CALCIUM FOLINATE

GENERIC NAME(S): LEUCOVORIN CALCIUM

Description: Calcium folinate prevents abnormal production of blood cells and promotes anti-cancer drugs such as fluorouracil.

Uses

This medication treats or prevents serious blood cell disorders (such asthrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia) caused by certain drugs (folic acid antagonists such as methotrexate, trimethoprim, pyrimethamine) and deficiency in folic acid. It may treat patients with colon cancer together with a certain cancer drug (5-fluorouracil).

How to use Calcium Folinate (leucovorin) injection

This medication is given by injection into a vein or a muscle as directed by your doctor, usually every 6 hours or once daily. Do not inject this medication into the spine.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Warnings

Side Effects

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash,itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Precautions

Allergic reaction to this medication.
Patients with medical history of certain anemias (due tovitamin B12 deficiency).
Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery.
Used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.

Do not use medications containing levoleucovorin while using leucovorin.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes: Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, complete blood count, folic acid antagonist blood levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose: For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage: Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Brands:

Available brands

Fresenius Kabi Leucovorin [ Fresenius Kabi ]
Litacor [ Korea United Pharma ]
Lovorin [ Biomedis Oncology ]

Also marketed as

Cafonate [ Naprod ]
Hospira Leucovorin Calcium [ Hospira ]
MPL Coverin [ MPL ]
Rescuvolin [ Teva ]