Leucovorin: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

What is leucovorin used for?

Leucovorin is commonly used to reduce toxicity, or potential side effects, after receiving a medicine called methotrexate at high doses. Certain forms of leucovorin are also used to treat colorectal cancer. Leucovorin may also sometimes be used to treat certain types of anemia.

Leucovorin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does leucovorin work (mechanism of action)?

Leucovorin is turned into folic acid in your body. Folic acid can protect your healthy cells from the effects of high-dose methotrexate. When leucovorin is used for cancer, it can make certain chemotherapies work better to target and kill the cancer cells.

How is leucovorin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

Wellcovorin

Dosage forms and strengths

5 mg oral tablets
10 mg oral tablets
15 mg oral tablets
25 mg oral tablets

Leucovorin is also available in injectable forms.

How should I store leucovorin?

Oral Tablet. Leucovorin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place and protect from light.

Injection Liquid. Leucovorin is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of leucovorin?

The most common side effects of leucovorin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Severe allergic reactions (see below)

There may be other side effects of leucovorin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of leucovorin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of leucovorin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Leucovorin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking leucovorin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use leucovorin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take leucovorin.

Leucovorin
Levoleucovorin
Folic acid
Folinic acid
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific leucovorin products they stock.

Anemia. If you have certain types of anemia (low red blood cells), such as pernicious anemia or a megaloblastic anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12, you should not take or use leucovorin. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your blood cell levels before you start leucovorin.

What should I know about leucovorin before using it?

Do not take leucovorin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share leucovorin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep leucovorin out of the reach of children.

Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before and during your treatment with leucovorin. Attend all appointments so that your healthcare provider can make sure leucovorin is safe for you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using leucovorin?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if leucovorin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Leucovorin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using or taking leucovorin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Seizures. Leucovorin may make seizure medicines less effective and can increase the risk of seizures in certain children. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had a seizure. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how leucovorin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if leucovorin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does leucovorin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between leucovorin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect leucovorin.

Does leucovorin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using or taking leucovorin.

Phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidone, which is a medicine commonly used to prevent seizures
5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which is a chemotherapy that is used to treat certain cancers
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, which is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with leucovorin. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Leucovorin interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much leucovorin?

If you or someone else has used too much leucovorin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of leucovorin?

Oral Tablet. If you miss a dose of leucovorin tablets, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Injection Liquid. Leucovorin injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving leucovorin as scheduled. Make sure to attend all appointments for your leucovorin injection. If you miss an appointment to get your leucovorin dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.