Pronunciation: LEE-voe-LOO-koe-VOE-rin KAL-see-um
Generic Name: Levoleucovorin Calcium
Brand Name: Fusilev
Fusilev is used for:
Reducing the toxic effects of methotrexate and certain other medicines (folic acid antagonists). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Fusilev is a folic acid derivative. It works like folic acid in the body, which helps to reduce the action and toxic effects of folic acid antagonists (eg, methotrexate).
Do NOT use Fusilev if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Fusilev, to folic acid, or to folinic acid
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Fusilev:
Some medical conditions may interact with Fusilev. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have pernicious anemia or other anemia due to low blood levels of vitamin B12
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Fusilev. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Fluorouracil because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Fusilev, especially in the elderly
- Phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidone because their effectiveness may be decreased by Fusilev
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole because its effectiveness may be decreased by Fusilev
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Fusilev may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Fusilev:
Use Fusilev as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Fusilev is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's offices or a clinic. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Fusilev.
- Do not use Fusilev if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
- Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
- If you miss a dose of Fusilev, contact your doctor right away.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Fusilev.
Important safety information:
- Lab tests, including blood methotrexate levels, serum creatinine, and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Fusilev. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Fusilev should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Fusilev while you are pregnant. It is not known if Fusilev is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Fusilev, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Fusilev:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Nausea; sore mouth; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in the amount of urine; confusion.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Fusilev side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Fusilev:
Fusilev is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Fusilev at home, store Fusilev as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Fusilev out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Fusilev, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Fusilev is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Fusilev. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Fusilev resources
- Fusilev Side Effects (in more detail)
- Fusilev Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Fusilev Drug Interactions
- Fusilev Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Fusilev - Add your own review/rating
- Fusilev Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Fusilev Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Fusilev Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
- Fusilev Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Levoleucovorin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Fusilev with other medications
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- Methotrexate Overdosage
- Methotrexate Rescue
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