Leucovorin Calcium Injection Side Effects

Leucovorin Calcium Injections may cause rare but serious, adverse reactions. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

Seizures (convulsions)
High platelet levels in blood (thrombocytosis)
Difficulty breathing
A magnification of symptoms induced by folic acid antagonists taken with Leucovorin

Less serious side effects caused by Leucovorin Calcium injection include:

Upset stomach or vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation

According to doctors, Leucovorin alone should rarely cause side effects. If you experience any symptoms, they are probably due to 5-fluorouracil regimens you may be undergoing simultaneously during chemotherapy. However, all side effects should be carefully watched; if they persist, contact your doctor at once.

Warnings & Recalls for Leucovorin Calcium Injection

Leucovorin Calcium Injection Recall

On July 6, 2012 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released information regarding the recall of Leucovorin Calcium Injection. According to Bedford Labratories, crystalline particulate matter was found in a small quantity of vials. No hazardous incidents have been reported among patients since the announcement. The substance was found to be an "active drug substance", not a contaminant to the solution. Recalled lots of Leucovorin Calcium Injection were sent out between January 2011 and June 2011. Recalled Bedford lot numbers include: 2017620 and 2038374 marked with expiration dates of January 31, 2013 and February 28, 2013. The Nova Plus labeled Leucovorin recall involves lot 2038374A with an expiration of February 28, 2013. If you have taken Leucovorin Calcium Injections from any of these sites containing particulate matter, you may experience symptoms such as:

Swelling of the veins
Allergic reaction
Lung tissue calcification (pulmonary granuloma)
Muscle weakness or pulmonary dysfunction
Local tissue infarction (tissue death causing decrease in oxygen levels)
Clogging of capillaries and arteries
Death

Other Warnings Concerning Leucovorin

Before taking Leucovorin Calcium Injections, let your doctor know if you:

Are pregnant,may become pregnant, or are breastfreeding
Are allergic to any ingredients in Leucovorin
Have kidney disease
Are currently taking any other medicines, supplements, herbal products or vitamins

Leucovorin Calcium Injection may increase the risk of seizures in epileptic children.

Leucovorin Calcium Injection Treatment and Use

Leucovorin Calcium Injection | Wellcovorin (Folinic Acid) is an antidote marketed by Pharmacia prescribed to treat and prevent severe blood disorders as well as other harmful effects caused by drugs classified as folic acid antagonists. Leucovorin Calcium may be used to increase the effectiveness of high-dose medications used in chemotherapy and treatments for osteosarcoma, such as metotrexate, trimthoprine, pyrimethamine or fluorouracil which can cause:

anemia
neutropenia
thrombocytopenia

Alone, Leucovorin does not treat cancer.

How Does Leucovorin Work?

Leucovorin Calcium is injected during the use of folic acid antagonists in cancer treatments. As the antagonists kill cancer cells, its creates a byproduct which interacts with Leucovorin. In this reaction, the chemicals are able to create DNA in the patients while protecting cells in bones marrow and the digestive system from being damaged by harmful cancer treating medicines.

How is Leucovorin Given?

Leucovorin Calcium injections are given intramuscular (IM) or intravenously (IV) to patients by a doctor or nurse. Doses are prescribed in amounts of 50mg, 100mg, 200mg, or 350mg vials depending on the patient’s treatment process, weight or age. If you are taking or planning on using Leucovorin, ask your doctor for more dosage information.

Other Names for Leucovorin Calcium Injection

Brand name: Leucovorin Calcium Injection or Wellcovorin

Generic name: Folnic Acid