Fusilev Side Effects

Generic Name: levoleucovorin calcium

Note: This document contains side effect information about levoleucovorin calcium. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Fusilev.

In Summary

More frequent side effects include: diarrhea. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

For the Consumer

Applies to levoleucovorin calcium: intravenous powder for solution, intravenous solution

Along with its needed effects, levoleucovorin calcium (the active ingredient contained in Fusilev) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking levoleucovorin calcium:

• Cloudy urine
• decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability
• difficult or labored breathing
• fever
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• lack or loss of strength
• shortness of breath
• stomach cramps, tenderness, or pain
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• watery or bloody diarrhea
• wheezing

• Feeling unusually cold
• shivering

Some side effects of levoleucovorin calcium may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Acid or sour stomach
• bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
• belching
• blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, reddening, or swelling of the skin
• burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
• change in taste
• cracked, dry, or scaly skin
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• heartburn
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• mood or mental changes
• nausea
• sensation of pins and needles
• stabbing pain
• stomach discomfort or upset
• swelling or inflammation of the mouth
• vomiting
• weight loss

• Rash

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to levoleucovorin calcium: intravenous powder for injection, intravenous solution

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects including stomatitis (37.5%), vomiting (37.5%), nausea (18.8%), diarrhea (6.3%), dyspepsia (6.3%), and typhlitis (6.3%) have been reported.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects including dyspnea (6.3%) have been reported.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects including dermatitis (6.3%), pruritus, and rash have been reported.^[Ref]

Other

Other side effects including confusion (6.3%), taste perversion (6.3), temperature change, and rigors have been reported.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects including neuropathy (6.3%) have been reported.^[Ref]

Renal

Renal side effects including abnormal renal function (6.3%) have been reported.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Other side effects including confusion (6.3%), taste perversion (6.3), temperature change, and rigors have been reported.

Some side effects of Fusilev may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

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