Folistat 5mg Tablet is a folic acid supplement used to treat a type of anemia where you have too few red blood cells due to low folic acid levels.

Introduction:
Folistat 5mg Tablet is a folic acid supplement used to treat a type of anemia where you have too few red blood cells due to low folic acid levels. It is also taken before and during pregnancy to decrease the risk of defects in the neural tube which forms the spinal cord in the baby. Folic acid is needed to produce the red blood cells that carry oxygen around your body. This medicine is generally well tolerated with little or no side effects. However, it may cause abdominal distension, flatulence, nausea, and weight loss in some people.

Dosage Form:
Tablet

Side Effects:

• Abdominal distension
• Flatulence
• Nausea
• Weight loss

How to Use:
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Folistat 5mg Tablet may be taken with or without food but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How it Works:
Folistat 5mg Tablet is a form of vitamin B. It plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body. It is also essential in pregnancy due to its role in the development of the unborn baby's brain and spinal cord.

Quick Tips:

• Used for the treatment of folic acid deficiency
• Taken before and during pregnancy to decrease the risk of defects in the neural tube
• Inform your doctor if you have a history of seizures as you may need a higher dose of the seizure medicines than what you normally take

Interacting Drugs:

• Fosphenytoin
• Methotrexate
• Phenobarbitone
• Phenytoin

FAQs:

• Is it safe to take Folistat 5mg Tablet when not pregnant?
  In general, folic acid requirements are met from a balanced diet and therefore additional supplements are not required. However, Folistat 5mg Tablet is advised for women who want to conceive or are pregnant. It's recommended to consult your doctor if you have any doubts.


• Can Folistat 5mg Tablet cause weight gain?
  While there's limited human research, animal studies suggest that taking excessive Folistat 5mg Tablet with a high-fat diet may lead to weight gain and fat accumulation. However, this effect was not observed on a normal or low-fat diet. To be safe, consider a low-fat meal while taking Folistat 5mg Tablet.


• How long does Folistat 5mg Tablet take to work?
  Folistat 5mg Tablet usually starts working within a few hours of consumption. If you're taking it for iron deficiency anemia, you may notice improvements after a few weeks. When taken during pregnancy, its effects might not be noticeable immediately, but continue as directed by your doctor.


• Why should women start taking Folistat 5mg Tablet before becoming pregnant?
  Maintaining adequate folic acid levels before conception reduces the risk of developing neural tube defects in the baby. The neural tube forms within four weeks of pregnancy, and folic acid aids its closure. Start Folistat 5mg Tablet at least four weeks before pregnancy to prevent this defect.


• Can I breastfeed while taking Folistat 5mg Tablet?
  Yes, breastfeeding is safe with Folistat 5mg Tablet as it contains folic acid naturally present in breast milk. Although initial levels are low, they eventually rise. You can take Folistat 5mg Tablet daily to maintain required levels, but consult your doctor for guidance on nutrient supplementation during breastfeeding.


• When should I take Folistat 5mg Tablet, in the morning or at night?
  You can take Folistat 5mg Tablet at any time of day, but try to take it at the same time each day for consistency. Swallow the medicine whole with a glass of water without chewing, cutting, or crushing it.


• Can Folistat 5mg Tablet make you sick?
  Folistat 5mg Tablet is generally well-tolerated but may cause nausea (feeling sick), loss of appetite, bloating, and excessive gas passing. If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor but do not stop taking the medication.


• How long do I need to take Folistat 5mg Tablet?
  The duration of treatment depends on the reason for taking it. For pregnancy planning, start at least four weeks before conception and continue up to the first three months. For folic acid deficiency, treatment may last four months or longer if the deficiency doesn't subside. Consult your doctor for guidance based on your specific situation.