Contains the active substance Leucovorin calcium, chemically related to folic acid.
Belongs to the class of folic acid analogs.
Uses:
Prevention of harmful effects of methotrexate when treating certain types of cancer.
Treatment of people who have accidentally overdosed on methotrexate or similar medications.
Used with other anticancer medications to treat colorectal cancer.
Treatment of anemia caused by low levels of folic acid in the body.
Important Information:
Do not take if you are allergic to Leucovorin calcium, calcium folinate, or any other ingredients.
Contraindicated in certain types of anemia where vitamin B12 is deficient.
Consult your physician if you have anemia, kidney, heart, or liver problems.
Inform your physician if you are using any medications for treating seizures.
Notify your physician if you experience symptoms such as wheezing, trouble breathing, skin rash, itching or hives, or swelling in the lips, face, or tongue.
Therapeutic Effects:
Counteracts the therapeutic effects of folic acid antagonists such as methotrexate.
Treats anemia by supplying the folic acid needed for red blood cell formation.
Enhances the therapeutic effects of another anticancer medication called 5-fluorouracil in treating colorectal cancer.
Interaction with Other Drugs:
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take.
Certain medications may interact with the effects of Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection and reduce its effectiveness.
Storage:
Store Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C.
Keep the injection away from the reach of children and pets.
Administration:
A trained physician or nurse in cancer chemotherapy will administer the drug.
The medicine is administered either intravenously (into your vein) or intramuscularly (into your muscle) based on your disease condition.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease condition, severity, and other factors.
Safety Advices:
Pregnancy: Limited studies on the safety of Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: Limited information on Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection safety during breastfeeding.
Lungs: Unknown whether Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection can be used in patients with lung disorders.
Liver: Unknown whether Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection can be used in patients with liver disorders.
Alcohol: Unknown whether it is safe to consume alcohol when taking Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection.
Driving: Does not affect the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection.
Side Effects:
Common: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, inflamed and sore mouth, tiredness.
Serious: Allergic reactions.
Word of Advice:
Contact your doctor before taking these medicinal products if you have an intolerance to some sugars.
Inform your doctor if you have vomited immediately after receiving the injection.
Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
FAQs:
Why is Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection given 24 hours after methotrexate?
Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection 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 Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection cause swelling?
Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection may cause allergic reactions like rash, low blood pressure, wheezing, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face or throat.
Can Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection cause seizures?
There is no evidence that Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection causes seizures. But the medicine can affect the effect of seizure medication when administered concurrently. Inform your physician about all your medicines, including over-the-counter medications.
How long does it take for Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection to work?
Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection 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.
What measures should be taken to ensure the prompt excretion of methotrexate during treatment with Lukster 50mg/5ml Injection?
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.
