Elfolate

Elfolate

Elfolate

What is elfolate?

A deficiency (deficiency) of folate in the human body can be caused by certain diseases, the use of certain medications, or insufficient folate intake from food. Folate deficiency can lead to a decrease in red blood cells or anemia. Folate deficiency can also lead to high levels of a certain amino acid in the blood, a condition called hyperhomocysteinemia (HYE-per-HOE-moe-sis-tin-EE-mee-a).

Elfolat is a medicinal food for use in people with folate deficiency diseases. This medicine is also used in patients with major depressive disorder and folate deficiency or in people with schizophrenia and hyperhomocysteinemia related to folate deficiency.

Elfolat is not an antidepressant or antipsychotic. However, this medicine can increase the effects of antidepressants.

Elfolat may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Elfolate side effects

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction:hives; difficulty breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may experience less serious side effects, and you may not have any side effects at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all instructions on the label and packaging of your medicine. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies and any medications you take.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use Elfolat if you are allergic to it.

To make sure Elfolat is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• seizures or epilepsy;

• a history of vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia; or

• a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dosage needs may be different during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How should I take Elfolat?

Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Do not take Elfolat in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Only use the strength of L-methylfolate prescribed by your doctor. Do not change brands without your doctor's advice.

You can take Elfolat with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

Elfolat is just one part of a complete treatment program that may also include other medications and psychological counseling when used in people with depression or schizophrenia. Follow your medication and counseling routines very closely.

Store at cool room temperature, away from moisture, heat and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of elfolate is unlikely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid when taking L-methylfolate?

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any food, drink, or activity restrictions.

What other drugs will affect elfolate?

Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking and any medications you are taking or stopping, especially:

• capecitabine;

• fluoxetine (Prozac);

• isotretinoin;

• methotrexate;

• methylprednisolone;

• pancrelipase;

• pyrimethamine;

• triamterene;

• trimethoprim;

• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• birth control pills;

• oral diabetes medications containing metformin (Glucophage, Avandamet, Metaglip and others);

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam and others; or

• Seizure medications – carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, valproic acid.

This list is not complete. Other medications may interact with L-methylfolate, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.