Leucovorin Calcium |
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Leucovorin Calcium Ingredients: Leucovorin Calcium
Representative Names: Folinic acid, Wellcovorin
Generic Available ? A generic alternative may be available.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. |
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Who is Leucovorin Calcium for ?
Your doctor has ordered the drug
leucovorin to help treat your illness. The drug is given by
injection into a vein or taken by mouth with tablets. This
medication is used:
- to prevent or treat the
toxicities of medications known as folic acid antagonists such
as methotrexate (MTX, Rheumatrex), trimetrexate (Neutrexin),
trimethoprim (Proloprim, Trimpex), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
(Bactrim, Septra), pyrimethamine (Daraprim), and pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine
(Fansider).
- to treat folate-deficient
megaloblastic anemias.
- in combination with fluorouracil
(Adrucil, 5-FU) for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.
this medication is sometimes prescribed
for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Leucovorin is a vitamin derivative. When used in combination with
fluorouracil, it enhances the ability of the chemotherapy to slow or
stop the growth of cancer cells in your body. In diseases where the
amount of folate is low, it can replace the body's supply of the
vitamin. Leucovorin also can prevent or treat the toxicities
associated with a group of drugs known as folate antagonists. The
length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking,
how well your body responds to them, and the type of disease you
have.Leucovorin in combination
with fluorouracil also is used to treat other types of
gastrointestinal cancers. Talk to your doctor about the possible
risks of using this drug for your condition. |
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When should I be careful taking Leucovorin Calcium ?
Before taking leucovorin,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist
if you are allergic to leucovorin or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist
what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking,
including vitamins.
- women who are pregnant or breast-feeding
should tell their doctors before they begin taking this drug.
You should not plan to have children while receiving
chemotherapy or for a while after treatments. (Talk to your
doctor for further details.) Use a reliable method of birth
control to prevent pregnancy.
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Side Effects
If you experience any of the
following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- shortness of breath
- rash
- itching
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