Has anyone been affected by the leucovorin shortage?

polarprincess

I am a little worried about this whole shortage thing and think it is irresponsible of the companies that make it that it has come to this. leukovorin helps the 5Fu stay in the cell to work longer and although is not a VITAL part of the treatment, i sure don't want to be without it if it is going to help me beat this disease. I just got my 3rd chemo on tuesday. They cut my dose of Oxaliplatin by 25% because my blood counts dropped so severely the last 2 times, and because i was having nasty nasty side effects lasting the whole 2 weeks. I could hardly make it through the chemo without wanting to just die. This cycle, the side effects for me have been very minimal. I cannot believe the difference is so dramatic, so i am wondering now if i did not get the leucovorin as it says on the cancercare website that the leucorin makes the side effects of the 5FU more severe..so i need to call on monday to find ou t...but whatever it is...this cycle has been a piece of cake compared to the last 2.

lisa42

Xeloda instead of 5FU
Hi,

I don't know anything about a leucovorin shortage- sorry you're having to deal w/ that. I took 5-FU before along with Folfox (OXaliplatin, Leucovorin, 5-FU) and Avastin. Anyhow, I'm now taking chemo again for a recurrence and had read up a lot about Xeloda. Xeloda, if you're not aware, is an oral form of 5FU. Leucovorin isn't needed with it. I've read two recent studies comparing the effectiveness of Xeloda to 5FU & the finding say that Xeloda is at least as effective as 5-FU & one study suggests it might be slightly more effective. That, combined without needing to wear the lousy pump anymore, is what convinced me to try the Xeloda this time instead of the 5-FU. I've heard that some people can have greater side effects with the Xeloda, but I haven't had that problem at all. It's been much less and much easier, in fact. Just something to consider and discuss with your doctor.
Best wishes,
Lisa

mykidsmommy

I have heard
You should post this question or read about it on the colonclub website - I read many people were having that same problem!
So sorry you have to deal with that issue with all else-
Hang in there ~ Tomorrow is another day.