L-Methylfolate Forte

Folate is a type of B vitamin that naturally exists in many foods. Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate that is added to processed foods or vitamin and mineral supplements. The body needs folate to produce red blood cells.

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

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

L-Methylfolate Forte is not an antidepressant or anti-psychotic medication. However, it may enhance the effects of antidepressant medications.

L-Methylfolate Forte may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

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

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

You may take L-Methylfolate Forte 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 Forte is only 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.

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

You should not use L-Methylfolate Forte if you are allergic to it.

To ensure L-Methylfolate Forte 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 breastfeeding. Your dose requirements may 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 not have any side effects 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.

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 compensate for the missed dose.

An overdose of L-Methylfolate Forte is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

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.