leucovorin (oral and injectable)

(loo koe VOR in)

What is the most important information I should know about leucovorin?

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Take this medication only under the supervision of your doctor.

What is leucovorin?

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Leucovorin is a form of folic acid. Folic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is important for the formation of red and white blood cells. Folic acid is present in many foods such as dried beans, peas, oranges, spinach, and others.

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Leucovorin is used to reduce the side effects of large doses of medications such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex), pyrimethamine (Daraprim), trimethoprim (Trimpex, Proloprim), and others that may reduce the effects of folic acid in the body. Leucovorin may also be used in the treatment of anemia caused by folic acid deficiency and with 5-fluorouracil (Adrucil) in the palliative treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

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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?

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Do not use leucovorin without first talking to your doctor if you have:

anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency;

a history of seizures or central nervous system (CNS) problems (e.g., CNS metastases) that may increase the risk of seizures;

mouth sores (stomatitis or mucositis); or

vomiting or diarrhea.

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You may not be able to take leucovorin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

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Leucovorin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether leucovorin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

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It is not known whether leucovorin passes into breast milk. Do not take leucovorin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take leucovorin?

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Take leucovorin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

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Leucovorin is available as a tablet for oral administration. It is also available as a solution for intravenous (into a vein) or intramuscular (into a muscle) injection by a healthcare provider.

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Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.

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Do not take doses larger than 25 mg by mouth unless your doctor directs otherwise.

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Take leucovorin only under the supervision of your doctor.

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Store oral leucovorin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Notify your doctor if you miss a dose of oral or injectable leucovorin.

What happens if I overdose?

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An overdose of leucovorin is unlikely to threaten life. An overdose of leucovorin may decrease the desired effect of other medications (e.g., folic acid antagonists) you are taking. Call an emergency room or poison control center for advice if an overdose is suspected.

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Symptoms of a leucovorin overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking leucovorin?

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There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of leucovorin?

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Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects during treatment with leucovorin:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth sores;

seizures; or

fainting.

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No other side effects have been reported from the use of leucovorin alone. Notify your doctor if you experience other side effects during treatment with leucovorin.

What other drugs will affect leucovorin?

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Before taking leucovorin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), or ethotoin (Peganone);

phenobarbital (Luminal); or

primidone (Mysoline).

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You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with leucovorin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about leucovorin written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.