Folic Acid
Folic acid (FOE lik AS id) is a B vitamin used to treat a type of anemia (low red blood cell level) caused by a lack of folic acid. Folic acid belongs to a group of drugs called vitamins.
Folic acid (FOE lik AS id) is a B vitamin used to treat a type of anemia (low red blood cell level) caused by a lack of folic acid. Folic acid belongs to a group of drugs called vitamins.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 1mg
- • 30 Tablets
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Introduction
Written by Jessica Caporuscio, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Updated on June 28, 2023
Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved folic acid to treat megaloblastic anemia caused by a lack of folic acid in your diet. It’s used in adults and children.
This article describes folic acid’s uses, side effects, and more. You’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of folic acid.
Interactions and warnings for folic acid
Below, you’ll find information about folic acid’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of folic acid
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take folic acid, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for folic acid” section below.
Warnings for folic acid
Some people should not take folic acid and others should take it cautiously.
Folic acid could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether folic acid is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of folic acid you take.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for folic acid, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Folic acid can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to folic acid or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely recommend that you do not take folic acid. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to folic acid, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of folic acid
If you take folic acid by mouth, you should not take more folic acid than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much folic acid, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and folic acid
Information about folic acid and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Folic acid and pregnancy
In general, folic acid is considered safe to take during pregnancy. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your treatment options during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take folic acid during pregnancy.
Folic acid and breastfeeding
In general, folic acid is considered safe to take while breastfeeding. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.
Uses of folic acid
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as folic acid for certain conditions. The approved use for folic acid is described below.
Use for anemia
Doctors may prescribe folic acid oral tablet or solution for injection* for treating megaloblastic anemia caused by a lack of folic acid in your diet. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children, including infants. It’s usually recommended as a long-term treatment.
With megaloblastic anemia, you have a low level of red blood cells. Your red blood cells are also larger than usual. With larger and fewer red blood cells, your organs and tissues receive less oxygen. This can cause fatigue (lack of energy), shortness of breath, paler than usual skin, and other symptoms.
Doctors may not recommend folic acid oral tablet in certain situations, such as for treating pernicious anemia. (This type of anemia occurs when you have a lack of vitamin B12, not folic acid.)
* Folic acid injections can be given under the skin, into a muscle, or as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time). The injections are given by a healthcare professional.
Common questions about folic acid
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about folic acid.
Is it safe to take folic acid with other vitamins?
Yes, it’s safe to take folic acid with other vitamins.
Certain multivitamins contain folic acid. And people with other forms of anemia (besides megaloblastic anemia, which folic acid treats) may require both folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation.
If you have questions about taking other vitamins with folic acid, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does folic acid work? And how long does it take to start working?
Folic acid works by producing healthy red blood cells in your bone marrow (tissue inside of your bones). Specifically, folic acid helps transform stem cells (cells that aren’t yet developed into specialized cells) in bone marrow into fully-grown red blood cells.
Folic acid starts working quickly to help red blood cells grow. But it might take weeks or months to feel the full benefits of folic acid.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects of folic acid
Folic acid may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of folic acid and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about folic acid’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for folic acid listed in the “Article resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of folic acid are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of folic acid you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about folic acid’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for folic acid listed in the “Article resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Folic acid oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- bloating
- trouble sleeping
- mild allergic reaction*
Folic acid injection’s† mild side effects include:
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for folic acid” section.
† Folic acid injections can be given under the skin, into a muscle, or as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time). Folic acid injections are given by a healthcare professional.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of folic acid are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of folic acid you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about folic acid’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for folic acid listed in the “Article resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, folic acid’s serious side effects include:
- severe allergic reaction*
For folic acid oral tablet, the following serious side effects may also occur:
- depression
- decreased vitamin B12 level, when used long term
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for folic acid” section.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes folic acid’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about folic acid or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- If I have epilepsy, is folic acid safe for me?
- What dose of folic acid should I take during pregnancy?
- What is the cost difference between injectable folic acid and the oral tablets?
Article resources
- Folic acid- folic acid injection, solution. (2020). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/c5b2b84d-9f5e-4b81-ba10-9f2854e5dce9/spl-doc
- Folic acid- folic acid tablet. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/726bb436-69e3-452f-9f28-153b58bf3ca5/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Merrell BJ, et al. (2022). Folic acid. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554487/
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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