Leucovorin is a reduced folic acid and is used in combination with other chemotherapy to either enhance the effectiveness or to act as a chemoprotectant in the treatment of colon cancer
Availability, dosage and administration
Leucovorin is available in pill form and can also be given as a infusion intravenously or can be given as an injection intramuscularly. The amount given to the patient depends on factors like weight, type of cancer, and overall health.
Availability
500 mg vials
Dosage
Leucovorin (leucovorin calcium) is given at 200 mg/m2 by slow intravenous injection over a minimum of 3 minutes, followed by 5-fluorouracil at 370 mg/m2 by intravenous injection.
Or
Leucovorin (leucovorin calcium) is given at 20 mg/m2 by intravenous injection followed by 5-fluorouracil at 425 mg/m2 by intravenous injection.
Side effects
Most people experience side effects that come from the chemotherapy drugs that given in combination with leucovorin. The most common possible side effects of leucovorin are listed below.
- Allergic reactions like rash and itching
- Face flushing
- Nausea and vomiting which are rare
Precautions
- Before starting leucovorin treatment, inform your doctor about other medications that you might be taking.
- Do not take any kind of vaccination or immunization without informing your doctor
- Inform your doctor before starting the treatment if you are pregnant.
- Do not conceive a child while on leucovorin treatment. This applies to both men and women.
- Do not breastfeed while on treatment of leucovorin.
