Leevarin 15mg Tablet
Active substance: Leucovorin calcium, chemically related to folic acid.
Uses:
- Methotrexate overdose and toxicity.
- Diminish the counter effects of methotrexate.
- Megaloblastic anemia.
Therapeutic effects:
- Leucovorin protects healthy cells from the effects of methotrexate or similar medications.
- It increases the therapeutic effect and toxicity of 5 fluoropyrimidines, such as 5-fluorouracil, by increasing the drug's binding.
Interaction with other drugs:
- Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products.
- Certain medications may interact with the effects of Leevarin 15mg Tablet and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
Safety advices:
- Pregnancy: Inform your physician if you are pregnant, suspect pregnancy, or planning to become pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: Limited information is available on Leevarin 15mg Tablet safety during breastfeeding. Inform your physician if you are planning to breastfeed.
- Lungs: Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
- Liver: Consult your doctor if you have any liver diseases before starting the treatment.
- Alcohol: It is unknown whether it is safe to consume alcohol when taking Leevarin 15mg Tablet. Consult your doctor for more advice.
- Driving: It does not affect the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Leevarin 15mg Tablet, but you may feel dizzy, drowsy, or get blurred vision.
Side effects:
- Common: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, inflamed and sore mouth, tiredness.
- Serious: Allergic reactions.
FAQ:
Why is Leevarin 15mg Tablet given 24 hours after methotrexate? Leevarin 15mg Tablet is usually administered 24 hours after methotrexate so that it does not interfere with the therapeutic effect of methotrexate. It can also be used in methotrexate overdose; it should be administered as soon as possible.
Can Leevarin 15mg Tablet cause swelling? Leevarin 15mg Tablet may cause allergic reactions like rash, low blood pressure, wheezing, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face or throat.
Can Leevarin 15mg Tablet cause seizures? There is no evidence that Leevarin 15mg Tablet causes seizures. But the medicine can affect the effect of seizure medication when administered concurrently. Inform your physician about all the medicines that you are taking, including over-the-counter medications.
How long does it take for Leevarin 15mg Tablet to work? Leevarin 15mg Tablet starts acting on the body within 20-30 minutes of oral intake. However, this might vary with respect to dosage, the patient receiving the drug, and response to treatment.
What measures should be taken to ensure the prompt excretion of methotrexate during treatment with Leevarin 15mg Tablet? A healthcare professional will monitor you during the treatment with this medicine. 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 the 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.
Fact box:
- Molecule name: Leucovorin Calcium
- Therapeutic class: Antineoplastics, Antidote, Rescue agents
- Pharmacological class: Folic acid analogs
- Indications: Methotrexate overdose and toxicity, diminish the counter effects of methotrexate, megaloblastic anemia.