About leucovorin calcium
Folate analogue rescue agent
Used for
- Reduces toxic effects of high-dose methotrexate and certain other folate-blocking medicines.
- Used with fluorouracil to treat colorectal cancer.
- Treats some folate-deficiency megaloblastic anemia when oral treatment is unsuitable.
Usual adult dose
Varies by use. Methotrexate rescue is guided by methotrexate levels and kidney function; cancer regimens use protocol-specific doses.
Usual dose in children
Methotrexate rescue doses are individualized by methotrexate levels, kidney function, and treatment protocol.
Common side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash or itching
- Rare allergic reactions, including severe reactions
Important warnings
- Must not be used to treat pernicious anemia or other vitamin B12-deficiency anemia.
- Methotrexate rescue dosing must follow specialist protocols and laboratory monitoring.
- Can increase fluorouracil toxicity, including severe diarrhea and low blood counts.
- Intrathecal administration is not recommended.
Pregnancy
Use depends on the reason for treatment; fluorouracil combination therapy may harm a fetus. Specialist assessment is needed.
Breastfeeding
Safety depends on the treatment regimen; combination cancer therapy may require avoiding breastfeeding.
Interactions
- Fluorouracil: increases effects and risk of serious toxicity.
- Phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone: may reduce seizure-control medicine levels.
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and other folate antagonists: may alter treatment effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.