While treating some types of cancer with methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall; a chemotherapy drug), leucovorin is used to lessen the adverse effects of the drug. Another usage for leucovorin is to treat patients who unintentionally took too much methotrexate or another similar drug. A group of drugs known as folic acid analogues includes leucovorin. By allowing methotrexate to enter and destroy cancer cells while shielding healthy cells from the side effects of the drug or analogues, it prevents cancer from spreading.

Leucovorin is available as an oral tablet. Unless laboratory tests indicate it is no longer necessary, it is typically taken every 6 hours. Depending on the situation and the requirement for the drug, leucovorin may occasionally be administered at different times. Take leucovorin every day at around the same time(s). Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Just as prescribed, take leucovorin. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before taking leucovorin,

• If you have an allergy to leucovorin, levoleucovorin, folic acid (Folicet, in multivitamins), any other medications, or any of the substances in leucovorin tablets, inform your doctor and pharmacist right away. Get a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products that you are now taking or intend to use. Mention any of the following: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), primidone (Mysoline), and other drugs used to treat seizures (Bactrim, Septra). Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• Inform your physician if you develop anaemia (low red blood cell count) brought on by a shortage of vitamin B12 or a problem with vitamin B12 absorption. Leucovorin won’t be prescribed by your doctor to treat this kind of anaemia.
• Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease or if you have ever experienced an accumulation of fluid in your stomach or chest. If you feel queasy, let your doctor know as well.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking leucovorin.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you recall. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Certain adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if any of these symptoms occur to you:

• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Breathing or swallowing challenges

Further negative effects of leucovorin are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Moreover, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To monitor your body’s reaction to leucovorin, your doctor will request specific lab tests.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.