MedicinehospitalEssential

Folinic Acid / Leucovorin

A folate medicine that reduces the toxicity of methotrexate-type drugs and treats a rare folate transport disorder.

Clinical information

Common uses

reduce methotrexate toxicity when elimination is impaired
antidote after folic acid antagonist overdose
cerebral folate transport deficiency (FOLR1-CFTD)

Common side effects

itching
rash
breathlessness
shivering (rigors)
temperature changes

Cautions

not for pernicious or other vitamin B12-deficiency anaemias
allergic reactions can occur — treatment may be stopped
can increase fluorouracil toxicity — deaths reported in elderly patients

Interactions

certain antiepileptic drugs (leucovorin may work less well; seizure monitoring)
trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (avoid together)
fluorouracil (toxicity enhanced)

Pregnancy: no known risk from available data

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, Leucovorin calcium tablets label, setid c8102043-79f2-421a-b849-94bac19007a6 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations6

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Folinic Acid / Leucovorin	Parenteral ( Injection )	50mg/ml	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital
Folinic Acid / Leucovorin	Tablet	5mg	—	POM
Folinic Acid / Leucovorin	Parenteral ( Injection )	10mg/ml	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital
Folinic Acid / Leucovorin	Tablet	10mg	—	POM
Folinic Acid / Leucovorin	Parenteral ( Injection )	100mg/10ml	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital
Folinic Acid / Leucovorin	Parenteral ( Injection )	50mg/5ml	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital