Folvite Side Effects

Generic name: folic acid

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 23, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about folic acid. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Folvite.

Applies to folic acid: capsule, solution, tablet.

Serious side effects of Folvite

Along with its needed effects, folic acid (the active ingredient contained in Folvite) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking folic acid:

Rare

• Fever
• general weakness or discomfort
• reddened skin
• shortness of breath
• skin rash or itching
• tightness in chest
• troubled breathing
• wheezing

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to folic acid: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral tablet.

Gastrointestinal

Rare (less than 0.1%): Mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, abdominal distension, flatulence^[Ref]

Nausea, abdominal distension, and flatulence were reported in patients taking 15 mg folic acid daily for 1 month.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Bitter or bad taste, altered sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, overactivity, impaired judgement, increased incidence of seizures in some epileptic patients^[Ref]

Bitter or bad taste, altered sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, overactivity, and impaired judgement were reported in patients taking 15 mg folic acid daily for 1 month.

Increased seizure incidence was seen in some epileptic patients receiving phenobarbital, primidone, or diphenylhydantoin.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Rare (less than 0.1%): Allergic responses (including erythema, skin rash, itching, general malaise, respiratory difficulty due to bronchospasm), anaphylaxis (including shock)^[Ref]

Metabolic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Anorexia

Frequency not reported: Decreased vitamin B12 serum levels, worsening symptoms of B12 deficiency^[Ref]

Anorexia was reported in patients taking 15 mg folic acid daily for 1 month.

Decreased vitamin B12 serum levels was reported with prolonged folic acid therapy.^[Ref]

Other

Decreased diphenylhydantoin serum levels were reported in patients taking 5 or 15 mg folic acid (the active ingredient contained in Folvite) daily.^[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Decreased diphenylhydantoin serum levels^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Irritability, excitement, mental depression, and confusion were reported in patients taking 15 mg folic acid (the active ingredient contained in Folvite) daily for 1 month.^[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Irritability, excitement, mental depression, confusion^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Why should I take folic acid with methotrexate?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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