FA-8
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Generic Name: folic acid (oral/injectable)
(FOE lik AS id)
What is FA-8?
FA-8 is a naturally occurring substance that is important for the formation of red and white blood cells. Folic acid is present in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach.
As a medication, FA-8 is used to treat folic acid deficiency and megaloblastic anemia caused by folic acid deficiency.
FA-8 may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about FA-8?
Take this medication only under the supervision of your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking FA-8?
FA-8 should not be taken to treat undiagnosed anemia. Folic acid may hide the symptoms of pernicious anemia, leading to neurologic damage. Treatment of anemia during folic acid therapy may also require vitamin B12.
FA-8 is in the FDA pregnancy category A. This means that it is safe to take folic acid during pregnancy. In fact, increased amounts of folic acid are recommended during pregnancy to reduce the risk that a folic acid deficiency will cause complications. Talk to your doctor about taking folic acid during pregnancy.
It is safe to use FA-8 during breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about taking this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take FA-8?
Take FA-8 exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Take oral FA-8 with a full glass of water.
FA-8 is usually taken every day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to receive FA-8 by injection.
Store FA-8 at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed, and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
A FA-8 overdose is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or poison control center for advice.
Symptoms of a FA-8 overdose are not known.
What should I avoid while taking FA-8?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while you are taking FA-8, unless your doctor directs otherwise.
What are the possible side effects of FA-8?
Side effects from FA-8 are not common.
Stop taking FA-8 and seek emergency medical treatment if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Continue taking FA-8 and talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following less serious side effects, which have occurred with large doses of folic acid:
- nausea,
- decreased appetite,
- abdominal distention,
- flatulence,
- bitter or bad taste,
- insomnia, or
- difficulty concentrating.
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 other drugs will affect FA-8?
Large doses of FA-8 may decrease the effects of phenytoin (Dilantin). Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of phenytoin to prevent seizures during treatment with folic acid.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with FA-8. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about FA-8.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2009 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01. Revision date: 04/02/2009.
