Folvite (Folic Acid) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Folvite

Anemia »

What is anemia?

Anemia is a medical condition in which the red blood cell count or hemoglobin is less than normal. The normal level of hemoglobin is generally different in males and females. For men, anemia is typically defined as hemoglobin level of less than 13.5 gram/100 ml and in women as hemoglobin of less than 12.0 gram/100 ml. These definitions may vary slightly depending on the source and the laboratory reference used.

What causes anemia?

Any process that can disrupt the normal life span of a red blood cell may cause anemia. Normal life span of a red blood cell is typically around 120 days. Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow.

Anemia is caused essentially through two basic pathways. Anemia is caused by either:

a decrease in production of red blood cells or hemoglobin, or
an increase in loss or destruction of red blood cells.

A more common classification of anemia (low hemo...

Read the Anemia article »

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Folvite Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

FOLIC ACID - ORAL

(FOE-lik AS-id)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): FA-8

USES: Folic acid is the man-made form of folate. Folate is a B-vitamin naturally found in some foods. It is needed to form healthy cells, especially red blood cells. L-methylfolate and levomefolate are names for the active form of folic acid.

Folic acid supplements are used to treat or prevent low folate levels. Low folate levels can lead to certain types of anemia. Conditions that can cause low folate levels include poor diet, pregnancy, alcoholism, liver disease, certain stomach/intestinal problems, kidney dialysis, among others. Women of childbearing age should receive adequate amounts of folic acid either through their diet or supplements to prevent infant spinal cord birth defects.

HOW TO USE: Take this product by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are taking the over-the-counter product, follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this product more often than directed.

Take this product regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Follow the diet plan recommended by your doctor or dietician. See also Notes section.

If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.