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Vitamins (VYE-ta-mins) are compounds that you must have for growth and health. They are needed in small amounts only and are usually available in the foods that you eat. Folic Acid (FOE-lik AS-id) (vitamin B 9) is necessary for strong blood. Lack of Folic Acid may lead to anemia (weak blood). Your health care professional may treat this by prescribing Folic Acid for you. Some conditions may increase your need for Folic Acid. These include: Alcoholism Anemia, hemolytic Diarrhea (continuing) Fever (prolonged) Hemodialysis Illness (prolonged) Intestinal diseases Liver disease Stress (continuing) Surgical removal of stomach In addition, infants smaller than normal, breast-fed infants, or those receiving unfortified formulas (such as evaporated milk or goat's milk) may need additional Folic Acid. Increased need for Folic Acid should be determined by your health care professional. Some studies have found that Folic Acid taken by women before they become pregnant and during early pregnancy may reduce the chances of certain birth defects (neural tube defects). Claims that Folic Acid and other B vitamins are effective for preventing mental problems have not been proven. Many of these treatments involve large and expensive amounts of vitamins. Injectable Folic Acid is given by or under the direction of your health care professional. Another form of Folic Acid is available without a prescription. Folic Acid is used to treat or prevent Folic Acid deficiency. It is a B-complex vitamin needed by the body to manufacture red blood cells. A deficiency of this vitamin causes certain types of anemia (low red blood cell count). Folic Acid comes in tablets. It usually is taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Folic Acid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking Folic Acid to treat a deficiency, you probably will feel better quickly, often within 24 hours. However, do not stop taking this drug until your doctor tells you to do so. Brand names: - Apo-Folic - Folic Acid - Folvite - Novo-Folacid |