Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

FOLIC ACID - INJECTION

(FOH-lick acid)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Folvite

Uses

Folic acid is a vitamin needed by the body to help make blood cells. Folic acid is used in the treatment of anemia (low blood cell count) due to various causes.

How To Use

This medication is given by injection usually once a day. Do not increase your dose, use this more often or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

This medication is generally well tolerated. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following while using this drug: breathing trouble, skin rash, itching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have: blood disorders, allergies. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. This medication should be used as directed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. The body requires twice as much folic acid during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor about its use.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, including: phenytoin, sulfa antibiotics, methotrexate. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Folic acid is commonly found in asparagus, beets, broccoli, spinach, liver, beans, peas, lentils, oranges and whole wheat products.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light, unless otherwise specified. Do not store in the bathroom.