Folic Acid Tablets: Uses & Side Effects

What is this medication?

Folic acid (FOE lik AS id) prevents and treats low levels of folate (vitamin B9) in your body. Folate plays an important role in forming red blood cells and maintaining brain health. Folate also supports a healthy pregnancy and lowers the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Folacin, Folicet, Q-TABS

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Alcoholism or alcohol cirrhosis
• Pernicious anemia
• Vitamin B12 deficient anemia
• An unusual or allergic reaction to folic acid, other B vitamins, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not stop taking your medication unless your care team tells you to.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Chloramphenicol
• Cholestyramine
• Medications for seizures
• Methotrexate
• Nitrofurantoin
• Pyrimethamine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular check ups. Your care team may order blood tests.

You need to eat a proper diet even while you are taking this vitamin. Taking vitamin supplements is not a substitute for a healthy diet. Ask your care team for good nutrition advice.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Breathing problems
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in taste
• Gas
• General discomfort and fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. This medication is quickly broken down and made inactive when exposed to heat or light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.