es lc injection - Calcium Leucovorin (50mg) medicine

Biovorin 50mg Injection (Calcium Leucovorin): Complete Medicine Guide

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🏭 Esperer Bioresearch Pvt Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Oct 18, 2026
📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Well-established for methotrexate rescue and colorectal cancer; limited for other uses.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Oct 18, 2026
🩺
Medically Fact-Checked & Clinically Verified by SaathiMed Clinical Review Board
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Severe abdominal pain or bloody diarrhea
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Fever, chills, or sore throat
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Decreased urine output

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is es lc injection used for?

This medicine is a folate analog used to rescue normal cells after high-dose methotrexate therapy and to enhance the effects of fluorouracil in colorectal cancer. It is given by injection under medical supervision.

  • Generic Name: Calcium Leucovorin (50mg)
  • Manufacturer: Esperer Bioresearch Pvt Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 es lc injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा कैल्शियम ल्यूकोवोरिन का इंजेक्शन है, जिसका उपयोग मेथोट्रेक्सेट के उच्च खुराक के बाद होने वाले विषाक्तता से बचाने के लिए किया जाता है। यह कोलोरेक्टल कैंसर में फ्लोरोयूरासिल की प्रभावशीलता बढ़ाने के लिए भी दी जाती है। यह फोलेट की कमी के इलाज में भी उपयोगी है जब मुंह से दवा नहीं ली जा सकती। यह दवा डॉक्टर द्वारा इंजेक्शन के रूप में दी जाती है।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, पेट दर्द, दस्त और थकान शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं लेकिन एलर्जी, दौरे, और रक्त कोशिकाओं की कमी हो सकती है। किसी भी असामान्य लक्षण पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल डॉक्टर की देखरेख में दी जानी चाहिए। अपने डॉक्टर को सभी दवाओं के बारे में बताएं, खासकर मेथोट्रेक्सेट और फ्लोरोयूरासिल। इलाज के दौरान शराब से बचें। नियमित रूप से रक्त की जांच कराएं। गर्भवती या स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाएं डॉक्टर से सलाह लें।

💡 Did You Know? India has the highest number of USFDA-compliant plants outside the USA.

💊 es lc injection Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Methotrexate rescue","description":"Used after high-dose methotrexate therapy to prevent toxicity to normal cells, especially in bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Colorectal cancer","description":"Used in combination with fluorouracil to enhance its anticancer effect in advanced colorectal cancer.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Folate deficiency","description":"Treats folate deficiency when oral administration is not feasible, such as in severe malabsorption.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Toxicity from folate antagonists","description":"May be used to rescue from toxicity caused by other folate antagonists like trimethoprim or pyrimethamine.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Cerebral folate deficiency","description":"Sometimes used off-label to treat cerebral folate deficiency syndromes, though evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Autism spectrum disorder","description":"Investigational use for autism with cerebral folate deficiency, but not standard.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Methotrexate toxicity

Also treats: Colorectal cancer, Folate deficiency

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Calcium Leucovorin (50mg)
Brand Namees lc injection
ManufacturerEsperer Bioresearch Pvt Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassBLOOD RELATED
Action ClassCytoprotective agents- methotrexate
Route of AdministrationParenteral (intramuscular or intravenous)
StorageStore at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineNot established from the available information.
ICMR GuidelineNot established from the available information.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Administer leucovorin only after methotrexate has been cleared from the body to avoid reducing its efficacy.
2
Monitor methotrexate levels closely to determine the appropriate dose and duration of leucovorin rescue.
3
Ensure adequate hydration during treatment to promote renal excretion of methotrexate and leucovorin.
4
Watch for signs of allergic reactions and have emergency equipment ready.
5
Adjust dose in patients with renal impairment based on creatinine clearance.
6
Educate patients about the importance of follow-up blood tests.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Methotrexate toxicity
This medicine is used as a rescue agent after high-dose methotrexate.
Likely Use
✅
Colorectal cancer
Used in combination with fluorouracil for treatment.
Likely Use
✅
Folate deficiency
Used when oral therapy is not possible.
Likely Use
❌
Fever
This medicine is not a primary fever reducer.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionFollowing intramuscular or intravenous administration, calcium leucovorin is rapidly and completely absorbed. Intramuscular injection provides peak serum levels within 10 to 30 minutes. Intravenous administration results in even faster availability.
DistributionLeucovorin distributes widely into body tissues, including the cerebrospinal fluid. It is actively transported into cells and converted to polyglutamated forms that are retained intracellularly.
Protein BindingNot established from the available information.
MetabolismCalcium leucovorin is metabolized in the liver and other tissues to its active reduced folate forms, primarily 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and other polyglutamates. It undergoes enterohepatic circulation.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of leucovorin is approximately 6 hours for the parent compound, but active metabolites may have longer half-lives.
ExcretionLeucovorin and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine, with some excretion in the feces via bile.
BioavailabilityIntramuscular administration has a bioavailability of approximately 100%, similar to intravenous administration.
Onset of ActionThe onset of action is rapid, within minutes to hours after injection, as it immediately provides reduced folates to cells.
Peak Plasma TimePeak plasma levels are achieved within 10 to 30 minutes after intramuscular injection and immediately after intravenous injection.
Duration of ActionThe duration of action depends on the clinical context. For methotrexate rescue, repeated doses are given over 2 to 3 days. The effects of a single dose last for several hours.

