What is Leucovorin?
Leucovorin, a form of folic acid, is a type of vitamin B. Folic acid is essential for the production and maintenance of new cells in your body. It also prevents DNA changes that could lead to cancer. Folic acid deficiency can lead to anemia. This is a reduction in red blood cell production that carries oxygen throughout your body.Leucovorin can be used to treat anaemia, or low red blood cell counts caused by a lack of folic acids in the body.Leucovorin can also be used to reduce serious side effects that may occur from large doses of medication or an accidental overdose. These medications can reduce the effect of folic acids in the body. This includes pyrimethamine and methotrexate.Leucovorin can be used as part of a chemotherapy regimen to prolong survival in patients with colorectal carcinoma. Leucovorin is not used to treat cancer.Leucovorin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Leucovorin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Leucovorin is generally safe when used alone. Leucovorin can cause some side effects when used in conjunction with fluorouracil.
If you experience:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea;
- Pain or soreness when you eat or swallow;
- A seizure;
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be delayed or discontinued permanently.The risk of serious side effects is higher in older adults, especially those who are obese or malnourished.
Side effects of leucovorin or fluorouracil include:
- Diarrhoea;
- Mouth sores.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for medical guidance on reporting side effects contact 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Azthromycin, clindamycin, Bactrim, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, folic acid, Zithromax, and Clarithromycin
Warnings
Leucovorin should not be used if you suffer from pernicious anaemia or any other type of anaemia that is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12.
Before you take this drug
Leucovorin should not be used if you suffer from pernicious or other anaemias caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
Tell your doctor, if possible, before receiving leucovorin if you:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- If you are dehydrated.
Inform your physician of any medications you are currently taking. Many other drugs can interfere with methotrexate, slowing down the body's ability to eliminate it. Even with leucovorin, this can slow down the rate at which methotrexate leaves your body.Leucovorin is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.Leucovorin is not known to pass into breast milk, or if it can harm a baby who is nursing. You should tell your doctor if your baby is breastfed.It may not be possible in an emergency to inform your carers that you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Be sure to tell any doctor who is caring for you or your baby that you've taken this medication.
How to take Leucovorin?
Leucovorin can be injected either into a muscle or into a vein via an IV. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.Leucovorin is the best treatment for an accidental overdose. It should be administered as soon as possible.Leucovorin should be given every six hours to treat an accidental overdose or to prevent the side effects of high-dose methotrexate and similar medicines.Leucovorin, when used as a chemotherapy drug, is typically given for 5 consecutive days, every 4 or 5 weeks.Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.Your doctor will want to know how long you should be treated with leucovorin by conducting regular medical tests.Leucovorin may be given along with other medications in order to assist your kidneys in removing methotrexate, if necessary. You may be given IV fluids in order to prevent you from becoming dehydrated.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to keep your appointment for leucovorin, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Leucovorin will be administered by a healthcare provider in a medical environment, so an overdose should not occur.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop taking any of your current ones.
- Fluorouracil;
- Sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and bactrim (such as septra, smz, or smx)
- Seizure medicine: phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone.
This list is incomplete. Leucovorin may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
