Folio F
Leaflet
The combination of ferrous iron and folic acid helps in forming new cell nuclei for red blood cells and increases the synthesis of nucleic acids, which is necessary for treating anemia, especially during pregnancy.
Iron binds to transferrin in the blood and is transported to areas with heme deficiency or stored until needed. About 1 mg of iron is excreted daily through shedding skin cells, mucous membranes, bile, and urine.
• Hypersensitivity to iron, folates, or any of the components of the preparation.
• Pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency) without accompanying treatment with vitamin B12.
• Hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis.
• Conditions of iron overload.
• Chronic use of high doses of iron may lead to its accumulation and liver damage.
• Caution is required in patients with peptic ulcers or ulcerative colitis (as it may worsen digestive symptoms).
• Tablets must not be chewed or sucked, as this may cause irritation to the mouth or teeth.
• Taking a high dose of folate may mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Blood counts and iron levels should be monitored regularly during long-term treatment.
• Tetracyclines, quinolones, bisphosphonates, levothyroxine: their absorption decreases when taken with iron; doses should be separated (at least two hours).
• Methotrexate, trimethoprim, pyrimethamine: folic acid may interfere with their antifolate effect.
• Phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone: folic acid may reduce their effectiveness.
• Vitamin C: may increase iron absorption.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Usually one tablet daily, either as a preventive or therapeutic dose according to the doctor’s assessment.
• It is preferable to take the tablet on an empty stomach to increase absorption, but it can be taken with food to reduce digestive disturbances.
• The tablet should be swallowed whole with an adequate amount of water.
• Common: digestive disturbances (nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal cramps).
• May occur: dark-colored stools (harmless).
• Rare: skin allergic reactions (rash, itching), headache.
• Pregnancy: Iron and folate are essential during pregnancy to prevent anemia and neural tube defects. Their preventive and therapeutic use is recommended under medical supervision.
• Breastfeeding: Iron and folate are secreted in small amounts in breast milk and are considered safe at recommended doses.
• FDA classification: Category A (safe when used at recommended doses during pregnancy).
• Iron: may cause a toxic dose, especially in children (severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, shock, liver failure).
• Folate: rarely causes serious symptoms, but high doses may lead to digestive or neurological disturbances.
• Treatment: emergency management, gastric lavage, administration of the antidote (Deferoxamine) in cases of iron poisoning, and supportive symptomatic treatment.
Store at a temperature below 25°C.
• Keep away from moisture, heat, and direct light.
• Keep out of reach of children (risk of iron poisoning if an overdose is taken).