What is the most important information I should know about leucovorin?
Do not take
leucovorin if you have
anemia that is caused by a lack of
vitamin B12.
Before taking leucovorin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have
kidney, liver, or lung disease.
Before taking leucovorin, tell your doctor if you are using fluorouracil (Adrucil),
phenytoin (Dilantin), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), ethotoin (Peganone), phenobarbital (Luminal,
Solfoton), or primidone (Mysoline).
When treating an accidental overdose, leucovorin should be started as soon as possible for
best effect.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested
often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with leucovorin.
What is leucovorin?
Leucovorin is a form of folic acid. Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new
cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer. Folic acid is present in
many foods such as dried beans, peas, oranges, spinach, and others.
Leucovorin is used to reduce the side effects of large doses or accidental overdose of
medications that can reduce the effects of folic acid in the body. This includes methotrexate
(Rheumatrex), pyrimethamine (Daraprim), trimethoprim (Trimpex, Proloprim), and others.
Leucovorin may also be used to treat anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by
chemotherapy.
Leucovorin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking leucovorin?
Do not take leucovorin if you have anemia that is caused by a lack of vitamin B12.
Before taking leucovorin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to take
leucovorin, or you may need to use an injection form of leucovorin (given through a needle
placed into a vein).
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether leucovorin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take leucovorin?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Take leucovorin with a full
glass of
water.
When treating an accidental overdose, leucovorin should be started as soon as possible for
best effect.
You may also be treated with IV fluids to keep you from getting dehydrated during your
treatment with leucovorin.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested
often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with leucovorin.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you receive this medication in a hospital, it is not likely that you will miss a dose. If
you are taking the medication at home and you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of leucovorin is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. However, an
overdose can make other medications less effective.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
What should I avoid while taking leucovorin?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities unless otherwise directed by
your doctor.
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