(LOO-koh-VOR-in KAL-see-um)
Leucovorin calcium is a type of drug called a folic acid analog, which means it is similar to the vitamin folic acid. It is used in combination with certain chemotherapy drugs to enhance their ability to kill cancer cells (for example, fluorouracil) or to lessen their harmful side effects (for example, methotrexate).
FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed.
Use in Cancer
Leucovorin calcium is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat:
- Colorectal cancer. It is used with fluorouracil as palliative treatment in patients with advanced disease.
- Anemia. It is used to treat megaloblastic anemia that occurs when the body does not get enough of a vitamin called folic acid. It is used by patients who cannot take the vitamin by mouth.
Leucovorin calcium is also used to prevent and treat the toxic effects of high-dose methotrexate when used to treat osteosarcoma and other types of cancer. It is also used to treat overdoses of methotrexate or other folic acid antagonists.
The drug is also being studied in the treatment of other conditions and types of cancer.
More About Leucovorin Calcium
Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary – Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.
More About Leucovorin Calcium Injection and Oral Leucovorin Calcium – Lay language summaries of important information about these drugs. MedlinePlus information may include the following:
- warnings about the drug,
- what the drug is used for and how it is used,
- what you should tell your doctor before using the drug,
- what you should know about the drug before using it,
- other drugs that may interact with the drug, and
- possible side effects.
Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.
Clinical Trials Accepting Patients
Find Clinical Trials for Leucovorin Calcium – Check for trials from NCI’s list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.
