FOLIC ACID - ORAL (FA-8) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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GENERIC NAME: FOLIC ACID - ORAL (FOH-lick acid)

BRAND NAME(S): FA-8

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: 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.

SIDE EFFECTS: Folic acid usually has very few side effects. If you have any unusual effects from taking this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. 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. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: 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.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Important Safety Information

KAPIDEX may not be right for everyone. You should not take KAPIDEX if you are allergic to KAPIDEX or any of its ingredients. Severe allergic reactions have been reported.

Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions.

The most common side effects of KAPIDEX were diarrhea (4.8%), stomach pain (4.0%), nausea (2.9%), common cold (1.9%), vomiting (1.6%), and gas (1.6%). KAPIDEX and certain other medicines can affect each other. Before taking KAPIDEX, tell your doctor if you are taking ampicillin, atazanavir, digoxin, iron, ketoconazole, or tacrolimus. If you are taking KAPIDEX with warfarin, you may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur.

Uses of KAPIDEX

Persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be acid reflux disease (ARD). Prescription KAPIDEX capsules are used in adults to treat heartburn related to ARD, to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (called erosive esophagitis or EE), and to stop EE from coming back. Individual results may vary. Most damage (erosions) heals in 4�8 weeks.

Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. Please see full Prescribing Information for KAPIDEX.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.