Contains the active substance Leucovorin calcium, chemically related to folic acid.
Belongs to the class of folic acid analogs.
Uses:
To prevent the harmful effects of methotrexate when treating certain types of cancer.
To treat people who have accidentally overdosed on methotrexate or similar medications.
Used with other anticancer medications to treat colorectal cancer.
Treats anemia caused by low levels of folic acid in the body.
Contraindications:
Do not take if you are allergic to Leucovorin calcium, calcium folinate, or any other ingredients of this medicine.
Do not take if you have certain types of anemia (pernicious anemia or megaloblastic anemia) where vitamin B12 is deficient.
Inform your physician if you have anemia, kidney, heart, or liver problems.
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 Leucokast 50mg Injection and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
Storage:
Store Leucokast 50mg 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 to you.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease condition, severity, and other factors.
The medicine is administered either intravenously (into your vein) or intramuscularly (into your muscle) based on your disease condition.
Safety advices:
Pregnancy: there is a limited number of studies on the safety of Leucokast 50mg Injection during pregnancy, and it is unknown whether the medicine can be given during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: limited information is available on Leucokast 50mg Injection safety during breastfeeding.
Lungs: it is unknown whether Leucokast 50mg Injection can be used in patients with lung disorders.
Liver: it is unknown whether Leucokast 50mg Injection can be used in patients with liver disorders.
Alcohol: it is unknown whether it is safe to consume alcohol when taking Leucokast 50mg Injection.
Driving: it does not affect the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Leucokast 50mg Injection.
Side effects:
Common: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, inflamed and sore mouth, tiredness.
Serious: allergic reactions.
FAQs:
Q 1. Why is Leucokast 50mg Injection given 24 hours after methotrexate?
Leucokast 50mg 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.
Q 2. Can Leucokast 50mg Injection cause swelling?
Leucokast 50mg Injection may cause allergic reactions like rash, low blood pressure, wheezing, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face or throat.
Q 3. Can Leucokast 50mg Injection cause seizures?
There is no evidence that Leucokast 50mg Injection causes seizures. But the medicine can affect the effect of seizure medication when administered concurrently.
Q 4. How long does it take for Leucokast 50mg Injection to work?
Leucokast 50mg 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.
Q 5. What measures should be taken to ensure the prompt excretion of methotrexate during treatment with Leucokast 50mg 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.
