Leucovorin calcium
Leucovorin Calcium
Leucovorin Calcium (pronounced: loo-koh-VOR-in KAL-see-um) is a form of folic acid that is used in combination with certain chemotherapy drugs. It is also known as folinic acid and is used to reduce the side effects of large doses or accidental overdose of methotrexate, a medication used to treat certain types of cancer.
Etymology
The term "Leucovorin" is derived from the Greek words "leukos" meaning white and "voros" meaning devouring. This is in reference to the drug's ability to protect healthy cells from being "devoured" by the toxic effects of methotrexate.
Usage
Leucovorin Calcium is used to protect healthy cells in the body from the effects of methotrexate while allowing it to enter and kill cancer cells. It is also used to enhance the effectiveness of fluorouracil, a drug used in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Related Terms
- Folic Acid: A type of B vitamin that is normally found in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach.
- Methotrexate: A chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, and certain types of leukemia.
- Fluorouracil: A chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Leucovorin calcium
- Wikipedia's article - Leucovorin calcium
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