Brand Name

FA-8, Folacin-800

Generic Name

folic acid, pronounced FOE lik AS id

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Folic Acid?

Folic Acid can help your body to produce and maintain new cells, and also help to prevent changes in your DNA that may lead to cancer. You may be prescribed Folic Acid to treat a folic acid deficiency or to treat certain types of anemia, which is a lack of red blood cells that are caused by a folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is also sometimes prescribed to be used in combination with other medications to treat pernicious anemia.

Folic Acid may also be used for purposes not indicated in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Folic Acid

Folic Acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and it will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord.

Folic Acid is a type of B vitamin. This type of B vitamin is normally found in foods like peas, lentils, oranges, dried beans, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli and spinach.

Folic Acid is a part of a complete program of treatment that your doctor may have prescribed for you, which can include diet, exercise, and weight control.

You should not take Folic Acid if you are pregnant. Weight loss is not suggested when you are pregnant, even if you are obese or overweight. Talk to your doctor about your weight concerns if you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Folic Acid is in FDA pregnancy category A. Folic Acid is not known to harm an unborn baby. You may have a need for an increased dose of Folic Acid if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor about your Folic Acid intake. If you are breast-feeding you should ask your doctor about taking Folic Acid. We do not know if Folic Acid may affect a breast-feeding baby.

Before You Take Folic Acid

If you are allergic toFolic Acid you should not take Folic Acid.

Before taking Folic Acid, tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis.

Let your doctor know if you have hemolytic anemia, pernicious anemia or an anemia that has not been diagnosed by a doctor and confirmed with laboratory testing.

If you have an infection or if you are an alcoholic you should tell your doctor before you take Folic Acid.

Folic Acid Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• barbiturates like butabarbital (Butisol), secobarbital (Seconal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), and phenobarbital (Solfoton)
• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
• nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
• phenytoin (Dilantin)
• primidone (Mysoline)
• pyrimethamine (Daraprim)
• tetracycline (Ala-Tet, Brodspec, Sumycin)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Folic Acid. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Folic Acid

Folic Acid is usually prescribed as a medication to take once daily, with or without food. You should take Folic Acid exactly as it is prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may change your dose to make sure that you get the best results from Folic Acid. You should follow the instructions on your prescription label and not take Folic Acid for longer than recommended by your doctor, or in larger or smaller doses.

Folic Acid should be taken with a full glass of water.

Folic Acid needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Folic Acid you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Folic Acid Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Folic Acid and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction symptoms like breathing difficulties, hives, and swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue

Less serious side effects of Folic Acid may include:

• appetite loss
• bloating
• depression
• excitability
• gas
• insomnia or sleep problems
• irritability
• nausea

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Folic Acid. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Folic Acid Description and Dosing

Folic Acid is available in tablets of 0.4 mg, 0.8 mg, 1 mg and 5mg.

Folic Acid should be approved by your doctor before you begin taking it, and you should not change your dose without talking to your physician first.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Folic Acid you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Folic Acid

The primary active ingredient in Folic Acid is Folic Acid.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.