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Folic Acid ( FOE-lick AS-id ) (Vitamin B9, Folate®) What is this medication used for?
Folic acid is a vitamin that helps make healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. If a person’s body doesn’t have enough folic acid, it sometimes makes abnormally large red blood cells that do not work properly. Deficiencies in folic acid can cause certain anemias. Folic acid helps to treat these anemias by helping to make new healthy red blood cells.
What does it look like? • Tablet • Liquid (for injection) How is it given? • By mouth (oral or po) • Injection into the muscle (IM), under the skin (subcutaneous or subq), or into a vein (IV) What are the common side effects? • Nausea or gas • Loss of appetite • Bitter taste in mouth • Irritability
What are the less common side effects? • Rash • Weakness • Trouble sleeping • Confusion • Severe allergic reaction Special instructions : • Take folic acid exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Folic acid is usually taken every day. • Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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