Calcium Leucovorin 15mg Injection
Manufacturer
Samarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
Salt Composition
Calcium Leucovorin (15mg)
Key Information
Short Description
Calcium Leucovorin 15mg Injection is used to prevent the harmful effects of methotrexate (anticancer medicine) and treat overdose of methotrexate.
Dosage Form
Injection
Introduction
Calcium Leucovorin 15mg Injection is given as a slow injection into veins under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects.
Directions for Use
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self-administer.
How it works
Calcium Leucovorin 15mg Injection is a form of vitamin B. It works by protecting healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate (anticancer medicine) while allowing it to enter and kill the cancer cells.
Quick Tips
You have been prescribed Calcium Leucovorin 15mg Injection to reduce the side effects of the medicine methotrexate. Take it 24 hours after taking methotrexate. If taken at the same time it may counteract the effect of methotrexate. Inform your doctor if you are also taking certain medications such as phenytoin for your seizures as Calcium Leucovorin 15mg Injection may counteract the antiepileptic effects.
Frequently asked questions
What is Calcium Leucovorin 15mg Injection used for?
Calcium Leucovorin 15mg Injection is used to prevent harm caused by methotrexate when it's used to treat certain types of cancer. It also helps if you've accidentally taken too much methotrexate or similar medications. Additionally, it treats megaloblastic anemia due to a lack of folic acid and can be used if oral treatment isn't feasible.
What is megaloblastic anemia?
Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by very large red blood cells and a decrease in the number of those cells. This usually happens due to a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folic acid.
How long does it take for Calcium Leucovorin 15mg Injection to work?
Calcium Leucovorin 15mg Injection starts working within 5 minutes of administration. However, the effect may vary depending on the dosage, the patient receiving the drug, and their response to treatment.
What laboratory tests are conducted before or during treatment with Calcium Leucovorin 15mg Injection?
Your doctor will perform blood tests to check your levels of serum methotrexate concentration (if you're receiving methotrexate chemotherapy or overdose) and determine the optimal dose and duration of treatment with Calcium Leucovorin 15mg Injection. A complete blood count will also be done to monitor red blood cell numbers, especially if you have megaloblastic anemia. Additionally, your calcium levels will be monitored to prevent hypercalcemia.
What measures should be taken to ensure the prompt excretion of methotrexate during treatment with Calcium Leucovorin 15mg Injection?
To ensure the prompt excretion of methotrexate, it's essential to maintain urine output above 2,500 mL/24hr by increasing oral or intravenous fluids 12 hours before and for 36 hours after the end of methotrexate infusion. Also, monitor alkalinization of urine (to keep it more alkaline) so that the urinary pH is greater than 7.0 before methotrexate infusion. Avoid foods, drinks, and drugs that may increase urinary acidity during therapy. Finally, blood methotrexate concentration should be measured at least 24, 48, and 72 hours after the initiation of the methotrexate infusion.
