Leutero 50mg Injection
Manufacturer
Hetero Drugs Ltd
Salt Composition
Calcium Leucovorin (50mg)
Key Information
Short Description
Leutero 50mg Injection is used to prevent the harmful effects of methotrexate (anticancer medicine) and to treat overdose of methotrexate.
Dosage Form
Injection
Introduction
Leutero 50mg 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
Leutero 50mg 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
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 Leutero 50mg Injection may counteract the antiepileptic effects.
Frequently asked questions
What is Leutero 50mg Injection used for?
Leutero 50mg Injection is used to prevent harmful effects of methotrexate (a cancer chemotherapy medication) when methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer. Leutero 50mg Injection is also used to treat people who have accidentally received an overdose of methotrexate or similar medications. It is also used for the treatment of megaloblastic anemia due to folic acid deficiency and when oral therapy is not feasible.
What is megaloblastic anemia?
Anemia is a blood disorder where the number of red blood cells (RBCs) that carry oxygen is lower than usual. This results in your tissues and organs receiving less oxygen. Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by very large RBCs and a decrease in the number of these cells. It is usually caused by vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency. How long does Leutero 50mg Injection take to work?
How long does it take for Leutero 50mg Injection to work?
Leutero 50mg Injection starts working on the body within 5 minutes of administration. However, this effect might vary based on dosage, the patient receiving the drug, and how their body responds to treatment.
What are some laboratory tests conducted before or during Leutero 50mg Injection treatment?
Your doctor will order blood tests to check your serum methotrexate concentration (if you're receiving methotrexate chemotherapy or have an overdose) to determine the optimal dose and duration of Leutero 50mg Injection. You will also be given a complete blood count to monitor the number of red blood cells (in case of megaloblastic anemia). Along with these, your calcium levels will also be monitored to prevent hypercalcemia (excess calcium) since Leutero 50mg Injection contains calcium.
What measures should be taken to ensure the prompt excretion of methotrexate during treatment with Leutero 50mg Injection?
Maintain urine output greater than 2,500 mL/24 hours in adults by increasing oral or intravenous fluids for 12 hours before and for 36 hours after the end of the methotrexate infusion. Monitor urinary pH to increase it above 7.0 before the methotrexate infusion. Foods, drinks, and drugs that may increase urinary acidity should be avoided during treatment. Finally, blood methotrexate concentration must be measured at least 24, 48, and 72 hours after the initiation of the methotrexate infusion.
