Leucovorin Calcium (4 brand names, 4 dosage forms, 3 routes)
Available dosage forms: SOLUTION, INJECTABLE, TABLET, FOR SOLUTION.
Routes of administration: INTRAMUSCULAR, INTRAVENOUS, INJECTION, ORAL.
Brand Names
- LEUCOVORIN CALCIUM
- LEUCOVORIN CALCIUM PRESERVATIVE FREE
- VYKOURA
- WELLCOVORIN
Related Health Topics
Indications and Usage
Leucovorin calcium tablets are indicated to diminish the toxicity and counteract the effects of impaired methotrexate elimination and of inadvertent overdosages of folic acid antagonists.
Dosage and Administration
Leucovorin calcium tablets are intended for oral administration. Because absorption is saturable, oral administration of doses greater than 25 mg is not recommended.
Contraindications
Leucovorin is improper therapy for pernicious anemia and other megaloblastic anemias secondary to the lack of vitamin B 12. A hematologic remission may occur while neurologic manifestations continue to progress.
Adverse Reactions
Allergic sensitization, including anaphylactoid reactions and urticaria, has been reported following the administration of both oral and parenteral leucovorin. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Teva at 1-888-838-2872 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions
Folic acid in large amounts may counteract the antiepileptic effect of phenobarbital, phenytoin and primidone, and increase the frequency of seizures in susceptible children. Preliminary animal and human studies have shown that small quantities of systemically administered leucovorin enter CSF primarily as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and, in humans, remain 1 to 3 orders of magnitude lower than usual methotrexate concentrations following intrathecal administration. However, high doses of leucovorin may reduce the efficacy of intrathecally administered methotrexate. Leucovorin may enhance the toxicity of fluorouracil (see WARNINGS ).
Overdosage
Excessive amounts of leucovorin may nullify the chemotherapeutic effect of folic acid antagonists.