Leucovorin prescriptions for U.S. children rose sevenfold in 2025

An analysis published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that leucovorin prescriptions for American children rose approximately sevenfold during 2025. Research led by Kao-Ping Chua of the University of Michigan utilized the IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription Database to track these trends, noting that weekly prescriptions for children climbed from 734 at the start of the year to 5,858 by the end of 2025.

The data shows a significant spike in dispensing that coincided with a federal press conference promoting the drug for autism. During the week of the conference, the rate of dispensing rose 46 percent. The increase was most concentrated among children aged 6 to 11 and in the southern United States. Notably, adult dispensing did not show a comparable surge, suggesting the pediatric trend was driven by specific influences rather than general supply or coding changes.

Researchers expressed concern regarding the surge, noting that the evidence base supporting leucovorin for autism has contracted rather than grown. The findings highlight the ability of federal communications to influence medical practice, even as the long-term safety and effectiveness of the drug for children with autism remain uncertain.