Applies to leucovorin: powder for solution, solution, tablet.
Serious side effects of Leucovorin
Along with its needed effects, leucovorin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking leucovorin:
Rare
- Skin rash, hives, or itching
- wheezing
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking leucovorin:
Rare
- reported with use in treatment of cancer- Convulsions (seizures)
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to leucovorin: compounding powder, injectable powder for injection, injectable solution, oral tablet.
General
Adverse events attributed to use of leucovorin/folinic acid by itself include allergic sensitization, including anaphylactoid reactions and urticaria; gastrointestinal and hematologic adverse events were common when used with fluorouracil.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Stomatitis (75%, when used with fluorouracil), nausea (74%, when used with fluorouracil), diarrhea (66%, when used with fluorouracil), vomiting (46%, when used with fluorouracil), dehydration (when used with fluorouracil)
Common (1% to 10%): Constipation (when used with fluorouracil)
Rare (less than 0.1%): Gastrointestinal disorders (after high doses)
Frequency not reported: Mucositis (when used with fluorouracil), cheilitis (when used with fluorouracil)[Ref]
When used with fluorouracil, diarrhea and dehydration have resulted in hospital admission and death.[Ref]
Hematologic
Very common (10% or more): Leucopenia (69%, when used with fluorouracil)
Common (1% to 10%): Thrombocytopenia (when used with fluorouracil)[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Allergic reactions (sensitization, including anaphylactoid reactions, shock, and urticaria)
Frequency not reported: Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (in combination with other agents)[Ref]
Dermatologic
Very common (10% or more): Alopecia (42%, when used with fluorouracil), dermatitis (21%, when used with fluorouracil)
Frequency not reported: Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (when used with fluorouracil)[Ref]
Other
Very common (10% or more): Lethargy/malaise/fatigue (13%, when used with fluorouracil)
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pyrexial reactions (following parenteral administration)[Ref]
Metabolic
Very common (10% or more): Anorexia (14%, when used with fluorouracil)
Frequency not reported: Hyperammonemia (when used with fluorouracil)
Immunologic
Common (1% to 10%): Infection (when used with fluorouracil)[Ref]
Nervous system
Rare (less than 0.1%): Increase in the frequency of attacks in epileptics, seizures, syncope[Ref]
Psychiatric
Rare (less than 0.1%): Insomnia, agitation, depression[Ref]
