Leucovorin is a medication that acts the same way in the body as folic acid. Leucovorin is used to reduce the folic-acid-lowering side effects of Methotrexate because it is not affected by methotrexate in the same way that folic acid is.
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Pfizer
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When used in combination with fluorouracil for Colon Cancer, leucovorin is injected into a vein through a specially prepared site on your skin. In this case, leucovorin is always given under the supervision of a doctor familiar with the use of cancer chemotherapy. It is always given under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.
The recommended dose for this treatment depends on body size. The treatment is often given once a day for 5 days, just before injection with fluorouracil. This treatment can be repeated every 28 days, depending on response to the therapy.
To prevent methotrexate side effects or to treat overdose, leucovorin can either be given as intravenous (into the vein) or intramuscular (into the muscle) injections. The dose is based on body size and is started between 6 and 24 hours of the start of the methotrexate dose. Leucovorin is given every 6 hours until the blood level of methotrexate is in an acceptable range.
For treatment of megaloblastic anemia due to folic acid deficiency, the dose of leucovorin is based on need as determined by your doctor. Taking leucovorin by mouth is preferred over an injectable form; however, if vomiting prevents enough of the medication from being absorbed, an injectable form may be used.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, body size, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
For the oral (by mouth) form of leucovorin, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium) in a dry place and away from heat and light. Keep Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium) out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium) with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
When used for cancer treatment:
Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium).
Each tablet contains 5 mg of leucovorin as leucovorin calcium. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, and starch pregelatinized 1,500.
Do not take leucovorin if you:
There may be an interaction between leucovorin and any of the following:
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, decongestants, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium).
Seizures: Leucovorin can decrease the amount of certain seizure medications in the body. As a result, people who take medication for seizures may be at an increased risk of seizures when using leucovorin. If you have seizures or a history of seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Although leucovorin is considered safe when used during pregnancy, there have not been adequate studies of its use by pregnant women. Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium) have not been established for children. Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium) should only be used for children under the guidance of a doctor who is familiar with the treatment of childhood cancers or blood diseases.
Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience severe side effects with Lederle Leucovorin (Leucovorin-calcium).
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