Leucovorin injection

What is this medicine?

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.

How should I use this medicine?

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

What may interact with this medicine?

• capecitabine

• fluorouracil

• phenobarbital

• phenytoin

• primidone

• trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

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

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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.