Sometimes a doctor will give you another medicine along with one medicine, right? The main function of the second medicine is to reduce the damage that the first medicine can do to healthy cells in the body. To be precise, it is just like a protector. Leucovorin is one such special medicine. Perhaps you have been prescribed this medicine too. So let's talk about it in detail, very simply.
What exactly is Leucovorin?
Simply put, leucovorin is a drug that is given to prevent or treat the adverse effects of other drugs, especially powerful drugs such as anticancer drugs, on our bodies.
Think about it, some of the drugs that are given to kill cancer cells (for example, methotrexate) are quite harsh. They can damage not only cancer cells, but also healthy cells that divide rapidly in our body (for example, bone marrow cells, cells that form sores in the mouth). That's when this 'rescue' drug called leucovorin is given. It protects those healthy cells and minimizes the side effects of the strong drug.
That is, rather than a medicine that is given directly to the disease, this is more like a 'helper' medicine that protects you from the side effects of the main medicine.
Apart from this, there are other medical reasons why this medicine is used. Your doctor will explain this to you.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before prescribing leucovorin to you, your doctor will ask you a few questions. At that time, you should definitely tell them about these things, without hiding anything .
- Anemia caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency: If you have anemia caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency, it is important to tell your doctor.
- Frequent vomiting and diarrhea: If you are vomiting frequently or have an upset stomach, let your doctor know, as this may prevent your body from absorbing the medication properly.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to leucovorin, folic acid, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you should definitely tell your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor about this as well.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not, and if so, how to give it.
How should I use this medicine?
How you use this is very important, so follow these instructions carefully.
1. Take the exact dose: Take the exact amount prescribed by your doctor, exactly as prescribed. Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
2. Take it on time: Take the medicine at the right time, at the right intervals. The timing is very important. Because this is used to stop the adverse effects of another medicine, it is essential to take it exactly at the right time.
3. Don't stop: Even if you feel better, don't stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to. Take the full course of treatment.
4. For children: If you are giving this medicine to a child, special care may be needed. Talk to your pediatrician about this.
5. Do not share: This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share this medicine with anyone else.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
Hey, did you forget to take your medicine? Don't worry. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and lifestyle habits (such as smoking and alcohol) you are taking, as some things can interact with this medicine.
| Some drugs that may interact with Leucovorin | |
|---|---|
| Anticancer | Capecitabine, Fluorouracil |
| Medicine for migraine | Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Primidone |
| Some antibiotics | Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole |
| Note: This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. | |
Possible side effects while taking the medicine
While taking this medicine, your doctor will monitor your condition regularly. He or she may also order blood tests. It is very important to get these tests done regularly. Also, tell your doctor if you experience frequent nausea or vomiting.
Although this medication is generally well tolerated, some people may experience side effects.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately! | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, feeling of tightness in the chest. |
| Note: If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well. | |
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep away from children: This is the most important thing. Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Store at room temperature: Store between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius (59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Protect from excessive heat or cold.
- Protect from light and moisture: Do not store medication in areas with high humidity, such as the bathroom.
- Discard expired medication: Check the expiration date on the medication package and safely dispose of expired medication.
Take-Home Message
- Leucovorin is a "protective" or "helper" drug that primarily reduces the damage to healthy cells in the body from other powerful drugs (especially anticancer drugs).
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor clearly about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all other medications you are taking.
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor. Never change the dose or stop treatment midway.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, skin rashes, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else for any reason.
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