Folic Acid Tablets Bp 0.4mg
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Folic Acid Tablets BP 0.4mg One a day
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine. Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or your pharmacist. This medicine has been prescribed only for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours. If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in the leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
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In this leaflet | |
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1. |
What Folic Acid is and what it is used for |
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2. |
Before you take Folic acid |
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3. |
How to take Folic Acid |
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4. |
Possible side effects |
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5. |
How to store Folic Acid |
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6. |
Further information |
1. WHAT FOLIC ACID IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
The name of your medicine is Folic Acid Tablets BP 0.4mg. Folic Acid is a member of the Vitamin B group. It is essential for good health and is present in fresh and processed food.
You should use this medicine if you are trying to become pregnant and also during the first three months of your pregnancy.
You should also use this medicine when you know you are pregnant or think you are pregnant and continue to use it during the first three months of your pregnancy.
Folic acid is necessary for the development and growth of healthy cells and tissues. It is vital for the development and proper function of the central nervous system.
Folic Acid is used to help prevent babies being born with Neural Tube Defects such as Spina Bifida.
The neural tube is part of the nervous system and is located within the spine. The baby’s neural tube develops during the early stages of pregnancy and it is at this particular critical stage that neural tube defects such as spina bifida can occur.
2. BEFORE YOU TAKE FOLIC ACID
Do not take Folic Acid and tell your doctor if you:
■ are allergic (hypersensitive) to folic acid or any other ingredients in this product. Signs of an allergic reaction include a rash, itching or shortness of breath
■ suffer from a malignant disease (cancer or tumour)
■ suffer from untreated ‘pernicious anaemia’ or vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency
■ are receiving treatment for a folate-dependant tumour
Take special care with Folic Acid
Before you take Folic acid tell your doctor if:
■ you have an intolerance to some sugars as this medicine contains lactose monohydrate (see also “Important information about some of the ingredients in Folic Acid Tablets BP 0.4mg”)
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines you buy without a prescription, including herbal medicines.
In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
■ Medicines for epilepsy and fits such as phenytoin, phenobarbital or primidone. Your doctor may need to change the amount of anti-epilepsy medicine you are taking, because folic acid tablets may make these medicines work less well.
■ Antibacterials e.g. chloramphenicol and co-trimoxazole- used to treat infections
■ Sulfasalazine, an anti-inflammatory drug used for the treatment of arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
■ Methotrexate, a disease modifying anti rheumatic drug used to treat severe active rheumatoid arthritis, severe psoriasis and certain types of cancer.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding
This medicine is to be used before you become pregnant and during the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy. If you think you are pregnant you should start taking Folic Acid. Folic acid is needed for the development of your baby’s spine and brain in the early weeks of pregnancy.
Driving and using machines
Folic acid is not likely to affect you being able to drive or use machines.
Important information about some of the ingredients in Folic Acid Tablets BP 0.4mg
This medicine contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
3. HOW TO TAKE FOLIC ACID
Take this medicine as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Look on the label and ask the doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Taking this medicine
The tablets should be swallowed with water.
Each tablet contains 0.4mg (400pg) of folic acid.
Women who are planning or trying to become pregnant:
Take one tablet (0.4mg) daily
You should begin taking this product before you become pregnant and continue taking it for at least the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you think you are pregnant you should start taking this product.
If you take more Folic Acid than you should
If you, or anyone else, has taken too many tablets you should contact your doctor or go to a hospital straight away.
If you forget to take Folic Acid
If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember it. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Folic Acid can cause side effects although not everybody gets them.
If you have an allergic reaction to Folic Acid see a doctor straight away An allergic reaction may include:
■ skin rash, flaking skin, boils or sore lips and mouth
■ sudden wheezing, fluttering or tightness of the chest
■ collapse
Tell your doctor if you get any of these side effects
■ feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) or an upset stomach
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
5. HOW TO STORE FOLIC ACID
Do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the pack.
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN
Store the tablets below 25oC in a dry place, away from direct light.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. FURTHER INFORMATION What Folic Acid contains
The active ingredient is folic acid. Each tablet contains 0.4mg (400pg) of folic acid.
The other ingredients are lactose, maize starch, pregelatinised starch and magnesium stearate.
What Folic Acid looks like and contents of the pack
Folic acid tablets 0.4mg are pale yellow, circular tablets.
It comes in pack sizes of 28, 56, 84, 90, 98 and 100 tablets.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Athlone Pharmaceuticals Limited, Ballymurray, Co. Roscommon, Ireland
PL 30464/0027
This leaflet was last revised in May 2010.