INTRODUCTION

FOLINEXT TABLET is a combination of Folic Acid and Methylcobalamin which belongs to the group of medicines called Homocysteine lowering vitamins respectively. It is used to treat homocysteinemia and promote health and growth. Lack of methylcobalamin and folic acid, which results as mouth ulcers, pallor, weakness, loss of appetite, irritability, and muscle pain.

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine as it may lead to unwanted interactions. FOLINEXT TABLET is not recommended in patients with cancer (unless you have anaemia due to a deficiency of folic acid).

FOLINEXT TABLET should be used with caution in patients with Leber's disease: hereditary optic neuropathy (sudden vision loss), folic acid or iron deficiency, hypokalaemia (low levels of potassium), pernicious anemia (preventing the absorption of vitamin B12) or vitamin B12 deficiency, a tumor that depends on folate, an allergy to tartrazine, kidney disease, heart disease having a coronary stent.

FOLINEXT TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant women. FOLINEXT TABLET should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. FOLINEXT TABLET should be used with caution around children. The most common side effects of taking FOLINEXT TABLET are headache, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact your doctor if any of the symptoms get worse.

USES OF FOLINEXT TABLET

• Treats homocysteinemia and promote health and growth

HOW FOLINEXT TABLET WORKS

FOLINEXT TABLET are water soluble vitamins necessary for various physiological processes in the body, including the synthesis of red blood cells and DNA, the repair of cells and tissues, the metabolism of homocysteine, and the optimal functioning of the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems.

Folic acid used to treat and prevent anaemia, a vitamin necessary for the growth and functioning of new cells. Methylcobalamin used to treat peripheral neuropathy and anaemia. Both are essential for the myelin sheath formation. Together used to promote health and growth and treats homocysteinemia due to Vitamin B9 and Vitamin B12 deficiencies.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take FOLINEXT TABLET as advised by your physician. With a glass of water, take the medicine. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Depending on your age, body weight, disease condition, your doctor will fix the correct dose and duration for you.

SIDE EFFECTS OF FOLINEXT TABLET

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Diarrhea

Drink plenty of water and fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Contact your doctor if the diarrhoea did not improve.

Headache

Rest and relax. Drink plenty of electrolytes and water. If necessary, apply a balm to the head to relieve the pain. Do not consume alcohol. Contact your doctor if the headache did not improve.

Loss Of Appetite

Eat when you are hungry. Eat smaller meals more often than usual. Snack only when you're hungry. Consume a healthy, calorie- and protein-rich snack like nuts or dried fruit.

Nausea And Vomiting

Take the medicine, with or just after a meal. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy food. If the nausea and vomiting does not improve, consult your doctor.

Stomach Pain

Try to rest and relax. Eat small meals but take frequently. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. Contact your doctor if the stomach pain did not improve.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY

Use with Caution

FOLINEXT TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant women. Contact your doctor before taking FOLINEXT TABLET.

BREASTFEEDING

Use with Caution

FOLINEXT TABLET should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. Contact your doctor before taking FOLINEXT TABLET.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

Use with Caution

FOLINEXT TABLET does not affect your ability to drive or operate machines. However, do not drive or operate any machines if your ability to drive or operate machines is affected by this medicine.

ALCOHOL

Consult your doctor

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking FOLINEXT TABLET.

KIDNEY

Use with Caution

FOLINEXT TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease and in dialysis patients. Contact your doctor before taking FOLINEXT TABLET.

ALLERGY

Contraindicated

Do not take FOLINEXT TABLET if you are allergic to folic acid or methylcobalamin or Intolerance to lactose or other sugars or to other ingredients of this medicine.

HEART DISEASE

Use with Caution

FOLINEXT TABLET should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure, heart disease (having a coronary stent). Contact your doctor before taking FOLINEXT TABLET.

USE IN PEDIATRICS

Use with Caution

FOLINEXT TABLET should be used with caution in children. Contact your doctor before taking FOLINEXT TABLET.

