Folic acid is the man-made form of folate. Folate is a
B-vitamin naturally found in some foods. It is needed to form healthy
cells, especially red blood cells.
Folic acid supplements may come in different forms (such
as L-methylfolate, levomefolate, methyltetrahydrofolate). They are used to
treat or prevent low folate levels. Low folate levels can lead to certain
types of anemia. Conditions that can cause low folate levels include poor
diet, pregnancy, alcoholism, liver disease, certain stomach/intestinal
problems, kidney dialysis, among others. Women of childbearing age should
receive adequate amounts of folic acid either through their diet or
supplements to prevent infant spinal cord birth defects.
Take this product by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are taking the
over-the-counter product, follow all directions on the product package. If
you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response
to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this product more often
than directed.
Take this product regularly to get the most benefit from
it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Follow the
diet plan recommended by your doctor or dietician. See also Notes
section.
If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think
you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right
away.
Folic acid usually has very few side effects. If you
have any unusual effects from taking this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this product,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this product do not have
serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- vitamin B-12 deficiency (pernicious anemia)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Folic acid is safe to take during pregnancy when used as
directed. It is included in prenatal vitamin products. Certain spinal cord
birth defects may be prevented by taking adequate amounts of folic acid
during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details.
Folic acid passes into breast milk but is unlikely to
harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
mental/mood changes.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
folate blood level, vitamin B-12 blood level) should be done while you are
taking this product. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your
doctor for more details.
Folate is naturally found in leafy green vegetables,
organ meats (liver, kidney), citrus fruits, and other foods. Folic acid is
added to enriched grain products such as bread, pasta, and cereal. Consult
your doctor or dietician for a diet plan rich in folate/folic
acid.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.