FOLINA ® Folic acid

FOLINA ® is a drug based on folic acid.

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antianemic - folic acid and derivatives.

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications

FOLINA ® is indicated in the treatment of all those conditions characterized by increased demand for folic acid, insufficient absorption, reduced use or reduced dietary intake of this vitamin (B9).

Megaloblastic anemia is one of the most common diseases associated with folic acid deficiency.

Mechanism of action FOLINA ® Folic acid

Folic acid, known as vitamin B9, is an element of fundamental importance for human life, since the early days of embryonic development. Not being able to be synthesized by the body, dietary intake through green leafy vegetables, fruit, legumes and meat is necessary, which generally make it possible to satisfy the needs of this vitamin.

Taken orally, folic acid present in FOLINA is absorbed in the jejunal tract of the intestine and transported directly through the circulatory stream to the liver, which is the organ of greatest deposit.

From the liver it is subsequently distributed to the various tissues, where it is part of numerous reactions involved in the amino acid and nucleic acid metabolism. These reactions produce a very important implication in physiological and clinical terms, so as to allow folic acid to be fully included in the prevention of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases.

A lack of folate affects the patient's health, with a feeling of fatigue and chronic fatigue, an increase in cardiovascular risk and above all megaloblastic anemia, characterized by the presence in the circulation of immature erythrocyte precursors, with high dimensions and reduced transport capacity of oxygen.

In the latter case, the differential diagnosis of macrocytic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency is very important.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

FOLATE AND HYPERTENSION

The pleiotropic effects of folates - important not only in the correct erythrocyte differentiation, but also in the protection of vascular endothelium - have allowed these vitamins to fully merge among the molecules with preventive action against hypertension. In fact, this important study has shown that taking about 1mg of folate per day can significantly reduce the incidence of hypertension in young women.

2. COMBINED FOLIC ACID / IRON TREATMENT IN THE TREATMENT OF MALARIA ANEMIA

Anemia is one of the most common complications of plasmodia infection. Malaria is in fact responsible for the lowering of the hematocrit over 33%. In this study it was shown that the synergy between folate (5mg / day) and iron (2mg / kg / day) can significantly improve the anemic picture, compared to monotherapy.

3. ACCOMODATION FOR ANEMIA PREVENTION

The study compared different supplementary protocols - with iron, folic acid + iron, micronutrients, food powders and fortified foods - in preventing the anemic condition in children.

The most encouraging results were recorded with the combined intake of folic acid and iron, which guaranteed a significant increase in hemoglobin blood concentrations without the development of particular adverse reactions, primarily diarrhea, recorded with other supplementary protocols.

Method of use and dosage

FOLINA ® soft capsules of 5 mg of folic acid : it is generally recommended to take 1-3 capsules a day.

FOLINA ® solution for injection with 15mg of folic acid: it is recommended to take one vial a day intramuscularly.

In both cases, given the dosages decidedly higher than the supplementary practice (which can reach a maximum concentration of 1 mg), and given the use in the medical-therapeutic field, medical advice and possible correction of the dosage suggested by the manufacturer.

IN ANY CASE, BEFORE TAKING FOLINA ® Folic Acid, THE PRESCRIPTION AND CONTROL OF YOUR OWN DOCTOR IS NECESSARY.

Warnings FOLINA ® Folic acid

Before taking FOLINA ® it is necessary to ascertain the anemic condition, and exclude other possible forms of anemia, clinically similar but etiologically distinct (such as that of vitamin B12 deficiency). In the latter case the intake of folic acid alone would not be able to improve the anemic situation. For the same reason it would not be useful even in the treatment of oncological anemia.

During the treatment with FOLINA ® it is good to monitor the haematological picture, in order to ascertain the improvement of the anemic condition and the efficacy of the therapy.

FOLINA ® does not alter the normal ability to drive vehicles and use machinery.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Although folic acid is an important factor for proper fetal development, especially in the first 30 days of pregnancy, such high doses (above 4mg / day) have never been tested, and could be associated with particular side effects. For this reason the use of FOLINA ® is contraindicated both during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

Interactions

The concomitant administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and folic acid could determine an alteration of folic acid metabolism, with possible reduction of therapeutic efficacy.

Anticonvulsants and antiepileptics can reduce the intestinal absorption of folic acid, and at the same time high doses of folic acid can reduce the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs.

Some chemotherapeutic drugs or immunosuppressants, used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, may have antifolic activity.

Contraindications FOLINA ® Folic acid

FOLINA ® is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to folic acid or to one of its excipients.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

FOLINA ® appears to be well tolerated; the most commonly described side effects are nausea, abdominal pain, general malaise, irritability and anorexia.

Rare hypersensitivity episodes.