Folivane-F contains [iron](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/), [folate](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-Consumer/), [vitamin C](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/) (ascorbic acid), and [vitamin B3](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-HealthProfessional/) (niacin). You need iron and folate to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, strengthens your immune system, and helps with wound healing. Vitamin B3 helps convert the food you eat into energy so that your body can function well.

Can Folivane-F make you constipated?

Yes, it's possible to feel [constipated](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/constipation/what-is-constipation) after taking Folivane-F. This is mostly because of the [iron that's in it](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/iron-supplements/cause-constipation). Make sure to stay hydrated and [add fiber to your diet](https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/fiber-rich-foods-list) to lessen this risk. When you do have a bowel movement, the iron in Folivane-F might turn your stools black; this is a harmless effect of the medication.

Does Folivane-F expire?

Yes, Folivane-F [can expire](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/safety/expired-medications). Refer to the expiration date printed on your prescription bottle, and don't take a dose after this date.

folivane-f

Generic Folivane-F

Used for Prenatal Vitamin

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Cost Contraindications Alternatives Images References Prices Medicare

Folivane-F is a multivitamin for adults. It contains many ingredients to supplement any nutritional needs that aren't being met by diet alone, such as iron, folate, and vitamin C. Folivane-F can also be prescribed during pregnancy as a prenatal multivitamin to help with the baby's development. You generally take a dose by mouth once daily. Common side effects can include upset stomach and bowel changes (e.g., diarrhea or constipation).

Note: There are other multivitamin products under the Folivane brand that might contain different ingredients, such as Folivane-OB and Folivane Plus.

Reviewed by:

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on January 6, 2025

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Cost Contraindications Alternatives Images References Prices Medicare

What is Folivane-F?

What is Folivane-F used for?

Dietary supplement

How Folivane-F works

Folivane-F is a dietary supplement. This multivitamin helps supplement iron and folate (also known as folic acid or vitamin B9) levels in the body. Iron and folate are needed to make red blood cells, which help carry oxygen around the body. When taken during pregnancy, iron and folate also help with the development of your baby.

Other multivitamin products under Folivane brand that might contain different ingredients.

Are you looking for information on Folivane-Plus instead?

Drug facts

Common BrandsFolivane-F, Folivane-OB

Drug ClassDietary supplement

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Side effects of Folivane-F

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Heartburn
Loss of appetite

Less Common Side Effects

Black stools

Folivane-F serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Too much iron: severe stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, chest pain, drowsiness, fast and shallow breathing, fast heart beat, pale skin, unconsciousness
Allergic reaction: itchy, red rash (hives), shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of lips, tongue, face, or eyes

Source: DailyMed

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Avg retail price

$51.29(Save 35.68%)

GoodRx discount

$32.99

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Pros and cons of Folivane-F

Pros

Taken by mouth
Typically taken once a day
Side effects usually gets better over time

Cons

Not for children
Can cause gut-related side effects, like nausea or constipation
Best absorbed on empty stomach, between meals

Pharmacist tips for Folivane-F

Take Folivane-F between meals or at bedtime. Taking it on an empty stomach helps your body absorb iron more so the medication can work better.
If you have an upset stomach after taking Folivane-F, you can take it with food. If the upset stomach doesn't go away, talk to your healthcare professional (HCP).
Keep Folivane-F out of reach from children at all times and close the bottle tightly after each dose. Children who accidentally take Folivane-F are at risk for iron poisoning, which can be life-threatening. If your child accidentally takes Folivane-F, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Folivane-F can turn your stools black, but it's usually harmless. This is a normal side effect for products that contain iron. If your stool is black but looks sticky and has a foul smell, tell your healthcare professional (HCP) right away. This can be a sign of bleeding in the stomach and can be serious.
To make sure Folivane-F is working, you might need to get regular blood tests done so your HCP can check that your iron and folate levels are within the normal range.
Folivane-OB contains vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Vitamin B6 can raise your chances of bleeding when taken with blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). Let your prescriber know if you take any blood thinners.
Tell your prescriber about all of your medications before taking Folivane-F. They can help you check for any interactions.

