We all know that cancer treatment is a very complex and difficult experience. Some of the drugs given during this treatment (chemotherapy) destroy cancer cells in our body, but they can also have some effect on healthy cells. So, there are special drugs that are given to reduce those adverse effects, or to make cancer treatment more successful. Today we are talking about one such important vaccine, namely Levoleucovorin.
What is this medicine used for?
Simply put, this Levoleucovorin vaccine is used for two main purposes.
1. Reduce the adverse effects of anti-cancer drugs:
Imagine, when you give a powerful anti-cancer drug like methotrexate, it can damage not only the cancer cells, but also our good cells. So this drug called levoleucovorin is meant to protect those good cells. It's like a "rescue mission" for the good cells that are about to be damaged. This can greatly reduce the side effects of cancer treatment.
2. Increase the success of cancer treatments:
Another major use is to treat colon cancer in combination with a drug called 5- fluorouracil (5-FU). Here, a drug called levoleucovorin enhances the cancer-killing ability of 5-FU. In other words, the two drugs work together as a team to fight cancer more effectively.
Doctors may prescribe this medicine for other conditions besides those mentioned above. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor.
What should I tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
Before you start this treatment, it is very important to inform the medical team about some facts about your health condition.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to levoleucovorin, leucovorin, folic acid, or any other medicine, food, or dye .
- Anemia caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency: If you have this type of anemia, tell your doctor, as this medication may make it difficult to diagnose the condition.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Be open with your doctor about whether you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding . Treatment decisions at this time are made with your and your baby's safety in mind.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. This is an injection into a vein . It is given by a trained health care professional in a hospital or clinic. So you have nothing to worry about.
Do you give this medicine to children?
Yes, in some selected cases, this medicine can be prescribed to children over 6 years of age. But it is done with special care. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your pediatrician about it carefully and find out the details.
What do you do if the dose is too high?
Since this is administered under medical supervision in a hospital, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
What if I miss a dose?
It is very important to take your dose on time during this treatment. If you are unable to come to your treatment on the scheduled day, be sure to call your doctor or clinic and let them know.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Levoleucovorin can interact with some other medications you are taking, which may change the results of your treatment or increase side effects.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fluoropyrimidines (anticancer drugs) | 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine |
| Phenobarbital (for seizures ) | Phenobarbital |
| Phenytoin (for seizures ) | Phenytoin |
| Primidone (for seizures ) | Primidone |
| Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (antibiotic) | Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole |
This list is not complete. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you use (prescribed and over-the-counter), herbs, and dietary supplements you take . Also, don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol, as these things can affect your treatment.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them.
| Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Things like skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Feeling like it's hard to breathe. |
| Diarrhea | Severe or persistent diarrhea. |
| Mouth sores | Painful sores inside the mouth. |
| Seizures | A sudden seizure. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Nausea and vomiting | This is a common occurrence in many cancer treatments. But if you can't control it, tell your doctor . |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, please contact your doctor for medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Levoleucovorin is an important vaccine given to reduce the side effects of cancer treatments and increase the success of some treatments.
- It is very important to tell your doctor about your allergies, other medical conditions, and all medications you are taking before taking this medicine.
- This is a vaccine given in a hospital. If you are unable to attend the treatment on the scheduled day, be sure to inform the doctor .
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, mouth sores, or seizures.
- Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have. They are there to help you.
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