Folic acid is used to treat and prevent folate deficiency. This vitamin is used to treat megaloblastic and macrocytic anaemia (low red blood cell count).
This vitamin may be used to prevent folic acid deficiency caused by red blood cell disorder, or kidney dialysis.
Folic acid may also be used in women of child-bearing age and pregnant women to prevent neural tube defect (birth defects of the brain, spine or spinal cord) in their offspring.
This vitamin may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Folic acid exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this vitamin with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- anaemia associated with vitamin B12 deficiency (e.g. pernicious anaemia, megaloblastic anaemia).
- malignant disease (e.g. cancer)
- vitamin B12 deficiency
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Folic acid may cause any of the following side effects: malaise (feeling of illness, discomfort or uneasiness), redness of the skin, rash, itching, and difficulty breathing.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, stomach pain, flatulence.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizure) e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, sodium valproate, carbamazepine
- antibiotics e.g. chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole
- medicines for stomach e.g. sulfasalazine
- medicine for cancer e.g. methotrexate, fluouracil
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Folic acid.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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