Folic Acid, Vitamin B9 tablets

What is this medicine?

FOLIC ACID (FOE lik AS id) is a water-soluble, B complex vitamin. It is in many foods like liver, kidneys, yeast, and leafy, green vegetables. It is used to treat megaloblastic anemia and anemia from poor diet in pregnant women, babies, and children.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat

• chest tightness or pain

• wheezing or shortness of breath

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• bitter or bad taste

• confusion

• irritable

• loss of appetite

• nausea

• stomach gas

What may interact with this medicine?

• chloramphenicol

• cholestyramine

• medicines for seizures

• methotrexate

• nitrofurantoin

• pyrimethamine

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. This medicine is quickly broken down and made inactive when exposed to heat or light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• alcoholism or alcohol cirrhosis

• pernicious anemia

• vitamin B12 deficient anemia

• an unusual or allergic reaction to folic acid, other B vitamins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Your doctor may order blood tests.

You need to eat a proper diet even while you are taking this vitamin. Taking vitamin supplements is not a substitute for a healthy diet. Ask your doctor or health care provider for good nutrition advice.