levoleucovorin

Levoleucovorin is a medication used to lower the risk of toxic side effects of high-dose methotrexate in people with osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer). This medication can also treat people who overdose or can't get rid of methotrexate or other anti-folate medications properly from their body. In addition, higher doses of Levoleucovorin can be used with the anticancer medication fluorouracil to help treat people with severe colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). Levoleucovorin is a folic acid analog (a form of folic acid) that works against the harmful effects of methotrexate. When given with fluorouracil, Levoleucovorin can boost the effects of fluorouracil to make it work better in your body.

Levoleucovorin is given as an injection into the vein (intravenous, or IV) by a healthcare provider. To lower the risk of side effects from high-dose methotrexate therapy, Levoleucovorin is given every 6 hours for 10 doses, starting 24 hours after your methotrexate infusion has started. People experiencing methotrexate overdose are given Levoleucovorin every 6 hours as soon as possible or within 24 hours of the methotrexate infusion. You'll continue to receive Levoleucovorin until your blood methotrexate levels drop to a certain point. To treat advanced colorectal cancer, Levoleucovorin is typically given at higher doses than for methotrexate toxicity. It's given once daily before your fluorouracil injection for five days. This five-day treatment can be repeated every 4 to 5 weeks. Your provider will determine the Levoleucovorin dose you need.

Common side effects of Levoleucovorin can include vomiting, mouth sores, nausea, and diarrhea. Giving Levoleucovorin together with fluorouracil can make some side effects more common and severe. Fatal digestive tract inflammation, diarrhea, and dehydration have happened when older adults are given Levoleucovorin with fluorouracil. Let your provider know right away if you experience any severe side effects. Your provider will temporarily stop your treatment and monitor you until the severe side effects go away.

Levoleucovorin and leucovorin have very similar chemical structures. Levoleucovorin can be used interchangeably with leucovorin. This means that both medications can be substituted for one another and be used for the same conditions. While both Levoleucovorin and leucovorin are available as an injection, leucovorin is also available as oral tablets. Speak to your provider to see which medication is the best option for you.