Leucovorin injection

What is this medication?

LEUCOVORIN (loo koe VOR in) 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.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•anemia from low levels of vitamin B-12 in the blood

•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 use this medication?

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.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

•capecitabine

•fluorouracil

•phenobarbital

•phenytoin

•primidone

•trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

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 this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•breathing problems

•fever, infection

•mouth sores

•unusual bleeding or bruising

•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):

•constipation or diarrhea

•loss of appetite

•nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.