Leucovorin-calcium

When used in combination with fluorouracil for Colon Cancer, leucovorin is injected into a vein through a specially prepared site on your skin. In this case, leucovorin is always given under the supervision of a doctor familiar with the use of cancer chemotherapy. It is always given under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.

The recommended dose for this treatment depends on body size. The treatment is often given once a day for 5 days, just before injection with fluorouracil. This treatment can be repeated every 28 days, depending on response to the therapy.

To prevent methotrexate side effects or to treat overdose, leucovorin can either be given as intravenous (into the vein) or intramuscular (into the muscle) injections. The dose is based on body size and is started between 6 and 24 hours of the start of the methotrexate dose. Leucovorin is given every 6 hours until the blood level of methotrexate is in an acceptable range.

For treatment of megaloblastic anemia due to folic acid deficiency, the dose of leucovorin is based on need as determined by your doctor. Taking leucovorin by mouth is preferred over an injectable form; however, if vomiting prevents enough of the medication from being absorbed, an injectable form may be used.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, body size, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

For the oral (by mouth) form of leucovorin, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium) in a dry place and away from heat and light. Keep Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium) out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause spots or redness of the skin; it may cause stinging or itching. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each mL of clear, almost-colourless-to-yellow solution contains leucovorin 10 mg (as the calcium salt). Nonmedicinal ingredients: sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and water for injection.

Do not take leucovorin if you:

• are allergic to leucovorin calcium or any ingredients of the medication
• have Pernicious Anemia, megaloblastic anemia, or any other anemia that is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency

There may be an interaction between leucovorin and any of the following:

• Capecitabine
• cotrimoxazole
• fluorouracil
• fosphenytoin
• methotrexate
• Phenobarbital (when leucovorin is used in high doses)
• Phenytoin (when leucovorin is used in high doses)
• primidone (when leucovorin is used in high doses)
• Raltitrexed
• Trimethoprim

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, decongestants, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium).

Seizures: Leucovorin can decrease the amount of certain seizure medications in the body. As a result, people who take medication for seizures may be at an increased risk of seizures when using leucovorin. If you have seizures or a history of seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Although leucovorin is considered safe when used during pregnancy, there have not been adequate studies of its use by pregnant women. Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium) have not been established for children. Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium) should only be used for children under the guidance of a doctor who is familiar with the treatment of childhood cancers or blood diseases.

Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience severe side effects with Leucovorin-Calcium (Leucovorin-calcium).

Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. You should take this medication at approximately the same time each day. This medication may be taken with or without food.