L-methylfolate

Folate is a type of B vitamin found naturally in many foods. Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate that is added to processed foods and vitamin and mineral supplements. Folate is necessary for the production of red blood cells in the body.

A lack of folate (folate deficiency) can happen due to certain diseases, specific medications, or not getting enough folate from your diet. Folate deficiency can result in lower red blood cell counts, leading to anemia. It can also cause high levels of a specific amino acid in the blood, a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia (HYE-per-HOE-moe-sis-tin-EE-mee-a).

L-methylfolate is a medical food designed for people with conditions related to folate deficiency. It is also used for individuals with major depressive disorder who have folate deficiency, or for those with schizophrenia who have hyperhomocysteinemia related to folate deficiency.

L-methylfolate is not an antidepressant or anti-psychotic medication. However, l-methylfolate may improve the effects of antidepressant medications.

L-methylfolate may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take l-methylfolate 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 l-methylfolate 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.

L-methylfolate 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.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are taking.

You should not use l-methylfolate if you are allergic to it.

To ensure l-methylfolate is safe for you, inform 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).

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dosage may need to change during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

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

You might experience less serious side effects, or you may have none at all.

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

Usual Adult Dose for Folic Acid Deficiency:

7.5 to 15 mg orally once a day, with or without foodXaQuil XR(R): 30 mg orally once a day, with or without foodUse: Suboptimal L-methylfolate levels in patients with major depressive disorder, particularly those on antidepressants

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

An overdose of l-methylfolate is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

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.