How It Works

Calcium leucovorin is a reduced form of folate that enters cells via the reduced folate carrier and is converted to other active folate cofactors. It bypasses the dihydrofolate reductase step that is blocked by methotrexate, thereby replenishing tetrahydrofolate pools needed for thymidylate and purine synthesis. This rescues normal cells from methotrexate-induced toxicity. In combination with fluorouracil, leucovorin stabilizes the ternary complex of thymidylate synthase and fluorodeoxyuridylate, enhancing inhibition of DNA synthesis in cancer cells.

Mechanism Steps

1
Cellular uptake: Calcium leucovorin is transported into cells via the reduced folate carrier system.
2
Conversion to active folates: Inside cells, it is converted to various polyglutamated forms of tetrahydrofolate, which serve as cofactors in one-carbon transfer reactions.
3
Rescue from methotrexate: These reduced folates bypass the dihydrofolate reductase step inhibited by methotrexate, allowing normal DNA and RNA synthesis to continue in healthy cells.
4
Enhancement of fluorouracil: Leucovorin metabolites stabilize the binding of fluorodeoxyuridylate to thymidylate synthase, prolonging inhibition of this enzyme and enhancing fluorouracil's anticancer activity.

💡 How to Take es lc injection

Strength: 50 mg injection

1This medicine is given by a healthcare professional as an injection into a vein or muscle.
2You do not need to do anything to prepare for the injection.
3Follow your doctor's instructions regarding monitoring and follow-up appointments.
4Report any side effects to your doctor immediately.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe dose of this medicine is highly individualized and depends on the indication, patient's condition, and response to therapy. For methotrexate rescue, typical doses range from 10 to 25 mg per square meter of body surface area, given every 6 hours for several doses. For colorectal cancer, doses vary widely. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may have reduced renal function; dose should be adjusted accordingly. Use with caution and monitor renal function.
Renal ImpairmentDose adjustment may be necessary in patients with renal impairment. Consult a clinician for specific guidance.
Hepatic ImpairmentNo specific dose adjustment is established for hepatic impairment. Use with caution and monitor liver function.
Maximum Daily DoseNot established from the available information. Doses are individualized based on indication and patient factors.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
No specific restriction
This medicine is given by injection, so food timing does not affect it.
Alcohol
Avoid
May increase risk of liver toxicity and interfere with folate metabolism.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of es lc injection

✅ Common Side Effects

Nausea (Common (1-10%))
Usually resolves on its own. If persistent, consult your doctor.
Vomiting (Common (1-10%))
Stay hydrated. Inform your doctor if vomiting is severe or persistent.
Abdominal pain (Common (1-10%))
Report to your doctor if pain is severe or does not go away.
Diarrhea (Common (1-10%))
Drink plenty of fluids. Consult doctor if diarrhea is severe or bloody.
Fatigue (Common (1-10%))
Rest and inform your doctor if it interferes with daily activities.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Anaphylaxis (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, or a drop in blood pressure.
Seizures (Rare (<0.1%))
Call emergency services if a seizure occurs. Inform your doctor if you have a history of seizures.
Severe bone marrow suppression (Rare (<0.1%))
Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, or signs of infection such as fever or sore throat immediately.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Hypersensitivity reactions
Seek medical attention if you develop a rash, itching, or swelling.
Elevated liver enzymes
Your doctor will monitor liver function. Report any yellowing of skin or eyes.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Methotrexate Major
Fluorouracil Major
Phenytoin Moderate
Trimethoprim Moderate
Pyrimethamine Moderate
Sulfasalazine Moderate
Anticonvulsants Moderate
Folic acid Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Methotrexate
  • Fluorouracil
  • Phenytoin
  • Trimethoprim
  • Pyrimethamine

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Sulfasalazine
  • Anticonvulsants

