Drug Detail:Leucovorin (Leucovorin (oral) [ loo-koe-vor-in ])
Generic Name: Leucovorin Tablets [ loo-koe-VOR-in ]
Drug Class: Antidotes
Uses of Leucovorin Tablets:
- It is used with methotrexate to avoid side effects.
- It may lower the side effects of some drugs.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Leucovorin Tablets?
- If you have an allergy to leucovorin or any other part of this medicine (leucovorin tablets).
- If you are allergic to this medicine (leucovorin tablets); any part of this medicine (leucovorin tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12.
- If you have stomach or bowel problems.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (leucovorin tablets).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (leucovorin tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Leucovorin Tablets?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (leucovorin tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- If this medicine (leucovorin tablets) is used with fluorouracil, side effects from fluorouracil may be increased. Problems like diarrhea, mouth irritation, and mouth sores may happen more often, may be worse, and may last longer. Deaths from severe bowel problems, diarrhea, and dehydration have happened in older people getting this medicine (leucovorin tablets) with fluorouracil. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (leucovorin tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (leucovorin tablets) while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
Related/similar drugs
azithromycin, clindamycin, Bactrim, sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim, folic acid, Zithromax, clarithromycinHow is this medicine (Leucovorin Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (leucovorin tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
- Keep taking this medicine (leucovorin tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you miss a dose or throw up after taking a dose, call your doctor right away.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Seizures.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
What are some other side effects of Leucovorin Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Leucovorin Tablets?
- Store at room temperature.
- Protect from light.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (leucovorin tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.