or other megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

UNIFOLIN 15 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 UNIFOLIN 15 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 UNIFOLIN 15 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 UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET

Take UNIFOLIN 15 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 UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

UNIFOLIN 15 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 UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET.

Breastfeeding

Use with Caution

UNIFOLIN 15 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 UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

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

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take UNIFOLIN 15 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 UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Contact your physician if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Synopsis

More Information

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

FAQs About UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET

Q: What is UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET used for?

A: UNIFOLIN 15 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 UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET to manage folic acid deficiency caused by other medicines?

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

Q: Can I take UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET while breastfeeding?

A: UNIFOLIN 15 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 UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET.

Q: When UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET is not recommended?

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

Q: Is UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET a chemo drug?

A: UNIFOLIN 15 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 UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET cause serious side effects?

A: UNIFOLIN 15 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 UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET and contact your physician immediately if you experience the following effects.

Q: Should UNIFOLIN 15 TABLET be taken with food?

A: Take UNIFOLIN 15 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)