LEUCOVORIN

Brand & Generic Names

Citrocovorin Calcium
Citrovorum Factor
Folinic Acid
Wellcoverin

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Antianemic

Uses

• Antidote to folic acid antagonists.
• Treats anemia.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Oral solution--Take after meals with liquid to decrease stomach irritation.
Tablets--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food.

When to take:
At the same time each day, according to instructions on prescription label.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Favors development of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis.

Time lapse before drug works:
20 to 30 minutes.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Unlikely to threaten life. If overdose is suspected, follow instructions below.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Wheezing. Seek emergency treatment immediately.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

None expected.

Rare:

Skin rash, hives.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You have pernicious anemia.
• You have vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have acid urine, acites, dehydration.
• If you have kidney function impairment.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. You may need smaller doses for shorter periods of time.

Pregnancy:
Recommended for treatment of megaloblastic anemia caused by pregnancy.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
May increase frequency of seizures. Avoid if possible.

Prolonged use:
No problems expected.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Anticonvulsants,	Large doses of
barbiturate and	leucovorin may
hydantoin*	counteract the effects of these
	medicines.
Central nervous	High alcohol content
system (CNS)	of leucovorin may
depressants*	cause adverse effects.
Primidone	Large doses of leucovorin may
	counteract the effects of both
	drugs.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Increased adverse reactions of
	both.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Increased adverse reactions of both
	drugs.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Increased adverse reactions of both
	drugs.
Tobacco:	Increased adverse reactions of
	both.