Leucovorin is a vitamin-like molecule that is similar to folic acid. It has been around for decades and is still in use. Leucovorin is a chemotherapeutic medicine that is usually used in conjunction with  methotrexate. Leucovorin is not a chemotherapy treatment in and of itself; it is used in conjunction with other chemotherapy drugs to boost anti-cancer effects  or to help prevent or mitigate side effects.

 

Methotrexate’s chemotherapy action is based on its ability to neutralise and compete with folic acid in cancer cells, inducing folic acid shortage and cell death. This activity also affects normal cells, resulting in low white, red, and platelet blood cell counts, hair loss, mouth sores, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea, and damage to the liver, lungs, nerves, and kidneys. The use of Leucovorin, which supplies a source of folic acid for the body’s cells, can either prevent or reduce these methotrexate issues and side effects. Leucovorin is usually begun 24 hours after methotrexate has been administered. This time delay allows methotrexate to work its anti-cancer effects.

 

Leucovorin is also used by itself to treat certain anemia problems when folic acid deficiency is present.