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Brand Names: FA-8, Folacin-800

Generic Name: folic acid (Pronunciation: FOE lik AS id)

• What is folic acid (FA-8, Folacin-800)?
• What are the possible side effects of folic acid (FA-8, Folacin-800)?
• What is the most important information I should know about folic acid (FA-8, Folacin-800)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking folic acid (FA-8, Folacin-800)?
• How should I take folic acid (FA-8, Folacin-800)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (FA-8, Folacin-800)?
• What happens if I overdose (FA-8, Folacin-800)?
• What should I avoid while taking folic acid (FA-8, Folacin-800)?
• What other drugs will affect folic acid (FA-8, Folacin-800)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is folic acid (FA-8, Folacin-800)?

Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that is normally found in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach.

Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer.

As a medication, folic acid is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.

Folic acid is sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat pernicious anemia. However, folic acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Take all of your medications as directed.

Folic acid may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Folic Acid 1 mg-IVA

round, yellow, imprinted with Westward 248

Folic Acid 1 mg-SCH

round, yellow, imprinted with DAN DAN, 5216

Folic Acid 1 mg-WAT

round, yellow, imprinted with 5216, DAN DAN

What are the possible side effects of folic acid (FA-8, Folacin-800)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, but may include:

• nausea, loss of appetite;
• bloating, gas;
• bitter or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
• sleep problems;
• depression; or
• feeling excited or irritable.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about folic acid (FA-8, Folacin-800)?

You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to folic acid.

Before you take folic acid, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), an infection, if you are an alcoholic, or if you have any type of anemia that has not been diagnosed by a doctor and confirmed with laboratory testing.

Talk to your doctor about taking folic acid during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.

Folic acid is sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat pernicious anemia. However, folic acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Take all of your medications as directed.

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