Medications and Drugs

1. OTC and Prescription Drug Abuse Slideshow
2. Sex-Drive Killers: Causes of Low Libido
3. Slideshow: Common Allergy Triggers

Brand Names: Fusilev

Generic Name: levoleucovorin (Pronunciation: LEE voe LOO koe voe rin)

• What is levoleucovorin (Fusilev)?
• What are the possible side effects of levoleucovorin (Fusilev)?
• What is the most important information I should know about levoleucovorin (Fusilev)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive levoleucovorin (Fusilev)?
• How is levoleucovorin given (Fusilev)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Fusilev)?
• What happens if I overdose (Fusilev)?
• What should I avoid while receiving levoleucovorin (Fusilev)?
• What other drugs will affect levoleucovorin (Fusilev)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is levoleucovorin (Fusilev)?

Levoleucovorin is used to treat or prevent toxic effects of methotrexate in people who have received methotrexate to treat bone cancer.

Levoleucovorin is also used to treat or prevent toxic effects of methotrexate in people whose bodies do not eliminate methotrexate properly after the drug is metabolized. Levoleucovorin may also be used to treat toxic effects of an accidental overdose of methotrexate.

Levoleucovorin is also used in combination chemotherapy with fluorouracil (5-FU, Adrucil, Efudex, Carac, Fluoroplex) to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Levoleucovorin treats only the symptoms of colorectal cancer but does not treat the cancer itself.

Levoleucovorin should not be used to treat anemia that is caused by a lack of vitamin B12.

Levoleucovorin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of levoleucovorin (Fusilev)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor or caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• urinating more or less than usual;
• severe or ongoing diarrhea;
• feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;
• fever, chills;
• confusion; or
• trouble breathing.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• stomach pain, upset stomach;
• numbness or tingling;
• loss of appetite, unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
• weakness, tired feeling;
• hair loss; or
• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about levoleucovorin (Fusilev)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to levoleucovorin or to folic acid or folinic acid.

If possible, before you receive levoleucovorin, tell your doctor or caregivers if you have kidney or liver disease, or if you are dehydrated.

Tell your doctor if you are taking sulfa drugs, seizure medication, a cancer medication called fluorouracil (5FU), or a multivitamin or mineral supplement than contains folic acid.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated to tell your caregivers about all of your medical conditions or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows that you have received this medication.

Tell your doctor or caregivers at once if you have fever, chills, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips, severe or ongoing diarrhea, confusion, urination problems, or if you feel very thirsty or hot, if you are unable to urinate, and you have heavy sweating or hot and dry skin.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.