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Leucovorin

Supportive Care

Other names:

Calcium Folinate, Leucovorin Calcium, Folinic Acid, Folinate Calcium 

Often used for:

Side effects of high-dose Methotrexate in patients with leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, and osteosarcoma

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About Leucovorin

Leucovorin helps to prevent some of the side effects caused by methotrexate. It acts to protect healthy cells from the chemotherapy.

Leucovorin usually does not cause any side effects. Rarely, a patient may have an allergic reaction to this medicine.

The dose and schedule is based on the child’s blood level of methotrexate. Leucovorin is generally given 24 to 42 hours after the start of methotrexate.

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May be taken as a tablet or liquid by mouth

 
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May be given as a liquid into a vein by IV

 
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Possible Side Effects

  • Skin rash
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Tips for Families

Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • It is best to keep a constant level of leucovorin in the body while receiving chemotherapy with high dose methotrexate.
  • Take leucovorin at the scheduled times. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.
  • If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of taking leucovorin by mouth, another dose should be given.

Learn More About Leucovorin

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.