Levoleucovorin (lee-voe-loo-koe-VOE-rin)

Lessens the toxic effects of methotrexate overdose and after high-dose methotrexate treatment in patients with bone cancer. Also treats colon (bowel) or rectal cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Fusilev, Khapzory

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine together with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the treatment of pneumonia in patients with HIV infection.
• Some medicines can affect how levoleucovorin works. Tell your doctor if you are also using fluorouracil, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidone.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, ascites, dehydration, lung problems (including pleural effusion), stomach or bowel problems, an HIV infection, or high calcium in the blood.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Diarrhea, which may be severe and longer than usual
• Fever, severe stomach pain or upset, nausea, vomiting
• Sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips, tongue, or mouth
• Trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Change in taste, decreased appetite
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Thinning or loss of hair
• Tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088