Leucovorin for Anemia - Drug Information

Generic Name - Leucovorin calcium

Category - Antianemic drug

Indications

Anemia.
Leucovorin is a form of folic acid. Folic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is important for the formation of red and white blood cells. Leucovorin can also treat certain kinds of anemia (low blood counts).

Leucovorin Contraindications and Drug Interactions

Leucovorin is contraindicated in patients, who are hypersensitive to this drug, medications that belong to this class of drugs or had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
Leucovorin should not be taken by patients who have a history of the following ailment conditions.

Pernicious anemia or any other type of anemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency.

There are a number of medications that interact with Leucovorin. It is important to take the doctor's counsel if you are taking any of the following.

Barbiturate medicines
Phenytoin
Phenobarbital
Pyrimethamine

Leucovorin Dosage

The following information just highlights the general average dosage of Leucovorin
The usual recommended dosage of Leucovorin for colorectal cancer is either 200 mg/m2 by slow IV over a minimum of 3 min followed by 5-FU, 370 mg/m2 IV or 20 mg/m2 IV followed by 5-FU, 425 mg/m2 IV. Treatment is repeated daily for 5 days with the 5-day treatment course repeated at 28-day intervals for two courses and then repeated at 4- to 5-week intervals as long as the client has recovered from the toxic effects.

Leucovorin Adverse Effects

Some of the most serious Leucovorin side Effects include an allergic reaction, vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth sores and seizures or fainting.

This is not a complete list of all Side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Leucovorin.

Leucovorin and Pregnancy

Use of Leucovorin in pregnant women have not been studied. Do talk to your doctor before using Leucovorin if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Leucovorin and Breastfeeding

Studies do not indicate whether Leucovorin passes into the breast milk. However, it has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Leucovorin and Pediatric

The safety and effectiveness of Leucovorin in pediatric patients have not been established.

Leucovorin and Geriatric

In the absence of specific information comparing use of Leucovorin in the elderly with use in other age groups, it is recommended to consult your doctor and seek medical opinion.

Note

The above information about Leucovorin serves as an information resource only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the counsel of your doctor, physician or pharmacist before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing therapy.