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol may exacerbate the side effects of this medicine and increase the risk of liver toxicity. It is advisable to avoid alcohol during treatment.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Hypersensitivity to leucovorin or any component of the formulation","Pernicious anemia or other megaloblastic anemias due to vitamin B12 deficiency (leucovorin may mask hematologic signs)","Concurrent use with methotrexate for cancer treatment without proper protocol"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Administer only under medical supervision.","Do not use for anemia unless folate deficiency is confirmed.","May interact with methotrexate and fluorouracil; use with caution.","Monitor for allergic reactions.","Use with caution in patients with seizure disorders.","Renal impairment may require dose adjustment.","Safety and effectiveness in children have not been fully established for all indications."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

It is not known whether leucovorin is excreted in human breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

💊 Overdose Management

There is no specific antidote for leucovorin overdose. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. In case of overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

⏰ Missed Dose

Since this medicine is administered by a healthcare professional, missed doses are unlikely. If you miss an appointment for your injection, contact your doctor to reschedule as soon as possible.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

This medicine must be administered by a healthcare professional. Do not attempt to self-administer. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially methotrexate, fluorouracil, and other chemotherapy agents. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts, kidney function, and liver function regularly. Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may increase the risk of liver problems. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medicine may interact with certain seizure medications, so inform your neurologist if you are on such drugs. Keep all appointments for monitoring and follow-up.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may have reduced renal function; dose adjustment may be necessary. Monitor renal function closely.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor. Leucovorin is generally considered safe when used as indicated, but the underlying condition and other medications may affect fertility and pregnancy.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

No specific considerations. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding resumption of medications after surgery.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, especially if you are on chemotherapy, as you may be at increased risk of bleeding or infection.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Maintain a balanced diet rich in folate.
🥗
Stay well hydrated.
😴
Avoid alcohol.
💧
Get adequate rest.
🧘
Follow up regularly with your healthcare provider.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

No specific exercise restrictions, but if you feel fatigued or unwell, avoid strenuous activities until you feel better.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Include leafy green vegetables, legumes, and fortified cereals.
Avoid alcohol.
Stay hydrated.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause fatigue or dizziness in some patients. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience these effects.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. The duration of treatment is determined by your condition and response to therapy.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term effects are not well established for leucovorin itself, as it is typically used for short courses. However, in patients receiving repeated doses, monitoring of blood counts, renal and hepatic function is advised. There is no known risk of cumulative toxicity.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Oral leucovorin

May be used when oral administration is feasible, but bioavailability may vary.

Evidence: Well-established
Folic acid supplementation

Used for folate deficiency but not for methotrexate rescue.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

No specific interactions with vaccines are established. However, live vaccines should be avoided during chemotherapy due to immunosuppression.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (20-25°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not freeze

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Protect from light

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

Carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label. Bring a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining the medical need. Keep it in a cool, dry place, and avoid extreme temperatures. If traveling across time zones, consult your doctor about adjusting the dosing schedule. Check customs regulations for carrying injectable medications.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 55-year-old man with colorectal cancer receiving fluorouracil and leucovorin.
He experienced nausea and fatigue after the first cycle but these were managed with anti-nausea medications. His tumor markers decreased significantly after three cycles. He emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and reporting side effects promptly.
💡 Lesson: Leucovorin enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy but requires careful monitoring and management of side effects.
👤 A 30-year-old woman with osteosarcoma receiving high-dose methotrexate.
She received leucovorin rescue after each methotrexate infusion. Her methotrexate levels were monitored daily, and leucovorin doses were adjusted accordingly. She did not experience severe toxicity and completed her treatment successfully.
💡 Lesson: Timely and appropriately dosed leucovorin rescue is crucial to prevent methotrexate toxicity and allow completion of therapy.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: This medicine acts rapidly after injection, within minutes to hours, to provide reduced folates to cells.

Q: What should I avoid while taking this medicine?

A: Avoid alcohol and inform your doctor about all other medications, especially methotrexate and fluorouracil.

Q: Is this medicine safe during pregnancy?

A: Consult your doctor. It is used only if clearly needed.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my kidney function?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

🔄 Substitutes for es lc injection

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: Leucovorin is the same as folic acid.
    Fact: Leucovorin is a reduced form of folate and is not the same as folic acid. It is used for specific medical indications and not as a routine supplement.
  • Myth: Leucovorin can be taken orally for all conditions.
    Fact: This medicine is given by injection for certain conditions. Oral forms exist but are used differently.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Calcium leucovorin injection

Brand Alternatives

  • Biovorin 50mg injection

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Calcium leucovorin","composition":"Calcium leucovorin","strength":"50mg","form":"Injection","route":"Parenteral","uses":"Methotrexate rescue, colorectal cancer, folate deficiency"},{"medicine":"Folic acid","composition":"Folic acid","strength":"Varies","form":"Tablet","route":"Oral","uses":"Folate deficiency, pregnancy supplementation"}]

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