Fusilev Side Effects

Generic Name: levoleucovorin calcium

Note: This page contains information about the side effects of levoleucovorin calcium. Some of the dosage forms included on this document 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

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by levoleucovorin calcium (the active ingredient contained in Fusilev). In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

If any of the following side effects occur while taking levoleucovorin calcium, check with your doctor or nurse immediately:

• 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

Minor Side Effects

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

• 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.

Not all side effects for Fusilev may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This material does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or combination thereof in no way should be construed to indicate safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of materials provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the substances you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.