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Levoleucovorin

levoleucovorin calcium · Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, for Solution

Prescription ANDA TE AP Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Levoleucovorin
Generic name
levoleucovorin calcium
Dosage form
Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, for Solution
Route
Intravenous
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
1
NDC product codes
2
Packages
1
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Levoleucovorin Calcium 50 mg/5mL 1720765 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, for Solution
Route of administration
Intravenous
Presentations
3

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Folate Analog [EPC] EPC 8 members — no class page
Folic Acid [CS] CS 8 members — no class page

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
211003
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
August 22, 2019
Sponsor
MEITHEAL
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
3
Products approved under application 211003.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
211003-001 LEVOLEUCOVORIN CALCIUM POWDER LEVOLEUCOVORIN CALCIUM Discontinued AP

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AP
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
No

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 211003.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 3 Labeling Approved September 22, 2023 Standard
Supplement 2 Labeling Approved September 22, 2023 Standard
Original application 1 Approved August 22, 2019 Standard

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20221206). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20221206 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20210407

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Indication and Usage (1) 01/2020 Dosage and Administration (2) 11/2020 Contraindications (4) 01/2020 Warning and Precautions (5) 01/2020 Indication and Usage ( 1 ) 01/2020 Dosage and Administration ( 2 ) 11/2020 Contraindications ( 4 ) 01/2020 Warning and Precautions ( 5 ) 01/2020

