Leucovorin injection
What is leucovorin injection?
LEUCOVORIN is used to prevent or treat the harmful effects of some medicines. This medicine is used to treat anemia caused by a low amount of folic acid in the body. It is also used with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to treat colon cancer.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
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anemia from low levels of vitamin B-12 in the blood
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an unusual or allergic reaction to leucovorin, folic acid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
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pregnant or trying to get pregnant
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breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a muscle or into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What drug(s) may interact with leucovorin?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking leucovorin?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
This medicine may increase the side effects of 5-fluorouracil, 5-FU. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have diarrhea or mouth sores that do not get better or that get worse.
What side effects may I notice from receiving leucovorin?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
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allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
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breathing problems
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fever, infection
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mouth sores
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unusual bleeding or bruising
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unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
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constipation or diarrhea
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loss of appetite
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nausea, vomiting
Where can I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Leucovorin tablets
What are leucovorin tablets?
LEUCOVORIN (Wellcovorin®) helps to prevent or treat some of the harmful effects of certain medicines, including methotrexate. Leucovorin can also treat certain kinds of anemia (low blood counts). Generic leucovorin tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
anemia from low levels of vitamin B-12 in the blood
-
frequent vomiting and diarrhea
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an unusual or allergic reaction to leucovorin, folic acid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. It is very important to take this medicine exactly how it is prescribed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice even if you feel better.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with leucovorin?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking leucovorin?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. You will need important blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you have nausea or vomiting regularly.
What side effects may I notice from taking leucovorin?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
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allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-
breathing problems
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.