Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is very important that you take leucovorin exactly as directed , especially when it is being taken to counteract the harmful effects of cancer medicine. Do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times day and night. For example, if you are to take 4 doses a day, the doses should be spaced about 6 hours apart. If this interferes with your sleep or other daily activities, or if you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your health care professional.

Do not stop taking leucovorin without checking with your doctor. It is very important that you get exactly the right amount.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For use as an antidote to methotrexate:
    • For oral (tablets) or injection dosage forms:
      • Adults, teenagers, and children—Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor.
  • For use as an antidote to other medicines:
    • For oral (tablets) or injection dosage forms:
      • Adults, teenagers, and children—Dose may range from 0.4 milligrams (mg) to 15 mg a day and must be determined by your doctor.
  • For certain kinds of anemia:
    • For oral (tablets) or injection dosage forms:
      • Adults, teenagers, and children—Up to 1 mg a day.
  • For colon cancer:
    • For injection dosage forms:
      • Adults and teenagers—Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.