Leucorin Tablet (Calcium Leucovorin 15mg): Complete Medicine Guide
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling.
- Seizures or convulsions.
- Severe mouth sores that prevent eating or drinking.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising, such as blood in stool or vomit.
- High fever with chills.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is recovorin 15mg injection used for?
This medicine is a tablet form of calcium leucovorin, used to rescue normal cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate and to enhance the anti-cancer effect of 5-fluorouracil. It is also used for folate deficiency anemia.
- Generic Name: Calcium Leucovorin (15mg)
- Manufacturer: Zydus Cadila
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 recovorin 15mg injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा कैल्शियम ल्यूकोवोरिन की गोली है, जिसे फोलिनिक एसिड भी कहा जाता है। इसका उपयोग मुख्य रूप से कीमोथेरेपी दवाओं जैसे मेथोट्रेक्सेट के दुष्प्रभावों को कम करने के लिए किया जाता है। यह कैंसर के इलाज में 5-फ्लोरोयूरासिल की प्रभावशीलता बढ़ाने के लिए भी दिया जाता है। इसके अलावा, यह फोलेट की कमी से होने वाले एनीमिया के इलाज में भी इस्तेमाल होता है। यह दवा सामान्य कोशिकाओं को बचाने में मदद करती है और डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लेनी चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, पेट खराब, दस्त और भूख में कमी शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों को दाने, खुजली या हल्का बुखार भी हो सकता है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन एलर्जी की प्रतिक्रिया, सांस लेने में कठिनाई, या दौरे पड़ सकते हैं। अगर कोई गंभीर लक्षण दिखे तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। खुराक को कम या ज्यादा न करें। इसे भोजन के साथ या बिना भोजन के लिया जा सकता है, लेकिन भोजन के साथ लेने से पेट की परेशानी कम हो सकती है। इस दवा को लेते समय शराब का सेवन न करें। अगर आप गर्भवती हैं, स्तनपान करा रही हैं, या कोई अन्य दवा ले रही हैं, तो अपने डॉक्टर को बताएं। दवा को बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें और सूखी जगह पर कमरे के तापमान पर रखें।
💊 recovorin 15mg injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Methotrexate rescue therapy","description":"This medicine is used to reduce the toxic effects of high-dose methotrexate on normal cells, especially in cancer treatment.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Colorectal cancer (with 5-fluorouracil)","description":"This medicine is used in combination with 5-fluorouracil to enhance its anti-cancer effect in advanced colorectal cancer.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Folate deficiency anemia","description":"This medicine can be used to treat certain types of anemia caused by folate deficiency when folic acid is not effective.","evidence":"Established"},{"condition":"Leucovorin calcium overdose","description":"This medicine is used as an antidote for accidental overdose of leucovorin calcium or similar medicines.","evidence":"Established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Cerebral folate deficiency syndrome","description":"This medicine may be used off-label to treat a rare condition where folate levels in the brain are low.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Autism spectrum disorder","description":"Some studies have explored the use of this medicine in autism, but evidence is not strong enough for routine use.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Methotrexate toxicity rescue
Also treats: Colorectal cancer, Folate deficiency anemia
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Calcium Leucovorin (15mg) |
| Brand Name | recovorin 15mg injection |
| Manufacturer | Zydus Cadila |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | BLOOD RELATED |
| Action Class | Cytoprotective agents- methotrexate |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight. Store in the original container. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by providing a reduced form of folate that can be used directly by cells. It bypasses the step that is blocked by certain medicines like methotrexate. By doing so, it helps normal cells recover from the effects of these medicines. In cancer treatment with 5-fluorouracil, this medicine stabilizes the binding of the active metabolite of 5-fluorouracil to its target enzyme, thereby increasing its anti-cancer activity.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take recovorin 15mg injection
Strength: Calcium Leucovorin 15 mg immediate-release tablet.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dose of this medicine depends on the condition being treated and the patient's response. For methotrexate rescue, the usual dose is 10 to 15 mg per square meter of body surface area, given every 6 hours for several doses, starting 24 hours after methotrexate. For use with 5-fluorouracil in colorectal cancer, the dose is usually 200 mg per square meter of body surface area, given once daily for 5 days, followed by a rest period. For folate deficiency anemia, the dose is typically 1 mg once daily. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Dose should be individualized by a qualified clinician based on renal and hepatic function. |
| Renal Impairment | In patients with kidney disease, the dose may need to be reduced. Consult your doctor for dose adjustment. |
| Hepatic Impairment | In patients with liver disease, the dose may need to be adjusted. Consult your doctor for dose adjustment. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose depends on the indication and is determined by the doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of recovorin 15mg injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Methotrexate | Major | |
| 5-Fluorouracil | Major | |
| Phenytoin | Major | |
| Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole | Major | |
| Aspirin | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Moderate | |
| Folic acid | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Methotrexate
- 5-Fluorouracil
- Phenytoin
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Aspirin
- Antacids
