Folvite

Therapeutic Indications for Folvite

Folvite is the synthetic version of the naturally occurring B Vitamin, Folate, that also occurs naturally in certain foods.  Folvite is water-soluble.

Healthcare providers prescribe Folvite to compensate for the deficiency of folate. This B vitamin is very essential in the production of red blood cells. Folic acid is the key ingredient of Folvite which helps maintain and regulate important functions in the body.  Folvite effectively treats types of anemia triggered by the deficiency of folic acid. Foods rich in folate are beans, mushrooms, fruits, beets, milk, potato, yeast, green leafy vegetables, and egg yolk.

Folvite 5 MG Tablet

• Prevents low folate levels
• Treats Folic acid deficiency
• Make good pregnancy supplements

Folvite is prescribed to effectively treat 

• Megaloblastic Anemia
• Liver diseases
• Kidney dialysis
• Alcoholism,
• Intestinal problems

Folic acid supplements are available in various forms. Some of them are: Levomefolate, L-methylfolate, and methyltetrahydrofolate.

Do I need a prescription for Folvite?

You can purchase Folvite tablets from any pharmacy or drug store over-the-counter without a prescription.

Dosage Strength: 5 mg

• Dosage for Folvite 5 mg is based on the patients’ health condition, the severity of symptoms and the way you respond to the treatment. If you feel the need to adjust the dosage, check with your healthcare provider before doing so.
• Follow the instructions mentioned on the Folvite 5 MG label. It is important to follow all instructions on the package especially if you are taking an over-the-counter product.
• Seek the advice of your healthcare provider if you suspect anemia, as they are in a better position to decide the dosage for treatment.
• Take this medicine with or without food
• The general dosage is one tablet daily. Folic acid is assimilated well into the human body and is therefore good for oral administration. In certain acute cases of intestinal malabsorption, drug administration could follow the intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular route.
• To get the full benefit of the treatment, you need to take the tablet regularly. A good diet along with this tablet is the best way to improve nutrition and overall health.
• Store Folvite tablet at temperatures below 25 degrees.
• Drink adequate water during Folvite treatment
• Do not refrigerate or freeze Folvite; keep away from the moist area
• The daily required therapeutic dosage of folic acid is 1.0 mg for both children and adults notwithstanding the age. In case the patients are taking folic acid orally especially where there is a resistance to absorption, a higher dosage is prescribed.

Maintenance dosage:

• Infants: 0.1 mg daily
• Children below 4 years:0.3 mg daily
• Children above 4 years: 0.4 mg. daily
• Pregnant women: 0.8 mg
• Lactating mothers: 0.8 mg

Patients receiving anticonvulsant therapy may need a higher maintenance dosage after the initial treatment of Folvite. The maintenance dosage is higher In the presence of hemolytic anemia and alcoholism.

Facts on Folvite

• Since 1998, many food items such as cookies, bread, pasta, bakery products, cereals, and flour are fortified with Folvite as per the stipulation of the Federal law.
• Liver disease, intestinal issues, pregnancy, poor diet alcoholism, kidney dialysis, triggers low folate levels.
• To offset the risks of spinal cord birth defects in infants, pregnant women should ensure intake of folic acid through diet or supplements.
• The quantity of folic acid assimilated in the body is dependent on the strength of the medicine. Oral intake of folic acid ensures easy absorption of medicine in the bloodstream.
• Intake of folic acid through diet or supplements activates the production of platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells that help victims of megaloblastic anemias.
• Folic Acid is naturally present in yeast, liver and other elements. It can also be manufactured synthetically.
• Maintenance dosage of folic acid needs to be increased for victims of acute infection, alcoholism, hemolytic anemia and those on anticonvulsant therapy.
• Treatment with folic acid alone may not help victims of megaloblastic anemias and pernicious anemia with Vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Folvite is not addictive and so far there are no reports of any habit-forming tendencies

Chemical composition

FOLVITE contains sodium folate, which is equal to 5 mg of folic acid. It also contains 0.2% Sequestrene sodium.

Mechanism of action

Folvite assists in the synthesis of pyrimidine and purine that are required for the production of red blood cells.  Folic acid helps in maintaining important body functions.

Once the treatment of folic acid begins, the effect is cumulative and gains can be experienced within 2 -3 weeks of administration.

Contraindications

Interactions with other drugs you take or vitamins and supplements can hamper the effectiveness of Folvite. It is for this reason that you should be completely open with your healthcare provider about the health conditions, medicines and supplements you are taking.  A list of the products you use can help your healthcare provider fix the exact dosage for Folviteand also assess the nature of side effects and interactions.

Alcohol: While taking Folvite, it is advisable to completely avoid or restrict the intake of alcohol. The use of alcohol along with folic acid may hamper the absorption of folic acid from the stomach. It may lower the effectiveness of Folvite in treating other conditions it was meant for.

Pregnancy: Folvite is permitted for use in pregnant women and is usually prescribed during this time to offset risks to the growing fetus. Deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can be the cause of severe birth defects in the unborn baby.

Breastfeeding: Folvite is a permitted medicine during breastfeeding. However, it is better to consult with your healthcare provider before starting this medicine.

Allergy: Allergy to Pyrimethamine, folic acid, hydantoins can cause adverse drug interaction. If you are allergic to any of these components, do not take Folvite.

Drug interactions

The following drugs can have severe interactions in the presence of folic acid

• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Capecitabine
• Fluorouracil

Disease interactions

Anemia that has not been diagnosed: Do not use folic acid to treat an undiagnosed form of anemia. This drug should be used only when the cause of anemia is known otherwise it may not serve the purpose. In such cases, if Folvite is used, it may also result in other health complications. 

Side effects

Some of the side effects of Folvite are listed below. Most of them are extremely rare and have been observed in a very small section of the population. However, if the side effects turn severe or continue to persist, it is better to stop the drug and seek the help of a medical practitioner immediately.

• Fever
• Discomfort
• Fatigue
• Rashes
• Itching
• Weakness and general discomfort
• Itching
• Difficulty in breathing
• Stomach pain and discomfort

What to do if I skip a dose?

If you skip a dose, take the missed dose as soon as it crosses your mind. If it is very close to the next scheduled dose, then just skip the missed dose

Overdose

An overdose of Folvite can manifest as any of the following symptoms. Consult with your healthcare provider in the event of an overdose of Folvite.

• Weakness
• Pain in the tongue or mouth
• Fatigue
• Tingling sensation
• Restlessness

Different brand names of Folvite

Generic and brand name of Folvite

Brand: Folvite

Generic: Folic acid

Substitutes for Folvite tablet

The following list of medicines shares a similar form, strength, and composition as Folvite. It can double up as a good substitute for Folvite 5 mg.

References

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