Common questions about Folivane-F

Folivane-F contains iron, folate, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and vitamin B3 (niacin). You need iron and folate to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, strengthens your immune system, and helps with wound healing. Vitamin B3 helps convert the food you eat into energy so that your body can function well.

Both Folivane-F and Folivane-OB are multivitamins. They both contain iron, folate, vitamin B3, and vitamin C, but in different dosages. Folivane-OB also contains some additional B vitamins (e.g., vitamin B6 and vitamin B12) and minerals (e.g., magnesium and zinc). Discuss with your healthcare professional (HCP) to make sure you're taking the right supplement for you.

No, Folivane-F is only available with a prescription from your HCP. Let your HCP know if you're already taking an OTC multivitamin before starting Folivane-F. Some OTC multivitamins have the same ingredients as the supplements in Folivane-F, and taking them together can raise the risk for serious side effects, like vomiting and stomach pain from too much iron. Check with your healthcare professional or pharmacist if you have questions about taking multivitamins.

Yes, it's possible to feel constipated after taking Folivane-F. This is mostly because of the iron that's in it. Make sure to stay hydrated and add fiber to your diet to lessen this risk. When you do have a bowel movement, the iron in Folivane-F might turn your stools black; this is a harmless effect of the medication.

Your body absorbs Folivane-F best when it's taken at bedtime. Taking your dose between meals will also help with absorption of the medication. If you're having upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting when you take your dose, taking it with food may help.

Yes, Folivane-F can expire. Refer to the expiration date printed on your prescription bottle, and don't take a dose after this date.

No. Folivane-F isn't safe for children. Make sure your medication bottle is tightly closed and stored away from your child. In the event of an overdose, your child might complain about severe stomach pain, vomiting, and nausea. Other serious warning signs include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, pale blue skin, and a fast heartbeat. In some severe cases, your child might even become unresponsive. If your child experiences any of these symptoms or if you believe your child has accidentally taken Folivane-F, call your nearest poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

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Risks and warnings for Folivane-F

Folivane-F can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Taking too much iron

Risk factors: Children under age 6 | Iron-related conditions

Keep Folivane-F out of reach from children. Multivitamins, including Folivane-F, can be mistaken as candy because of their bright-colored appearances. Children who accidentally take Folivane-F are at risk for iron overdose, which is a leading cause of poisoning in children. If your child accidentally takes Folivane-F, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Symptoms of iron poisoning include severe stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, and chest pain.

Don't take any other vitamins or supplements without first checking with your healthcare team. Other supplements can also contain iron. And taking more than one iron-containing supplement can raise the risk of too much iron in the body, which can be harmful.

Folivane-F dosage

The average cost for 90 capsules of 62.5mg/1mg of Folivane-F is $32.99 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 35.68% off the average retail price of $51.29.

Capsule

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
62.5mg/1mg	90 capsules	$32.99	$0.37

Typical dosage for Folivane-F

Folivane-F (adults): The typical dose is 1 capsule by mouth once daily unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare professional.

Note: Different multivitamin products under brand name Folivane (e.g., Folivane-OB and Folivane Plus) contain different ingredients. Read the label of your prescribed medication for the list of ingredients and any specific directions from your care team.

How much does Folivane-F cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

Folivane-F (generic)

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$32.99

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Folivane-F contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Folivane-F will not be safe for you to take.

Too much iron in the body (iron overload) from conditions such as hemosiderosis or hemochromatosis
Low red blood cell count due to less vitamin B12 absorption (pernicious anemia)
Low red blood cell count due to faster destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)

What are alternatives to Folivane-F?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Folivane-F. Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Folivane-F

Used for:

Dietary supplement

$32.99Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Folivane-Plus

Used for:

Dietary supplement

$19.40Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Folivane-F images

This medicine is Colorless Capsule.

References

Best studies we found

Juurlink, D. N., et al. (2003). Iron poisoning in young children: Association with the birth of a sibling. Canadian Medical Association Journal.

MedlinePlus. (2024). Pernicious anemia.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Hemolytic anemia.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

folivane-f