Leucovorin, also known as folinic acid, is a medication and a form of vitamin B9 (folate). It is used primarily as an antidote to reduce the toxic effects of methotrexate (a chemotherapy drug) and to treat certain types of anemia caused by folate deficiency. Leucovorin acts by restoring folate levels in the body and does not require activation by the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase to be effective. It can be taken orally, injected into a muscle, or intravenously. Recently, leucovorin has gained attention for its potential use in treating symptoms related to autism, particularly for children with cerebral folate deficiency, a condition where there is low folate in the brain despite normal folate levels in the blood. The FDA is updating the drug label to include this new indication, as studies suggest it may improve language and social skills in some children with autism. Leucovorin's medical uses include:
- Reducing toxic effects of high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy.
- Enhancing the effect of other chemotherapy agents like fluorouracil.
- Treating folate deficiency and megaloblastic anemia.
- Potential treatment for cerebral folate deficiency linked to autism.
Leucovorin is considered safe with minimal side effects due to being a water- soluble vitamin derivative, eliminated quickly from the body.
