LEUCOVORIN - INJECTION
Phonetic Pronunciation: (lew-ko-VORE-in)
Information last revised November 2010
What does LEUCOVORIN-INJECTION look like?
leucovorin calcium 500 mg/50 mL Injection
leucovorin calcium 350 mg Solution for Injection
leucovorin calcium 100 mg Solution for Injection
leucovorin calcium 50 mg Solution for Injection
leucovorin calcium 350 mg Solution for Injection
leucovorin calcium 200 mg Solution for Injection
leucovorin calcium 350 mg Solution for Injection
leucovorin calcium 350 mg Solution for Injection
leucovorin calcium 100 mg Solution for Injection
Uses:
This medication is used to treat or prevent serious blood cell disorders (such as thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia) caused by certain drugs (folic acid antagonists such as methotrexate, trimethoprim, pyrimethamine). It may also be used with a certain cancer drug (5-fluorouracil) to treat patients with colon cancer. Leucovorin may also be used to treat a certain type of anemia (due to folic acid deficiency) when folic acid cannot be taken by mouth.
Missed Dose
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
How To Use
This medication is given by injection into a vein or a muscle by a health care professional. It is usually given every 6 hours or once daily or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain drugs to treat seizures (phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone).
Notes
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, complete blood count, folic acid antagonist blood levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Precautions
Before using leucovorin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain anemias (due to vitamin B12 deficiency). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.
Side Effects
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