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Tell your doctor if you have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, vitamin supplement or herbal products such as:

• antibiotics e.g., neomycin, chloramphenicol, (trimethoprim and sulphonamides, sometimes combined as co-trimoxazole) and fusidic acid, (medicines for bacterial infection)
• phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, sodium valproate and carbamazepine (medicine used to control epilepsy, fits)
• edible clay and antacids containing aluminium or magnesium, used to treat indigestion
• cholestyramine (medicines used to lower cholesterol levels)
• aspirin (medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots and for pain relief)
• fluorouracil, methotrexate (medicine used to treat cancer)
• zinc-containing products like vitamins or dietary supplements
• sulfasalazine (medicine used for inflammatory bowel disease)
• proguanil and pyrimethamine (medicines used for malaria)
• lithium (used to treat mental problems)
• triamterene (medicine used to treat high blood pressure)
• colchicine (medicine used to treat gout)
• oral contraceptives (medicine used to prevent pregnancy)
• metformin (medicine used to treat diabetes)
•  cimetidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole (medicine used to treat heart burn and peptic ulcer)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of FOLINEXT TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose may include bitter taste, loss of appetite, nausea, flatulence, nightmares, agitation, depression, fits.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep FOLINEXT TABLET out of reach from children
• Store FOLINEXT TABLET below 25°C

FAQs ABOUT FOLINEXT TABLET

Q: What is FOLINEXT TABLET used for?

A: FOLINEXT TABLET is used to treat homocysteinemia and promote health and growth. Contact your doctor before taking it.

Q: What are the side effects of FOLINEXT TABLET?

A: The most common side effects of taking FOLINEXT TABLET are headache, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact your doctor if any of the symptoms get worse.

Q: What is B12 with folic acid good for?

A: It is essential when cells and tissues are producing quickly, such as during infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy. It also helps produce DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material. Additionally, folic acid and vitamin B12 work more closely to support the body's absorption of iron and the production of red blood cells.

Q: What happens when you take FOLINEXT TABLET every day?

A: Before becoming pregnant, folic acid levels in a woman's body can help to prevent serious birth deformities of the baby's spine and brain.

Q: Are vitamin B12 and folic acid the same?

A: Vitamin B12 is involved in the development of brain growth and function and also supports the proper functioning of blood vessels and nerves. A synthetic version of the water-soluble B vitamin folate is called folic acid.

REFERENCES

1. KD Tripathi. Vitamins. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 913.

2. Maladkar M, Awatramani M, Samel UD. Real-world experience with fixed dose combination of folic acid and methylcobalamin combats B-vitamin deficiency and restores quality of life. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics-India. February 2016. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301655336_

3. Lubna Mahmood. The metabolic processes of folic acid and Vitamin B12 deficiency. Journal of Health Research and Reviews. October 2014. https://www.jhrr.org/article.asp?issn=2394-2010;year=2014;volume=1;issue=1;spage=5;epage=9;aulast=Mahmood

4. ScienceDirect. Mecobalamin. [Accessed 02 September 2022] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/mecobalamin

5. M & A Pharmachem Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in May 2018] [Accessed on 02 September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10397.pdf

6. CP Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in May 2018] [Accessed on 02 September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6998.pdf

7. Clonmel Healthcare Ltd. Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). [Revised in April 2018] [Accessed on 02 September 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/2206878.PA0126_057_001.94585457-3541-4b08-b9cc-38c06856b192.000001Product%20Leaflet%20Approved.180525.pdf

8. Mecobalamin. Mims.com. [Accessed on 02 September 2022] https://www.mims.com/malaysia/drug/info/methycobal?type=full

9. Vitamin B12-Folic Acid. Drugs.com [Accessed on 02 September 2022] https://www.drugs.com/cdi/vitamin-b12-folic-acid.html

10. Methylcobalamin. Drugs.com. [Accessed on 02 September 2022] https://www.drugs.com/mtm/methylcobalamin-vitamin-b12.html

11. Methylcobalamin. Drugs.com. [Accessed on 02 September 2022] https://www.drugs.com/npp/methylcobalamin.html

12. Mecobalamin. Medindia.net.  [Accessed on 02 September 2022] https://www.medindia.net/doctors/drug_information/mecobalamin.htm

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B6
• Complete Blood Count
• Peripheral Smear Examination

AUTHOR DETAILS

Written By Dr. Dhivakaran R, BDS
Last updated on 13 Mar 2023 | 03:36 PM(IST)