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Levoleucovorin for Injection is indicated for: rescue after high-dose methotrexate therapy in adult and pediatric patients with osteosarcoma. diminishing the toxicity associated with overdosage of folic acid antagonists or impaired methotrexate elimination in adult and pediatric patients. the treatment of adults with metastatic colorectal cancer in combination with fluorouracil. Levoleucovorin for Injection is a folate analog indicated for: Rescue after high-dose methotrexate therapy in adult and pediatric patients with osteosarcoma. ( 1 ) Diminishing the toxicity associated with overdosage of folic acid antagonists or impaired methotrexate elimination in adult and pediatric patients. ( 1 ) Treatment of adults with metastatic colorectal cancer in combination with fluorouracil. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use Levoleucovorin for Injection is not indicated for the treatment of pernicious anemia and megaloblastic anemia secondary to lack of vitamin B 12 , because of the risk of progression of neurologic manifestations despite hematologic remission. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use Levoleucovorin for Injection is not indicated for pernicious anemia and megaloblastic anemia secondary to the lack of vitamin B 12 , because of the risk of progression of neurologic manifestations despite hematologic remission.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For intravenous administration only. Do not administer intrathecally. ( 2.1 ) Rescue After High-Dose Methotrexate Therapy Rescue recommendations are based on methotrexate dose of 12 grams/m 2 administered by intravenous infusion over 4 hours. Initiate rescue at a dose of 7.5 mg (approximately 5 mg/m 2 ) every 6 hours, 24 hours after the beginning of methotrexate infusion. ( 2.3 ) Continue until the methotrexate level is below 5 x 10 -8 M (0.05 micromolar). Adjust dose if necessary based on methotrexate elimination; refer to Full Prescribing Information. ( 2.3 ) Overdosage of Folic Acid Antagonists or Impaired Methotrexate Elimination Start as soon as possible after methotrexate overdosage or within 24 hours of delayed methotrexate elimination. ( 2.4 ) Administer levoleucovorin for injection 7.5 mg (approximately 5 mg/m 2 ) intravenously every 6 hours until methotrexate level is less than 5 x 10 -8 M (0.05 micromolar). ( 2.4 ) Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Combination with Fluorouracil The following regimens have been used for the treatment of colorectal cancer: Levoleucovorin for injection 100 mg/m 2 by intravenous injection over a minimum of 3 minutes, followed by fluorouracil 370 mg/m 2 once daily for 5 consecutive days. ( 2.5 ) Levoleucovorin for injection 10 mg/m 2 by intravenous injection followed by fluorouracil 425 mg/m 2 once daily for 5 consecutive days. ( 2.5 ) Administer fluorouracil and levoleucovorin for injection separately to avoid the formation of precipitate. The above five-day courses may be repeated every 4 weeks for 2 courses, then every 4 to 5 weeks, if the patient has recovered from toxicity from the prior course. Do not adjust levoleucovorin for injection dosage for toxicity. ( 2.5 ) 2.1 Important Use Information Levoleucovorin for injection is indicated for intravenous administration only. Do not administer intrathecally . 2.2 Co-administration of Levoleucovorin for Injection with Other Agents Due to the risk of precipitation, do not co-administer levoleucovorin for injection with other agents in the same admixture. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Rescue After High-Dose Methotrexate Therapy The recommended dosage for levoleucovorin for injection is based on a methotrexate dose of 12 grams/m 2 administered by intravenous infusion over 4 hours. Twenty-four hours after starting the methotrexate infusion, initiate levoleucovorin for injection at a dose of 7.5 mg (approximately 5 mg/m 2 ) as an intravenous infusion every 6 hours. Monitor serum creatinine and methotrexate levels at least once daily. Continue levoleucovorin for injection administration, hydration, and urinary alkalinization (pH of 7 or greater) until the methotrexate level is below 5 x 10 -8 M (0.05 micromolar). Adjust the levoleucovorin for injection dose or extend the duration as recommended in Table 1 . Table 1 Recommended Dosage for Levoleucovorin for Injection based on Serum Methotrexate and Creatinine Levels * These patients are likely to develop reversible renal failure. In addition to appropriate levoleucovorin for injection therapy, continue hydration and urinary alkalinization and monitor fluid and electrolyte status, until the serum methotrexate level has fallen to below 0.05 micromolar and the renal failure has resolved. Clinical Situation Laboratory Findings Recommendation Normal Methotrexate Elimination Serum methotrexate level approximately 10 micromolar at 24 hours after administration, 1 micromolar at 48 hours, and less than 0.2 micromolar at 72 hours. Administer 7.5 mg by intravenous infusion every 6 hours for 60 hours (10 doses starting at 24 hours after start of methotrexate infusion). Delayed Late Methotrexate Elimination Serum methotrexate level remaining above 0.2 micromolar at 72 hours, and more than 0.05 micromolar at 96 hours after administration. Continue 7.5 mg by intravenous infusion every 6 hours until methotrexate level is less than 0.05 micromolar. Delayed Early Methotrexate Elimination …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS For Injection: 50 mg of levoleucovorin as a sterile white to pale yellow lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution. For Injection: 50 mg of levoleucovorin as a lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Levoleucovorin for Injection is contraindicated in patients who have had severe hypersensitivity to leucovorin products, folic acid or folinic acid [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Patients who have had severe hypersensitivity reactions to leucovorin products, folic acid or folinic acid. ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypercalcemia: Due to calcium content, inject no more than 16 mL (160 mg) of levoleucovorin solution intravenously per minute. ( 5.1 ) Increased Gastrointestinal Toxicities with Fluorouracil : Do not initiate or continue therapy with Levoleucovorin for Injection and fluorouracil in patients with symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity until symptoms have resolved. Monitor patients with diarrhea until it has resolved as rapid deterioration leading to death can occur. ( 5.2 , 7 ) Drug Interaction with Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole : Increased rates of treatment failure and morbidity with concomitant use of d,l- leucovorin with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in patients with HIV. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Hypercalcemia Because of the calcium content of the levoleucovorin solution, inject no more than 16 mL (160 mg of levoleucovorin) intravenously per minute. 5.2 Increased Gastrointestinal Toxicities with Fluorouracil Leucovorin products increase the toxicities of fluorouracil [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Gastrointestinal toxicities, including stomatitis and diarrhea, occur more commonly and may be of greater severity and of prolonged duration. Deaths from severe enterocolitis, diarrhea, and dehydration have occurred in elderly patients receiving weekly d,l- leucovorin and fluorouracil. Monitor patients for gastrointestinal toxicities. Do not initiate or continue therapy with Levoleucovorin for Injection and fluorouracil in patients with symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity until those symptoms have resolved. Monitor patients with diarrhea until resolved, as rapid deterioration leading to death can occur. 5.3 Drug Interaction with Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole The concomitant use of d,l- leucovorin with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the acute treatment of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in patients with HIV infection was associated with increased rates of treatment failure and morbidity [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] .

