Drug Name

Folic Acid

Drug Uses

Folic Acid is to treat folic acid deficiency and megaloblastic anemia caused by folic acid deficiency.

How Taken

Use Folic Acid as directed by your doctor.

• Folic Acid may be taken with or without food.
• Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Folic Acid.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Folic Acid is a vitamin. It works by helping the body to produce blood cells.

Folic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is important for the formation of red and white blood cells. Folic acid is present in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Folic Acid and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Folic Acid at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Folic Acid out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Folic Acid if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Folic Acid.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Check any other vitamin products you may be taking for folic acid content. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any other medicines that you take contain folic acid.
• Lab tests, including red blood cell counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

More Information

Folic Acid is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.