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February 10, 2012
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folic acid - injection, Folvite

GENERIC NAME: FOLIC ACID - INJECTION (FOH-lick)

BRAND NAME(S): Folvite

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

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

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a muscle or vein or under the skin, usually by a health care professional. Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment.

SIDE EFFECTS: Folic acid usually has very few side effects. If you have any unusual effects from taking this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe 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.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using folic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).This product may contain aluminum, which can infrequently build up to dangerous levels in the body. The risk may be increased if this product is used for an extended time, especially in people with kidney disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of too much aluminum in the body such as muscle weakness, bone pain, or mental changes.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.




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folic acid - injection, Folvite

Folic acid, B vitamins, and homocysteine

Homocysteine is metabolized (chemically transformed) into methionine and cysteine with the help of the B vitamins; folic acid, B12, and B6 (pyridoxine). Therefore, insufficient amounts of these B vitamins in the body can theoretically hamper the metabolic breakdown of homocysteine, and hence increase its blood levels. High levels of homocysteine in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia) can damage the inner surface of blood vessels, promote blood clotting, and accelerate atherosclerosis.

The current state of knowledge regarding folic acid, homocysteine, and heart attacks is as follows:

  • The level of blood folate is an important determinant of the blood homocysteine level. Low blood folate levels are associated with high blood levels of homocysteine.
  • Low blood folate is common among individuals who do not take multivitamins, but unusual among those who do.
  • ...

Read the Vitamins & Exercise: Heart Attack Prevention Series article »


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