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach upset, liver problems, and may worsen the side effects of this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity or allergy to calcium leucovorin or any component of the tablet.","Pernicious anemia or other megaloblastic anemias due to vitamin B12 deficiency, because this medicine may mask the anemia while neurological damage progresses.","Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease."]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine should only be used under the supervision of a qualified doctor, usually an oncologist or hematologist.","Do not use this medicine to treat vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, as it can worsen nerve damage.","Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, as dose adjustment may be needed.","Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, phenytoin, and antibiotics.","Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.","If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine.","Keep this medicine out of reach of children.","Do not share this medicine with others, even if they have similar symptoms."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether this medicine is excreted in human breast milk. Because many medicines are excreted in breast milk, caution should be exercised when this medicine is administered to a nursing woman. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
If you take too much of this medicine, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, seizures, and bone marrow suppression. Treatment is supportive and may include hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and monitoring of blood counts. There is no specific antidote for leucovorin overdose, but folinic acid is sometimes used to treat overdoses of other medicines.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without consulting your doctor. This medicine is usually taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine. Avoid alcohol because it may increase the risk of stomach irritation. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. This medicine may interact with other medicines, so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements. Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not use it after the expiry date. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. If you experience any serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Dose should be individualized based on renal and hepatic function. Regular monitoring is recommended.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. This medicine is Pregnancy Category C and should be used only if clearly needed. Use effective contraception during treatment.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you have recently had surgery, inform your doctor before taking this medicine. It may affect wound healing or interact with other medicines. Your doctor will decide if it is safe for you.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. It may increase the risk of bleeding or infection. Your dentist may take precautions.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine may cause dizziness or fatigue in some people. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Mild exercise is generally safe, but consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. It is advisable to take rest if you feel unwell. Most people can continue their normal activities, but listen to your body and consult your doctor if you have concerns.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will decide when to stop based on your condition and response to treatment. If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately; they may adjust the dose or stop the medicine.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine at prescribed doses is generally safe. However, high doses or prolonged use may rarely cause mouth sores, seizures, or bone marrow suppression. Regular monitoring of blood counts and liver function may be required. Consult your doctor for any concerns.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
For folate deficiency anemia, folic acid may be used instead of leucovorin, but it is not effective for methotrexate rescue.
Evidence: Well-establishedA newer form of leucovorin that may be used for similar indications.
Evidence: Established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This medicine may affect your immune system, especially when used with other chemotherapy drugs. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Consult your doctor about vaccination before starting this medicine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label. Bring a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining why you need this medicine. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss or temperature extremes. Store at room temperature and avoid direct sunlight. If crossing time zones, consult your doctor about adjusting the dosing schedule. Check the customs regulations of your destination country regarding prescription medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts working within a few hours when used as a rescue agent after methotrexate. When used with 5-fluorouracil, its effects are seen over days to weeks.
A: Yes, you can take it with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
A: This medicine is Pregnancy Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Consult your doctor.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for recovorin 15mg injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
lucal 15mg injectionCelon Laboratories Ltd ₹95.23 0.4% CHEAPER
-
leucopar 15mg injectionParenteral Drugs India Ltd ₹96.15 0.5% COSTLIER
-
cevoric c 15mg injectionHealth Biotech Limited ₹100.00 4.6% COSTLIER
-
cafonate 15mg injectionMiracalus Pharma Pvt Ltd ₹100.00 4.6% COSTLIER
-
calcium leucovorin 15mg injectionSamarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd ₹100.95 5.6% COSTLIER
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, while folic acid is an oxidized form. They are not the same and cannot be used interchangeably. - Myth: Leucovorin treats cancer directly.
Fact: Leucovorin does not kill cancer cells. It is used to protect normal cells from chemotherapy or to enhance the effect of certain chemotherapy drugs. - Myth: Leucovorin is safe for everyone.
Fact: Leucovorin can cause side effects and is not safe for people with certain conditions, such as vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Calcium leucovorin 15 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Leucorin tablet