|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (loo
koe VOR
in) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Wellcovorin® |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Antidote; Vitamin, Water Soluble |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
If you have an allergy to leucovorin or any other part of this
medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you have anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12
. |
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine may decrease the side effects of certain medicines.
This medicine is used to treat anemia caused by a lack of folic acid.
This medicine is used with trimetrexate glucuronate to prevent side
effects.
This medicine is used with fluorouracil to increase activity against
colorectal cancer. |
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
Leucovorin may be given a short time after methotrexate to decrease
the damage done to healthy cells.
It does not change the effectiveness of antibiotics, but does
decrease the side effects some may cause on healthy human
cells. |
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes
an upset stomach.
This medicine may be given as a shot. |
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses. |
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding. |
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Allergic reactions can rarely occur. |
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Follow up with healthcare provider. |
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store at room temperature.
Protect from light.
Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or
kitchen. |
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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|
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|
