Leucovorin calcium, a derivative of the vitamin, folic acid, is an adjunctive drug (called an adjunct) used to complement the chemotherapy regimen. Technically, leucovorin is not a chemotherapy drugs, because leucovorin does not attack the cancer itself. However, leucovorin is considered part of the treatment, because it: has the following beneficial effects:
• Enhances the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and 5-FU-related chemotherapy drugs
• Reduces the toxic effects of folate antagonist types of chemotherapy drugs
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