Folic Acid Oral

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 infant spinal cord birth defects.
Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin needed to form healthy cells, especially red blood cells.

How to use Folic Acid Oral
Take this product by mouth as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. Follow the diet plan recommended by your doctor or dietician. See also the Notes section.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

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: vitamin B-12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).
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.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include mental/mood changes.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count, folate blood level, vitamin B-12 blood level) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress. Consult your doctor for more details.
Folic acid is naturally found in leafy greens and other vegetables, organ meats (liver, kidney), and citrus fruits. You will also find it in enriched grains such as bread, pasta and cereal. Consult your doctor or dietician for a diet plan rich in folic acid.

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.

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.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Folic acid usually has very few side effects. If you have any unusual effects from taking this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, 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.

If you are taking this medication under your doctor's direction, 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 antibiotics (chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin), certain anti-seizure drugs (phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone), methotrexate, pyrimethamine, sulfasalazine.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.