Leucovorin (Systemic)

Brand Names : Wellcovorin, citrovorum factor, folinic acid

Proper Use of This Medicine

It is very important that you take leucovorin exactly as directed , especially when it is being taken to counteract the harmful effects of cancer medicine. Do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times day and night . For example, if you are to take 4 doses a day, the doses should be spaced about 6 hours apart. If this interferes with your sleep or other daily activities, or if you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your health care professional.

Do not stop taking leucovorin without checking with your doctor . It is very important that you get exactly the right amount.

Dosing - The dose of leucovorin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of leucovorin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets or doses of injection that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking leucovorin .

• For use as an antidote to methotrexate:
  • For oral (tablets) or injection dosage forms:
    • Adults, teenagers, and children - Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor.
• For use as an antidote to other medicines:
  • For oral (tablets) or injection dosage forms:
    • Adults, teenagers, and children - Dose may range from 0.4 milligrams (mg) to 15 mg a day and must be determined by your doctor.
• For certain kinds of anemia:
  • For oral (tablets) or injection dosage forms:
    • Adults, teenagers, and children - Up to 1 mg a day.
• For colon cancer:
  • For injection dosage forms:
    • Adults and teenagers - Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of leucovorin or if you vomit shortly after taking a dose, check with your doctor right away . Your doctor may want you to take extra leucovorin to make up for what you missed. Do not take more medicine on your own, however, since it is very important that you receive just the right dose at the right time.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.