When your doctor tells you about a new medication, especially during something like cancer treatment, it's normal to feel a little scared and curious. "What is this?", "Why am I being given this?", "What will happen to this?" You probably have a lot of questions in your mind. So today we're talking about a vaccine called Leucovorin, which is given to you to help you in times like these. We'll talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.
What exactly is Leucovorin?
Simply put, Leucovorin is a "helper" drug. It's something that's given to help with other treatments, rather than directly curing a disease. It has a few main functions.
1. Protecting healthy cells: Imagine that you are given a very powerful drug like methotrexate for a disease like cancer. While this drug kills cancer cells, it can also damage the good, healthy cells in our body. At that time, this "helper" called Leucovorin comes in and provides a shield-like protection for your healthy cells. It does this by increasing the levels of folate in the body.
2. Treatment of Anemia: Sometimes, when the body lacks the nutrient folate, it causes anemia. This vaccine is also given as a treatment for anemia caused by folate deficiency.
3. Boosting the effectiveness of other cancer drugs: When treating colorectal cancer, another drug called fluorouracil is used. This leucovorin injection boosts the ability of fluorouracil to kill cancer cells. That is, it helps the main drug work better.
So do you understand? This is not directly a cancer treatment (chemotherapy). But it is an adjuvant drug that plays a very important role in cancer treatment and other situations.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important for your doctor to know your complete health history before starting this treatment. This will help you receive the safest treatment possible. So be sure to tell them the following:
- If you have anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency: This is especially important. Leucovorin can suppress some of the symptoms of this B12 deficiency. However, the treatment for it is different. Therefore, if you have such a condition, you should inform your doctor.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to leucovorin, folic acid, any other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: It is essential to talk to your doctor about this as well.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Be sure to inform about this as well.
How will this vaccine be given to you?
This medicine is not something you can take home. It is given to you by a doctor or a trained nurse in a hospital or clinic . This injection is usually given into your vein (intravenous injection) or muscle.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic. But go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Alternatively, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
The medical team will give you the dates and times to receive this vaccine. Do not miss these appointments. If for some urgent reason you cannot go on the scheduled date, call your doctor or clinic immediately and let them know . They will tell you what to do next.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications you are taking may interact with Leucovorin. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. This includes not only medications prescribed by your doctor, but also over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, Ayurvedic, or herbal remedies.
The table below lists some of the main medications that may interact with this medicine.
| Type of medicine | Commonly used situations |
|---|---|
| Capecitabine | An anti-cancer drug |
| Fluorouracil | An anti-cancer drug |
| Phenobarbital | Conditions such as epilepsy |
| Phenytoin | Conditions such as epilepsy |
| Primidone | Conditions such as epilepsy |
| Trimethoprim;sulfamethoxazole | An antibiotic |
Things to be aware of and side effects during treatment
The medical team will carefully monitor your condition throughout the time you are receiving this medicine.
Some side effects may increase, especially if you are given Leucovorin with the cancer medicine fluorouracil. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you develop diarrhea or mouth sores that don't go away or get worse.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | Description |
| Severe Allergic Reactions |
|
This list includes the most common and serious side effects that you may experience. However, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about anything that isn't on this list that you think is unusual. It's important to address any concerns you may have.
Take-Home Message
- Leucovorin is more of an "auxiliary" drug than a drug that directly cures a disease.
- This mainly helps protect healthy cells from powerful anticancer drugs, treat anemia caused by folate deficiency, and speed up the process of other cancer drugs.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your allergies and all other medications you are taking.
- This vaccine is given under medical supervision in a hospital or clinic.
- If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, throat, difficulty breathing, skin rash), seek medical advice immediately.
- Never hesitate to ask your doctor about any questions you have, no matter how small.
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