This information is about a medicine called leucovorin, which is sometimes known as folinic acid. It can also be known as calcium levofolinate (Isovorin®) or sodium folinate (Sodiofolin®). Leucovorin is not a chemotherapy drug but is often given as part of chemotherapy treatment. This information discusses leucovorin when it is given with fluorouracil (5FU) chemotherapy.

If you have any further questions you can ask your doctor or nurse at the hospital where you are having your treatment, or speak to one of our cancer support service nurses.

Leucovorin is often given with 5FU chemotherapy to treat cancers of the colon, rectum and other parts of the digestive system. Leucovorin has been shown to increase the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drug 5FU.

Leucovorin is a clear, pale-yellow fluid. It is also available as tablets.

Leucovorin can be given:

• by injection into a vein (intravenously) through a fine tube (cannula) put into the vein. It may also be given through a central line that is inserted under the skin into a vein near the collarbone.
• the tablets are swallowed with a drink. If you are given tablets to take, it is important to take them as directed by your doctor.

Side effects of folinic acid are rare. However, sometimes you may have a high temperature after the drug has been given. Your doctor may prescribe some tablets to help relieve this effect. Any side effects that occur are much more likely to be related to the fluorouracil chemotherapy. However, if you notice any side effects that you think may be related to the leucovorin, please discuss them with your doctor or chemotherapy nurse.

This section is based on our Leucovorin factsheet which has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:

• Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference (35th edition). Sweetman et al. Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.
• British National Formulary (54th edition). British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, September 2007.
• The Medicines.org.uk website – www.medicines.org.uk (November 2007).

For further references, please see the general bibliography.