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|Leucovorin

Leucovorin

Leucovorin is used for:

Reducing the toxic effects of methotrexate and certain other medicines (folic acid antagonists). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Leucovorin is a folic acid derivative. Methotrexate and the folic acid antagonists block the body"s production of folate. Leucovorin works by replacing folate in the body.

Do NOT use Leucovorin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Leucovorin
• you have pernicious anemia or other anemia due to low blood levels of vitamin B₁₂

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Leucovorin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Leucovorin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have blood problems (eg, anemia)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Leucovorin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Fluorouracil because side effects and toxicity, including inflammation of the mouth or severe diarrhea, may be increased by Leucovorin
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole because effectiveness may be decreased by Leucovorin
• Phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidone because effectiveness may be decreased by this medicine and seizure frequency may increase in some children

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Leucovorin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Leucovorin :

Use Leucovorin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Leucovorin may be taken with or without food.
• Do not miss any dose of Leucovorin . If you miss a dose of Leucovorin or vomit after taking a dose, contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Leucovorin .

Important safety information:

• LAB TESTS, including blood methotrexate levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using Leucovorin during pregnancy. It is unknown if Leucovorin is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Leucovorin , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Leucovorin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with Leucovorin . Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fainting; seizures.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Store Leucovorin at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Leucovorin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Leucovorin , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Leucovorin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Leucovorin . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.