Wellcovorin Side Effects

Generic Name: leucovorin

Note: This page contains side effects data for the generic drug leucovorin. It is possible that some of the dosage forms included below may not apply to the brand name Wellcovorin.

For the Consumer

Applies to leucovorin: injectable, powder for solution, solution, tablet

As well as its needed effects, leucovorin (the active ingredient contained in Wellcovorin) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

If any of the following side effects occur while taking leucovorin, check with your doctor immediately:

• Skin rash, hives, or itching
• wheezing

Severity: Moderate

If any of the following side effects occur while taking leucovorin, check with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible:

• Convulsions (seizures)

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to leucovorin: compounding powder, injectable powder for injection, injectable solution, oral tablet

General

Adverse events attributed to use of leucovorin (the active ingredient contained in Wellcovorin) folinic acid by itself include allergic sensitization, including anaphylactoid reactions and urticaria; gastrointestinal and hematologic adverse events were common when used with fluorouracil.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Stomatitis (75%, when used with fluorouracil), nausea (74%, when used with fluorouracil), diarrhea (66%, when used with fluorouracil), vomiting (46%, when used with fluorouracil), dehydration (when used with fluorouracil)
Common (1% to 10%): Constipation (when used with fluorouracil)
Rare (less than 0.1%): Gastrointestinal disorders (after high doses)
Frequency not reported: Mucositis (when used with fluorouracil), cheilitis (when used with fluorouracil)^[Ref]

When used with fluorouracil, diarrhea and dehydration have resulted in hospital admission and death.^[Ref]

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Leucopenia (69%, when used with fluorouracil)
Common (1% to 10%): Thrombocytopenia (when used with fluorouracil)^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Allergic reactions (sensitization, including anaphylactoid reactions, shock, and urticaria)
Frequency not reported: Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (in combination with other agents)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Alopecia (42%, when used with fluorouracil), dermatitis (21%, when used with fluorouracil)
Frequency not reported: Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (when used with fluorouracil)^[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Lethargy/malaise/fatigue (13%, when used with fluorouracil)
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pyrexial reactions (following parenteral administration)^[Ref]

Metabolic

Very common (10% or more): Anorexia (14%, when used with fluorouracil)
Frequency not reported: Hyperammonemia (when used with fluorouracil)

Immunologic

Common (1% to 10%): Infection (when used with fluorouracil)^[Ref]

Nervous system

Rare (less than 0.1%): Increase in the frequency of attacks in epileptics, seizures, syncope^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Rare (less than 0.1%): Insomnia, agitation, depression^[Ref]

It is possible that some side effects of Wellcovorin may not have been reported. These can be reported to the FDA here. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

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