What is the most important information I should know about folic acid?
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
What is folic acid?
Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that is normally found in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach.
Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer.
As a medication, folic acid is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.
Folic acid is sometimes used with other medications to treat pernicious anemia. Folic acid used alone will not treat pernicious anemia and other anemias not related to Vitamin B12 deficiency. Take all of your medications as directed.
Folic acid may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking folic acid?
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to folic acid.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- cirrhosis or other liver disease;
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- hemolytic anemia;
- pernicious anemia;
- anemia that has not been diagnosed by a doctor and confirmed with laboratory testing;
- an infection; or
- alcoholism.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I use folic acid?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Folic acid oral is taken by mouth.
Folic acid injection is given into a muscle, under the skin, or into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Store folic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking folic acid?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of folic acid?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, itching, skin redness; wheezing, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, loss of appetite;
- bloating, gas, stomach pain;
- bitter or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
- confusion, trouble concentrating;
- sleep problems;
- depression; or
- feeling excited or irritable.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect folic acid?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- methotrexate;
- nitrofurantoin;
- pyrimethamine;
- tetracycline;
- a barbiturate such as phenobarbital or secobarbital; or
- seizure medicine such as phenytoin or primidone.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect folic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about folic acid.
