Leucovorin Side Effects
Please note - some side effects for Leucovorin may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).
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For the consumer For the professional
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Side Effects of Leucovorin - for the consumer
Leucovorin
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with Leucovorin . Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Leucovorin:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fainting; seizures.
Leucovorin Powder
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with Leucovorin Powder. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Leucovorin Powder:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fainting; seizures.
Leucovorin Solution
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with Leucovorin Solution. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Leucovorin Solution:
TopSevere allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fainting; seizures.
For the professional
Leucovorin
Allergic sensitization, including anaphylactoid reactions and urticaria, has been reported following the administration of both oral and parenteral Leucovorin.
TopLeucovorin Injection
Allergic sensitization, including anaphylactoid reactions and urticaria, has been reported following the administration of both oral and parenteral Leucovorin. No other adverse reactions have been attributed to the use of Leucovorin per se.
The following table summarizes significant adverse events occurring in 316 patients treated with the Leucovorin/5-fluorouracil combinations compared against 70 patients treated with 5-fluorouracil alone for advanced colorectal carcinoma. These data are taken from the Mayo/NCCTG large multicenter prospective trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of the combination regimen.
| (High LV*) /5-FU | (Low LV†) /5-FU | 5-FU Alone | ||||
| (N=155) | (N=161) | (N=70) | ||||
| Any‡ | Grade 3+ § | Any‡ | Grade 3+§ | Any‡ | Grade 3+ § | |
| (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | |
| Leukopenia | 69 | 14 | 83 | 23 | 93 | 48 |
| Thrombocytopenia | 8 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 18 | 3 |
| Infection | 8 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 2 |
| Nausea | 74 | 10 | 80 | 9 | 60 | 6 |
| Vomiting | 46 | 8 | 44 | 9 | 40 | 7 |
| Diarrhea | 66 | 18 | 67 | 14 | 43 | 11 |
| Stomatitis | 75 | 27 | 84 | 29 | 59 | 16 |
| Constipation | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | - |
| Lethargy/Malaise/Fatigue | 13 | 3 | 12 | 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Alopecia | 42 | 5 | 43 | 6 | 37 | 7 |
| Dermatitis | 21 | 2 | 25 | 1 | 13 | - |
| Anorexia | 14 | 1 | 22 | 4 | 14 | - |
| Hospitalization for Toxicity | 5% | 15% | 7% | |||
Leucovorin Tablets
Allergic sensitization, including anaphylactoid reactions and urticaria, has been reported following the administration of both oral and parenteral Leucovorin.
TopMore resources:
Leucovorin - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
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