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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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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:
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.
Before taking leucovorin,
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Keep leucovorin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Last Revised - 01/01/2003
The MedMaster Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |