Leucovorin

Common Name: leucovorin calcium

How does Leucovorin work?

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 as folic acid is. It is also used to treat a condition known as megaloblastic anemia, which is an anemia that can be caused by sprue (a condition resulting from reduced absorption of nutrients from the stomach into the bloodstream) and that can occur during pregnancy and infancy. Leucovorin is also used in combination with fluorouracil to treat cancer of the colon. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor.

How should I use Leucovorin?

Leucovorin calcium is available in tablet and injectable form. The recommended dose and dosing schedule varies according to the specific disease being treated, the response to therapy, and the other drugs or treatments being used. 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. The recommended dose for this treatment depends on body size. The treatment is often given once a day for five 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) injection, or be taken by mouth in tablet form (if there is no nausea and vomiting). The dose is based on body size and is given every six hours until the blood level of methotrexate is in 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. Doses of up to 1 mg daily are used for this condition. If you miss a dose of this medicine, or vomit shortly after taking it, check with your doctor right away. Your doctor may want your to repeat the dose or may want you to wait until your next scheduled dose. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, body size, other medical conditions, and other medications. It is very important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed. 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. Store this medication in a dry place and away from heat and light.

What form(s) does Leucovorin come in?

Leucovorin calcium is available as a round, light yellow tablet containing leucovorin 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients include lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, and pregelatinized starch. This product does not contain yeast or tartrazine. Leucovorin calcium is also available as an injectable, and is available in 10 mg per 1 mL solution as well as dry powder forms in various amounts (according to manufacturer) available for dilution with appropriate solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients vary according to manufacturer. If you would like more information about the particular brand you are using, ask your pharmacist.

What should I NOT take with Leucovorin?

Leucovorin should not be used by anyone with: an allergy to leucovorin calcium or any of the ingredients megaloblastic anemia that is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Leucovorin?

Pregnancy: Although leucovorin is not expected to be harmful when used during pregnancy, adequate studies have not been performed with pregnant women. It should be used by pregnant women only when expected benefits outweigh risks. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether leucovorin is excreted in breast milk. It should be used by nursing mothers only if expected benefits outweigh risks.