FA-8 Side Effects
Generic Name: folic acid
Please note - some side effects for FA-8 may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).
Side Effects of FA-8 - for the Consumer
FA-8
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with FA-8. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using FA-8:
TopSevere allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
Side Effects by Body System
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects have been reported rarely. They have included anorexia, nausea, abdominal distention, flatulence, and bitter taste.
Gastrointestinal side effects have been reported among patients with doses of 15 mg/day.
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects have included sleep disturbances, concentration problems, irritability, anxiety, depression, confusion, and impaired judgment.
Parenteral administration of high doses of folic acid have been associated with increased seizure activity in patients with epilepsy.
Nervous system side effects have been reported in some patients who were taking 15 mg/day.
Daily doses of folic acid > 100 mcg/day can obscure pernicious anemia in that hematologic remission can occur while neurologic signs and symptoms progress.
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity side effects have been reported rarely. They have included erythema, rash, pruritus, malaise, dyspnea with bronchospasm, and a single case of apparent anaphylaxis.
Metabolic
Metabolic side effects have included impaired gastrointestinal absorption of zinc.
A measurable decline in plasma zinc has been associated with folic acid dosages as low as 400 mcg/day.
Zinc is an intrinsic part of at least 70 metalloenzymes and other cellular components, and is essential for the synthesis of protein, DNA, and RNA. While zinc deficiency is rare, it may become a problem during pregnancy or with patients who have inflammatory bowel disease, malabsorption, liver cirrhosis, and high alcohol intake. Zinc deficiency usually presents as diarrhea; mental irritability; depression; skin lesions of the face, perineum, limbs, and skin folds; alopecia; loss of taste; and defects in the immunologic system.
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