FA-8
(folic acid)
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 322 reviewsforfolic acid
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Makes healthy blood cells.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
FA-8 (folic acid) is the only way to treat folate or folic acid deficiency, and is easily accessible over the counter.
Quick facts about folic acid
- Drug class: Hematopoietic
- Rx status: Over-the-counter
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (folic acid)
Upsides
- Taking FA-8 (folic acid) before and during pregnancy decreases the risk of defects in the neural tube, which forms the spinal cord in the baby. Doses are usually higher than the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
- Many foods have added FA-8 (folic acid) to help decrease the risk of neural tube defects.
- Most strengths of FA-8 (folic acid) are available over the counter and are very cheap.
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What to expect from folic acid, on one page
Downsides
- Higher doses can cause more side effects, such as stomach upset, nausea, loss of appetite, or bad taste in your mouth.
- FA-8 (folic acid) doesn’t work by itself if you have certain types of anemia. You may need a blood test to make sure you’re not lacking in other vitamins.
Get our free fact sheet
What to expect from folic acid, on one page
How it works
FA-8 (folic acid) is a vitamin that's required in the body in order to make different blood cells and maintain good health.
Quick facts about folic acid
- Drug class: Hematopoietic
- Rx status: Over-the-counter
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (folic acid)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Injection
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 30 (1mg) tablets of folic acid near
- Pay as low as$2.54Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Get free discount$4.00
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$5.21
- Get free coupon$5.65
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take FA-8 (folic acid) for Folic acid deficiency anemia
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Gas
- Nausea
- General weakness
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for FA-8 (folic acid)
Manufacturers don’t say how common these side effects are when taking folic acid for null
- Skin redness or irritation
- Skin rash
- Itching
- General weakness
- Asthma attacks
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Abdominal bloating
- Gas
- Bitter or bad taste
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Overactivity
- Flushing
- Excitability
- Depression
- Confusion
- Impaired judgment
- Decreased B12 levels
Risks and Warnings for FA-8 (folic acid)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Sensitivity to FA-8 (folic acid)
Rarely, FA-8 (folic acid) has been reported to cause allergic reactions, which can range from skin rash to difficulty breathing. Call your doctor and get medical care right away.
Common concerns from people taking FA-8 (folic acid)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Interactions
- FA-8 (folic acid) can interact with certain seizure/epilepsy medicines, which can mean needing a higher dose of the seizure medicines than what you normally take. Talk to your doctor first before taking FA-8 (folic acid) if you take medicine for seizures/epilepsy.
Food
- Many foods have added FA-8 (folic acid) to help decrease the risk of neural tube defects.