Product image of Leucovorin (Folinic Acid) supplied by GNH India

Leucovorin

Active Ingredient:
Folinic Acid
Origin:
EU

Leucovorin (Folinic Acid)

Folinic acid, the active ingredient in Leucovorin, is a folate analog presented as a sterile solution for intramuscular and intravenous use. It provides a reduced form of folate that bypasses dihydrofolate reductase inhibition, restoring nucleotide synthesis in normal cells. Clinically, it is employed as rescue therapy for methotrexate toxicity, as an adjunct in the treatment of selected cancers such as colorectal cancer, and for supplementation in folate deficiency.

GNH India supplies Leucovorin as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier, sourcing the product from EU manufacturers and serving hospitals, oncology centres and pharmacies worldwide.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Teva Pharma B.V.

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Leucovorin is a folate analog used to support folate‑dependent pathways in several clinical situations.

  • Methotrexate toxicity: provides rescue therapy that reduces toxic effects of high‑dose methotrexate.
  • Colorectal cancer (and other selected cancers): acts as an adjunct to enhance the efficacy of fluoropyrimidine‑based chemotherapy.
  • Folate deficiency: supplies folate to correct deficiency and support normal cellular function.

How It Works

  • Leucovorin (folinic acid) is a reduced form of folate that enters cells without requiring reduction by dihydrofolate reductase. Once inside, it is converted to tetrahydrofolate derivatives, restoring folate‑dependent nucleotide synthesis and DNA replication in normal cells. This bypasses the blockade caused by antifolate agents such as methotrexate, allowing rescue of healthy tissue while maintaining the antineoplastic effect of chemotherapy.

Side Effects

Leucovorin may be associated with adverse reactions, which are categorized by frequency.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Mild rash or erythema
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Anaphylactic reaction
  • Severe hypotension
  • Acute renal dysfunction
  • Hepatic toxicity
  • Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Seizures or convulsions

Precautions & Warnings

Leucovorin should be used with appropriate clinical monitoring and handling.

  • Renal function: assess baseline renal status and monitor during therapy.
  • Hepatic function: evaluate liver enzymes before and during treatment.
  • Hypersensitivity: observe for signs of allergic reaction, especially on first administration.
  • Folate metabolism disorders: use with caution in patients with known enzyme deficiencies.
  • Elderly patients: consider reduced physiological reserve and monitor closely.
  • Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze.

Avoid Interactions

Leucovorin can interact with several medicines, requiring attention to avoid reduced efficacy or increased toxicity.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • High‑dose methotrexate: concurrent use may diminish methotrexate’s antitumor activity.
  • Antifolate agents (e.g., pemetrexed): may antagonize therapeutic effect.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • NSAIDs: can affect renal clearance of folinic acid.
  • Trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole: may increase folate antagonism.
  • Phenytoin: may alter folate metabolism, requiring monitoring.
  • Oral contraceptives: folinic acid may affect hormone levels, warranting observation.
  • Vitamin C (high dose): potential reduction of antifolate efficacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Leucovorin (folinic acid) is employed as a rescue agent for methotrexate toxicity, as an adjunct to enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy regimens such as fluoropyrimidines in colorectal and other cancers, and as a supplement to correct folate deficiency in patients requiring increased folate levels.

Folinic acid is a reduced form of folate that bypasses the dihydrofolate reductase step, allowing direct conversion to tetrahydrofolate derivatives. This restores folate‑dependent nucleotide synthesis and DNA replication in normal cells, counteracting the blockade caused by antifolate drugs and supporting cellular growth.

The appropriate dose of Leucovorin is determined by the prescribing clinician based on the specific indication, the patient’s renal and hepatic function, the concurrent chemotherapy regimen, and individual therapeutic response. Dosage is individualized and should follow the prescriber’s order.

Safety data for Leucovorin in pregnancy and lactation are limited, and the product is classified as pregnancy category unknown. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies any potential risk to the fetus or infant, and the decision must be made by the treating physician.

To order Leucovorin, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnhindia.com specifying the required quantity. GNH India works with hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams worldwide, verifies trade or institutional credentials, and then provides pricing, availability, shipping details (including cold‑chain if needed) and any required import documentation.

Leucovorin (folinic acid) is a reduced folate that directly bypasses dihydrofolate reductase inhibition, offering rapid restoration of folate pathways. Compared with other rescue agents such as calcium folinate, it provides similar efficacy but may differ in formulation and stability, making it suitable for both intravenous and intramuscular administration.

Leucovorin should be stored at 2‑8 °C (refrigerated). Keep the product in its original container, protect it from light, and avoid freezing or shaking the solution. Follow any additional handling instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Leucovorin is administered by intramuscular or intravenous injection, as directed by the prescribing clinician. The route, rate of infusion, and timing relative to other chemotherapy agents are determined by the treatment protocol and patient-specific factors.

Serious risks, though uncommon, include anaphylactic reactions, severe hypotension, acute renal or hepatic dysfunction, and rare severe skin reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome. Patients should be monitored for signs of these events, especially during the initial administration.

Leucovorin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to folinic acid or any component of the formulation. Caution is also advised for individuals with severe renal or hepatic impairment, and it should be avoided in situations where it could diminish the intended effect of concurrent antifolate chemotherapy.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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