Wellcovorin Side Effects

Generic name: leucovorin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 26, 2021.

• Consumer
• Professional

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

For the Consumer

Applies to leucovorin: powder for solution, solution, tablet

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Along with its needed effects, leucovorin (the active ingredient contained in Wellcovorin) 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking leucovorin:

Rare

• Skin rash, hives, or itching
• wheezing

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking leucovorin:

Rare

• 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]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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