Uses

What is levoleucovorin used for?

Levoleucovorin is commonly used to reduce toxicity, or potential side effects, after receiving a medicine called methotrexate at high doses. It is also commonly used to treat colorectal cancer.

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

How does levoleucovorin work (mechanism of action)?

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

How is levoleucovorin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Fusilev
  • Khapzory

Levoleucovorin is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store levoleucovorin?

Levoleucovorin 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 levoleucovorin?

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

  • Mouth sores
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea

There may be other side effects of levoleucovorin 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 levoleucovorin?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Levoleucovorin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Tell your healthcare provider 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

High Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia). Levoleucovorin can cause high calcium levels, also called hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can lead to serious problems with your kidneys, heart, or bones. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Peeing frequently
  • Feeling thirsty
  • Tiredness
  • Confusion or dizziness
  • Poor appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Muscle weakness
  • Bone pain
  • Abnormal heart rhythm

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use levoleucovorin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use levoleucovorin.

  • Levoleucovorin
  • Leucovorin
  • Khapzory
  • 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 levoleucovorin products they stock.

What should I know about levoleucovorin before using it?

Levoleucovorin is given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Make sure to attend all appointments for levoleucovorin injection. 

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

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using levoleucovorin?

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 levoleucovorin is right for you.

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

Other Medicines and Supplements. Levoleucovorin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using levoleucovorin, 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. Levoleucovorin 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 levoleucovorin 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 levoleucovorin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does levoleucovorin interact with foods or drinks?

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

 It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect levoleucovorin.

Does levoleucovorin 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 levoleucovorin.

  • 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 levoleucovorin. Always check with your healthcare provider.

 

Does Levoleucovorin interact with other drugs you are taking?
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Overdose/Missed Dose

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

If you or someone else has used too much levoleucovorin, 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 levoleucovorin?

Levoleucovorin is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving levoleucovorin as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your levoleucovorin dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. 

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