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypercalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Increased gastrointestinal toxicities with fluorouracil [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving high-dose methotrexate therapy with Levoleucovorin for Injection rescue are stomatitis and vomiting. ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions (>50%) in patients receiving Levoleucovorin for Injection in combination with fluorouracil for metastatic colorectal cancer are stomatitis, diarrhea, and nausea ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. at 1-877-845-0689 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. High-Dose Methotrexate Therapy Table 2 presents the frequency of adverse reactions which occurred during the administration of 58 courses of high-dose methotrexate 12 grams/m 2 followed by Levoleucovorin for Injection rescue for osteosarcoma in 16 patients aged 6 to 21 years. Most patients received Levoleucovorin for Injection 7.5 mg every 6 hours for 60 hours or longer, beginning 24 hours after completion of methotrexate administration. Table 2 Adverse Reactions with High-Dose Methotrexate Therapy Adverse Reactions Levoleucovorin for Injection n = 16 All Grades (%) Grades 3-4 (%) Gastrointestinal Stomatitis 38 6 Vomiting 38 0 Nausea 19 0 Diarrhea 6 0 Dyspepsia 6 0 Typhlitis 6 6 Respiratory Dyspnea 6 0 Skin and Appendages Dermatitis 6 0 Other Confusion 6 0 Neuropathy 6 0 Renal function abnormal 6 0 Taste perversion 6 0 Combination with Fluorouracil in Colorectal Cancer Table 3 presents the frequency of adverse reaction which occurred in 2 arms of a randomized controlled trial conducted by the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The trial failed to show superior overall survival with fluorouracil + levoleucovorin compared to fluorouracil + d,l -leucovorin. Patients were randomized to fluorouracil 370 mg/m 2 intravenously and levoleucovorin 100 mg/m 2 intravenously, both daily for 5 days, or to fluorouracil 370 mg/m 2 intravenously and d,l -leucovorin 200 mg/m 2 intravenously, both daily for 5 days. Treatment was repeated week 4 and week 8, and then every 5 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Table 3 Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10% of Patients in Either Arm Adverse Reaction Levoleucovorin/fluorouracil n=318 d,l -Leucovorin/fluorouracil n=307 Grades 1-4 (%) Grades 3-4 (%) Grades 1-4 (%) Grades 3-4 (%) Gastrointestinal Disorders Stomatitis 72 12 72 14 Diarrhea 70 19 65 17 Nausea 62 8 61 8 Vomiting 40 5 37 6 Abdominal Pain1 14 3 19 3 General Disorders Asthenia/Fatigue/Malaise 29 5 32 11 Skin Disorders Dermatitis 29 1 28 1 Alopecia 26 0.3 28 1 Metabolism and Nutrition Anorexia/Decreased Appetite 24 4 25 2 1 Includes abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, lower abdominal pain, and abdominal tenderness 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reaction have been identified during postapproval use of levoleucovorin products. Because these reactions are reported from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Dermatologic: pruritus, rash Respiratory: dyspnea Other: temperature change, rigors, allergic reactions

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Effects of Leucovorin Products on Other Drugs Antiepileptic Drugs Folic acid in large amounts may counteract the antiepileptic effect of phenobarbital, phenytoin and primidone and increase the frequency of seizures in susceptible children. It is not known whether folinic acid has the same effects; however, both folic and folinic acids share some common metabolic pathways. Monitor patients taking folinic acid in combination with antiepileptic drugs. Fluorouracil Leucovorin products increase the toxicity of fluorouracil. Do not initiate or continue therapy with Levoleucovorin for Injection and fluorouracil in patients with symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity until those symptoms have resolved. Monitor patients with diarrhea until the diarrhea has resolved, as rapid deterioration leading to death can occur [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole The concomitant use of d,l -leucovorin with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the acute treatment of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in patients with HIV infection was associated with increased rates of treatment failure and morbidity in a placebo-controlled study [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] .

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are limited data with Levoleucovorin for Injection use in pregnant women. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with levoleucovorin. Levoleucovorin is administered in combination with methotrexate or fluorouracil, which can cause embryo-fetal harm. Refer to methotrexate and fluorouracil prescribing information for additional information. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of levoleucovorin in human milk or its effects on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Levoleucovorin is administered in combination with methotrexate or fluorouracil. Refer to methotrexate and fluorouracil prescribing information for additional information. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of Levoleucovorin for Injection have been established in pediatric patients for rescue after high-dose methotrexate therapy in osteosarcoma and diminishing the toxicity associated with overdosage of folic acid antagonists or impaired methotrexate elimination. Use of levoleucovorin in pediatric patients is supported by open-label clinical trial data in 16 pediatric patients 6 years of age and older, with additional supporting evidence from literature [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. The safety and effectiveness of Levoleucovorin for Injection have not been established for the treatment of pediatric patients with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of Levoleucovorin for Injection in the treatment of osteosarcoma did not include patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. In the NCCTG clinical trial of Levoleucovorin for Injection in combination with fluorouracil for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, no overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between patients age 65 years and older and younger patients.

