Generic name: leucovorin (injection) [ LOO-koe-VOR-in ]
Dosage form: injectable powder for injection (100 mg; 200 mg; 350 mg; 50 mg; 500 mg)
Drug class:Antidotes
What is leucovorin?
Leucovorin is a form of folic acid (a type of vitamin B). Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes in DNA that may lead to cancer. A lack of folic acid in the body can cause anemia, a decrease in red blood cells that carry oxygen through your blood to your tissues and organs.
Leucovorin is used to treat anemia (low red blood cells) caused by a lack of natural folic acid in the body.
Leucovorin is also used to prevent serious side effects caused by large doses or accidental overdose of medications that can reduce the effects of folic acid in the body. This includes methotrexate, pyrimethamine, and others.
Leucovorin is sometimes used in a chemotherapy combination to lengthen survival time in people with advanced colorectal cancer. Leucovorin does not treat the cancer itself.
Leucovorin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not be treated with leucovorin if you have pernicious anemia or other types of anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with leucovorin if you have pernicious anemia or other types of anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12.
If possible before you rece...
