Folinic Acid - Leucovorin Injection
What is this medication?
LEUCOVORIN (loo koe VOR in) prevents side effects from certain medications, such as methotrexate. It works by increasing folate levels. This helps protect healthy cells in your body. It may also be used to treat anemia caused by low levels of folate. It can also be used with fluorouracil, a type of chemotherapy, to treat colorectal cancer. It works by increasing the effects of fluorouracil in the body.
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 B12 in the blood
- An unusual or allergic reaction to leucovorin, folic acid, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is injected into a vein or a muscle. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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?
Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.
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 medication.
This medication may increase the side effects of 5-fluorouracil. Tell your care team 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 care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
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 medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It 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.
Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Folinic Acid
Self-Care Tips:
- If given leucovorin tablets take at evenly spaced intervals around-the-clock.
- Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
- Get plenty of rest
- Maintain good nutrition
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
When to contact your doctor or health care provider:
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, closing up of the throat, swelling of facial features, hives (possible allergic reaction).
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