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action High-Dose Methotrexate Therapy Levoleucovorin is the pharmacologically active isomer of 5-formyl tetrahydrofolic acid. Levoleucovorin does not require reduction by the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase in order to participate in reactions utilizing folates as a source of “one­ carbon” moieties. Administration of levoleucovorin counteracts the therapeutic and toxic effects of folic acid antagonists such as methotrexate, which act by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase. Combination with Fluorouracil in Colorectal Cancer Levoleucovorin enhances the therapeutic and toxic effects of fluorouracil. Fluorouracil is metabolized to 5-fluoro-2'­ deoxyuridine-5'-monophosphate (FdUMP), which binds to and inhibits thymidylate synthase (an enzyme important in DNA repair and replication). Levoleucovorin is converted to another reduced folate, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate, which acts to stabilize the binding of FdUMP to thymidylate synthase and thereby enhancing the inhibition of thymidylate synthase.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Levoleucovorin is a folate analog and the pharmacologically active levo-isomer of d,l -leucovorin. The chemical name of levoleucovorin calcium is calcium (6 S )-N-{4-[[(2-amino-5-formyl-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-4-oxo-6-pteridinyl)methyl] amino]benzoyl}- L -glutamate mixed hydrates. The molecular formula is C 20 H 21 CaN 7 O 7 ●nH 2 O (n = 3 to 6) and the molecular weight is 565.6 to 619.6. The molecular structure is: Levoleucovorin for Injection, for intravenous use is supplied as a sterile white to pale yellow lyophilized powder or lyophilized cake consisting of levoleucovorin calcium mixed hydrates (equivalent to 50 mg levoleucovorin) and 50 mg mannitol per 50 mg single-dose vial. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid are used to adjust the pH. molecular structure

2.4 Recommended Dosage for Overdosage of Folic Acid Antagonists or Impaired Methotrexate Elimination Start levoleucovorin for injection as soon as possible after an overdosage of methotrexate or within 24 hours of methotrexate administration when methotrexate elimination is impaired. As the time interval between methotrexate administration and levoleucovorin for injection increases, the effectiveness of levoleucovorin for injection to diminish methotrexate toxicity may decrease. Administer levoleucovorin for injection 7.5 mg (approximately 5 mg/m 2 ) by intravenous infusion every 6 hours until the serum methotrexate level is less than 5 x 10 -8 M (0.05 micromolar). Monitor serum creatinine and methotrexate levels at least every 24 hours. Increase the dosage of levoleucovorin for injection to 50 mg/m 2 intravenously every 3 hours and continue levoleucovorin for injection at this dosage until the methotrexate level is less than 5 x 10 -8 M for the following: if serum creatinine at 24-hours increases 50% or more compared to baseline if the methotrexate level at 24-hours is greater than 5 x 10 -6 M if the methotrexate level at 48-hours is greater than 9 x 10 -7 M, Continue concomitant hydration (3 L per day) and urinary alkalinization with sodium bicarbonate. Adjust the sodium bicarbonate dose to maintain urine pH at 7 or greater.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Levoleucovorin for Injection is a sterile white to pale yellow lyophilized powder or lyophilized cake, and is supplied as follows: NDC Levoleucovorin for Injection Package Factor 71288- 104 -10 50 mg Single-Dose Vial 1 vial per carton Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from light. Store in carton until contents are used. Discard unused portion. Lyophilized. Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex. meitheal ® Mfd. for Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Chicago, IL 60631 (USA) ©2020 Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc. Revised: December 2020

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
3,692
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: LEVOLEUCOVORIN CALCIUM. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0143-9558-01 0143-9558 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 1 VIAL in 1 BOX (0143-9558-01) / 5 mL in 1 VIAL July 7, 2016
0143-9558 0143-9558 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. — July 7, 2016
71288-104 71288-104 Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc — August 22, 2019

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.