DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Folic Acid Capsules and Tablets (FOE-lik ASS-id)
Brand Name: FA-8

FA-8 is used for:

Treating certain types of anemia. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

FA-8 is a vitamin. It works by helping the body to produce blood cells.

Do NOT use FA-8 if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in FA-8

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using FA-8 :

Some medical conditions may interact with FA-8 . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a long-term infection, seizure disorder (eg, epilepsy), or liver problems (eg, alcoholic cirrhosis), or if you are on kidney dialysis
• if you drink alcohol regularly
• if you have other types of anemia (eg, anemia due to low vitamin B₁₂ levels)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with FA-8 . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Fluorouracil because its actions and side effects may be increased by FA-8
• Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because their effectiveness may be decreased by FA-8
• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), methotrexate, nitrofurantoin, phenytoin, primidone, or pyrimethamine because the effectiveness of this medicine may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if FA-8 may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use FA-8 :

Use FA-8 as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• FA-8 may be taken with or without food.
• If you miss a dose of FA-8 , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use FA-8 .

Important safety information:

• Check any other vitamin products you may be taking for folic acid content. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any other medicines that you take contain folic acid.
• LAB TESTS, including red blood cell counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Possible side effects of FA-8 :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with this product. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of FA-8 :

Store FA-8 at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep FA-8 out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about FA-8 , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• FA-8 is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about FA-8 . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.