Leucovorin, also known as folinic acid, is a medication related to folic acid that is used in several medical treatments. It is often given with certain chemotherapy drugs to lower their toxic effects on healthy cells. It can also help boost the action of other medications, making treatment more effective.
This drug is well studied in cancer therapy, especially colorectal cancer, where it is combined with medicines like methotrexate or fluorouracil. Leucovorin provides healthy cells with a form of folate that bypasses the blockade caused by these drugs, protecting them from damage. Beyond cancer, researchers are also studying its potential role in neurological conditions, including autism spectrum disorder.
Leucovorin is available in both tablet and injectable forms, making it flexible for different treatment needs. The correct dose and method of use depend on the condition being treated and must be guided by a healthcare professional. Its safety and effectiveness have been confirmed through many clinical studies.
Health benefits
The main health benefits and indications for leucovorin are:
1. Reduces methotrexate toxicity
Leucovorin is widely used to reduce the harmful effects of methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug that blocks folate metabolism. It gives healthy cells an alternate source of folate, protecting them from damage.
2. Enhances colorectal cancer treatment
When combined with fluorouracil, leucovorin helps the drug bind more effectively to cancer cells. This makes chemotherapy more successful in treating colorectal cancer.
3. Supports autism spectrum disorder treatment
Some studies suggest leucovorin may improve communication and behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder, especially in those with folate metabolism issues.
Also recommended: Autism Symptoms: 8 Signs in Babies, Children, Teens & Adults tuasaude.com/en/autism-symptoms4. Helps manage folate deficiency and metabolism disorders
Leucovorin can correct low folate levels more efficiently than folic acid in certain cases. This makes it useful for people with metabolic disorders linked to folate.
Recommended daily dose
There is no single standard daily dose for leucovorin, since it varies depending on the condition being treated. In cancer therapy, doses often range from 10 mg/m² to several hundred milligrams, depending on the chemotherapy plan. For methotrexate rescue, the dose is carefully timed and repeated until methotrexate levels in the blood are safe.
In neurological and metabolic conditions, smaller oral doses are usually prescribed. In some studies of children with autism spectrum disorder, doses ranged from 1 to 2 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into smaller amounts. All dosing must be supervised and adjusted by a healthcare provider.
How to take it
Leucovorin can be taken by mouth as a tablet or given by injection into a vein, muscle, or under the skin. Oral tablets are typically available in strengths of 5, 10, 15, and 25 mg. Injectable solutions are mainly used in hospitals, especially when high doses or quick action are required.
The method of use depends on the treatment plan. In chemotherapy, injections are usually preferred because of the precise dosing required. For long-term management of folate metabolism disorders or neurological conditions, oral tablets are more common.
Possible side effects
Leucovorin is usually well tolerated, but some side effects may occur. The most common are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth sores.
Allergic reactions, such as rash or difficulty breathing, are less common but possible. When leucovorin is combined with chemotherapy, some of the side effects may come from the other drugs. In rare cases, high doses can cause seizures, particularly in children with neurological conditions.
Contraindications
Leucovorin should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to folinic acid or any of its ingredients. It should also not be the only treatment for pernicious anemia or other vitamin B12 deficiencies, since it can improve blood results without addressing the underlying problem.
Caution is needed if leucovorin is used with certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, because it may reduce their effectiveness. Its use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should only occur if clearly needed and under medical supervision.