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

BRAND NAME(S): FA-8

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 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.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Anemia - Learn what Anemia is, detection, symptoms, causes, and treatment Source:MedicineNet Dialysis - Dialysis is a procedure that performs many of the normal duties of the kidneys, like filtering waste products from the blood, when the kidneys no longer work adequately. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Source:MedicineNet Diarrhea - Explains diarrhea (loose stool or frequent bowel movements) and includes causes, dehydration prevention and treatment. Source:MedicineNet Read 15 more folic acid-oral related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection