Leucovorin is a derivative of
folic acid. It comes in either an
IV (intravenous) or oral form.
Leucovorin is used either with methotrexate for the treatment of
ectopic pregnancy or with fluorouracil (5-FU) for
advanced colon cancer. Leucovorin works differently, depending on which
medicine it is used with.
- Methotrexate: Leucovorin is given to protect the
gastrointestinal lining and bone marrow cells from methotrexate toxicity. Most
of the complications and side effects of methotrexate can be either prevented
or treated by using leucovorin, which is usually given 24 hours after
methotrexate.
- Fluorouracil: Leucovorin increases the effectiveness
of 5-FU. This results in a greater anticancer effect.
Leucovorin is very well tolerated and has almost no side effects of
its own. It generally decreases the severity of methotrexate side effects. When
used with 5-FU, however, leucovorin can increase the severity of its side
effects.
