Elfolate

Generic name: L-methylfolate
Drug class: Vitamins

Usage of Elfolate

Folate is a form of B vitamin that occurs naturally in many foods. Folic acid is the man-made form of folate that is added to processed foods or vitamin and mineral supplements. Folate is needed in the human body for production of red blood cells.

A lack (deficiency) of folate in the human body can be caused by certain diseases, by taking certain medications, or by not getting enough folate in your diet. Folate deficiency can lead to decreased red blood cells, or anemia. Folate deficiency can also cause high levels of a certain amino acid in the blood, a condition called hyperhomocysteinemia (HYE-per-HOE-moe-sis-tin-EE-mee-a).

Elfolate is a medical food for use in people who have conditions related to folate deficiency. This medicine is also used in people with major depressive disorder who have folate deficiency, or in people with schizophrenia who have hyperhomocysteinemia related to folate deficiency.

Elfolate is not an antidepressant or anti-psychotic medication. However, this medicine may enhance the effects of antidepressant medications.

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

Elfolate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may occur, and you may have none 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 may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Elfolate

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

To make sure Elfolate 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 breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

Relate drugs

How to use Elfolate

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

Use only the strength of l-methylfolate that your doctor has prescribed. Do not switch brands without your doctor's advice.

You may take Elfolate 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 you have.

Elfolate is only part of a complete program of treatment 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.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Elfolate

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

Capecitabine;

fluoxetine (Prozac);

isotretinoin;

methotrexate;

methylprednisolone;

pancrelipase;

pyrimethamine;

triamterene;

trimethoprim;

warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

birth control pills;

oral diabetes medicine that contains 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 medicine--Carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, valproic acid.

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

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.