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Folic acid is used to treat or prevent certain anemias caused by poor diet, pregnancy, alcoholism, liver disease, certain stomach/intestinal problems, kidney dialysis, or other conditions. This medication helps to relieve symptoms such as unusual tiredness and diarrhea that can occur with these types of anemias. Women of childbearing age should maintain adequate amounts of folic acid either through diet or supplements to prevent spinal cord birth defects.Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin needed to form healthy cells, especially red blood cells.
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| Overview |
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How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Folic Acid
Uses
Folic acid is used to treat or prevent certain anemias caused by poor diet, pregnancy, alcoholism, liver disease, certain stomach/intestinal problems, kidney dialysis, or other conditions. This medication helps to relieve symptoms such as unusual tiredness and diarrhea that can occur with these types of anemias. Women of childbearing age should maintain adequate amounts of folic acid either through diet or supplements to prevent spinal cord birth defects.Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin needed to form healthy cells, especially red blood cells.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count) may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.Folic acid is naturally found in leafy greens, beans, organ meats (liver, kidney), and citrus fruits.
- You will also find it in enriched bread, pasta and cereal.
- Consult your doctor or dietician for a diet plan rich in folic acid.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How To Use
- Read and learn all preparation and usage instructions supplied by the manufacturer.
- Consult your pharmacist for details.
- Before using, check the product visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.This medication is given by injection into a muscle or vein or under the skin, usually by a health care professional.Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
- Consult your pharmacist for details.
Side Effects
- Folic acid usually has very few side effects.
- If you have any unusual effects from taking this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking folic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).This product may contain aluminum, which can infrequently build up to dangerous levels in the body.
- The risk may be increased if this product is used for an extended time, especially in people with kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of too much aluminum in the body such as muscle weakness, bone pain, or mental changes.A preservative (benzyl alcohol) that might be found in this product can infrequently cause serious (sometimes fatal) problems if given in large amounts (more than 100 milligrams per kilogram daily) to an infant during the first months of life.
- The risk is also greater with low-birth-weight infants.
- Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or very slow heartbeat.
- If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, report them to the doctor immediately.
- If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating newborns.Folic acid is safe to take during pregnancy when used as directed.
- Certain spinal cord birth defects may be prevented by maintaining adequate amounts of folic acid during pregnancy.
- Consult your doctor for more details.This medication passes into breast milk.
- While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: certain anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin), chloramphenicol, methotrexate.Folic acid may affect certain laboratory tests for vitamin B12 deficiency, resulting in false test results.
- Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency may result in serious nerve problems (e.g., peripheral neuropathy with numbness/tingling symptoms).
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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