Fol-5 Tablet

FOL-5 TABLET

FOL-5 TABLET by ZYDUS HEALTHCARE LIMITED is a vital supplement containing Folic Acid, an essential B vitamin crucial for numerous bodily functions.

Name

• Brand Name: FOL-5 TABLET
• Common Name: Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

Composition

FOL-5 TABLET contains Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) in a 5 mg strength. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin vital for nucleotide biosynthesis and the remethylation of homocysteine.

Uses

FOL-5 TABLET is prescribed for a range of conditions related to folic acid deficiency:

• Treatment and Prevention of Anemia: It is primarily used to treat or prevent anemia caused by folic acid deficiency, including megaloblastic anemia, anemia in pregnancy, anemia due to damaged red blood cells, and anemia in kidney dialysis patients. It aids in the production of healthy red blood cells, ensuring adequate oxygen supply throughout the body.
• Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: It is commonly taken by pregnant women to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus, as adequate folic acid is essential for proper fetal growth and brain/spinal cord development.
• Nutritional Support: It acts as a supplement to prevent nutritional deficiency during pregnancy, breastfeeding, after surgery, or in conditions of nutritional malabsorption (e.g., celiac disease, Crohn's disease).
• General Well-being: It supports overall health, heart health, DNA synthesis, and cellular growth, particularly for individuals with poor diet or increased folate requirements.
• Adjunctive Therapy: It may be used to decrease the adverse effects of methotrexate, a drug used to treat severe arthritis, psoriasis, or Crohn's disease.

Dosage and Administration

Take FOL-5 TABLET as advised by your doctor. It is generally recommended to take it once daily, with or without food. It is preferable to take it one hour before a meal, and avoid taking tea or coffee along with the supplement. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

• Adults and children over 1 year: Typically 5 mg daily for 4 months initially, with maintenance doses ranging from 5 mg every 1-7 days depending on the underlying condition.
• Children less than 1 year: 500 mcg/kg daily.

Side Effects

While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects:

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, black stool, constipation, loss of appetite (anorexia), bloating or flatulence (gas), fatigue, general discomfort, and a change in taste.
• Serious Side Effects: Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), breathing problems, pain/tingling/numbness in the hands or feet, confusion, seizures, depression, and erythema. Consult a doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.

Precautions

• Inform your doctor if you are allergic to FOL-5 TABLET or any other medicines.
• Exercise caution if you have cancer, pernicious anemia (Vitamin B12 deficiency), a tumor, stomach ulcer, any blood disorder, repeated blood transfusions, ulcerative colitis, or a folate-dependent tumor.
• FOL-5 TABLET should not be used alone to treat megaloblastic anemia caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency, as it may mask the symptoms of B12 deficiency and precipitate subacute combined degeneration of the cord.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
• Use with caution in children and only if recommended by a doctor.
• Inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, kidney or liver problems) or if you are taking other medications or supplements, as interactions can occur.
• Avoid taking caffeinated products with this medicine, as caffeine can affect absorption.
• If you have any planned surgery, you may be asked to stop taking this supplement 2-3 weeks prior to the procedure.

Storage

Store FOL-5 TABLET in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of reach and sight of children. The medicine should be stored at a temperature below 25°C or 30°C.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about FOL-5 TABLET by ZYDUS HEALTHCARE LIMITED, which contains Folic Acid 5mg:

What is FOL-5 TABLET used for?

FOL-5 TABLET is primarily used to treat and prevent folic acid deficiency, which can lead to various types of anaemia. These include anaemia caused by a poor diet, certain stomach/intestinal problems, pregnancy, kidney dialysis, or as a side effect of certain medications. It is also crucial for women planning or in the early stages of pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida in the developing baby. Additionally, it may be used to reduce the side effects of certain medications like methotrexate.

How does FOL-5 TABLET work?

FOL-5 TABLET works by providing the body with Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), an essential water-soluble vitamin. Folic acid is vital for the production and maintenance of new cells, including the formation of healthy red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. By ensuring adequate folic acid levels, it helps the body produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body and supports the proper development of the brain and spinal cord in a fetus.

What is the usual dosage for FOL-5 TABLET?

The dosage of FOL-5 TABLET (Folic Acid 5mg) depends on the condition being treated.

• For treating anaemia due to folic acid deficiency: The usual dose for adults and children over 1 year is one 5mg tablet once a day. This may sometimes be increased to 15mg a day or taken every 1 to 7 days for prevention, depending on diet and underlying disease.
• For preventing neural tube defects in pregnancy (for women at higher risk): One 5mg tablet once a day is recommended, starting before conception and continuing throughout the first three months of pregnancy.
• To treat folate deficiency during pregnancy: 5mg a day continued until birth.
• When taking methotrexate: The usual dose is 5mg once a week, on a different day than methotrexate, to reduce its side effects. It's important to take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of FOL-5 TABLET?

Folic acid supplements are generally well-tolerated and unlikely to cause significant side effects. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as loss of appetite, feeling sick (nausea), a bloated feeling, or flatulence (wind). Rarely, severe allergic reactions (hypersensitivity) can occur, indicated by itchy/red skin, rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or shock. If you experience any severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Is FOL-5 TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Yes, FOL-5 TABLET (Folic Acid 5mg) is safe and often recommended during pregnancy. It is crucial for preventing serious birth defects of the brain and spine (neural tube defects) in the baby. For women with a higher risk of neural tube defects, a 5mg daily dose is advised, ideally starting before conception and continuing through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, and often throughout for those at risk of or with anaemia.

It is also generally considered safe to take folic acid while breastfeeding. Folic acid is a normal component of breast milk and when taken as a supplement, it passes into breast milk in amounts too small to harm the baby. It also helps replenish maternal folate stores.

Can FOL-5 TABLET be taken with other medications?

Folic acid can interact with certain medications. It is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you are taking. Medications that may interact include:

• Antiepileptic drugs (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, carbamazepine, sodium valproate) as folic acid can affect their levels or efficacy.
• Methotrexate (used for arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, or some cancers) as folic acid is often given to reduce its side effects.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., trimethoprim, sulphonamides, chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole) which can reduce the effect of folic acid or interfere with blood test results.
• Some indigestion remedies (antacids containing aluminium or magnesium) should not be taken within 2 hours before or after folic acid, as they can impair absorption.
• Fluorouracil, capecitabine, raltitrexed, or tegafur (medicines used to treat some types of cancer).
• Medicines containing zinc.
• Sulfasalazine (for inflammatory bowel conditions).
• Cholestyramine (to reduce cholesterol).
• Alcohol can stop folic acid from working as well.

What precautions should be taken when taking FOL-5 TABLET?

Before taking FOL-5 TABLET, tell your doctor if you:

• Have an allergy to folic acid or any of its ingredients.
• Have pernicious anaemia or an untreated vitamin B12 deficiency, as folic acid can mask the symptoms of pernicious anaemia, allowing neurological damage to progress.
• Have a malignant (cancerous) disease, especially certain tumours.
• Are undergoing haemodialysis due to kidney failure.
• Have an intolerance to some sugars, as the tablet may contain lactose or sucrose.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose without consulting your doctor.

What happens if a dose of FOL-5 TABLET is missed?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. If you frequently miss doses, discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.

How should FOL-5 TABLET be stored?

FOL-5 TABLET should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. The temperature should generally be below 25°C or 30°C. Keep the medicine out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the pack.