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Leucovorin Side Effects

Leucovorin is a folic acid derivative used to reduce the toxic side effects of methotrexate and other medicines in users. The medication works by blocking the body's production of folate, which in turn suppresses the toxic effects. As with most medications, there are a number of side effects associated with using Leucovorin.

  1. Before Using

    • There are some medical conditions that may react adversely to using Leucovorin. Some of these medical conditions include: if you are pregnant, about to become pregnant, or are breast feeding, if you are taking any type of prescription or nonprescription drug, if you have any type of allergies to food or medicines, or if you have any type of blood disorders. If any of the above descriptions apply, please consult with your doctor for further instruction.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects associated with using Leucovorin include severe allergic reactions, rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightening of the chest, seizures, fainting, and swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue or face. While these are considered the most common side effects associated with using this medication, they are extremely rare and do not affect a large number of users.

    Important Safety Information

    • If you plan on becoming pregnant or will soon need to breast-feed a child, consult with your doctor about the different benefits and consequences that can come as a result of using Leucovorin at this juncture in your life. It is unknown whether or not the medication is excreted into the breast milk of a lactating female, so caution must be taken to ensure that no harm is done to the child.

    Usage

    • Always take Leucovorin exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor and never in dosages that exceed what has been recommended on the label. This medication is administered in pill form and can be taken with or without food. Do not miss any dosages of this medication throughout the course of your treatment. If you miss a dosage or vomit immediately after a dosage has been taken, contact your doctor immediately for further instruction.

    Warning

    • If you experience any of the above side effects, contact your doctor immediately for an adjusted treatment method.

      If an overdose of Leucovorin is suspected, contact your local poison control center and head directly to the nearest emergency room.

      Leucovorin is meant for the above uses only and should never be used recreationally.

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