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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Folic acid

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Folic acid

  • As well as taking folic acid, eat a healthy diet containing lightly-cooked green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and green beans.
  • Folic acid is unlikely to cause any side-effects.

About folic acid

Type of medicineVitamin
Used forTo treat folate deficiency anaemia
To prevent neural tube defects in babies
To prevent folate deficiency
Also calledFolicare®
Lexpec®
Available asTablets and oral liquid

Before taking folic acid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have been told you have a folate-dependent cancer.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take folic acid

  • Before taking folic acid, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Try to take folic acid at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • It is not important whether you take folic acid before or after meals.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember, but do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • In addition to taking folic acid, you should also eat a healthy diet including foods rich in folic acid. Foods containing folic acid include vegetables such as spinach, sprouts, broccoli, green beans, and potatoes. Lightly-cook the vegetables as the cooking process reduces the amount of folic acid they contain. Also, some bread and breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with folic acid.

Can folic acid cause problems?

Folic acid supplements are unlikely to cause any side-effects. However, if you experience any worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store folic acid

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3355DocRef: dils2351Last Reviewed: 10 Feb 2011Version: 24
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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