Folvik-D
Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3) is a combination vitamin that raises your levels of folic acid (folate) and vitamin D, but you should only take it if your provider recommends it for you.
What is Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3)?
What is Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3) used for?
- Improve nutrition in people with low levels of folic acid and vitamin D
How Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3) works
Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3) is made up of two medications:
- Folic acid is a B vitamin that your body needs to do important jobs, such as making healthy red blood cells, breaking food down into nutrients, and helping new cells grow.
- Vitamin D3 is a form of vitamin D that allows your body to absorb more calcium and phosphate, which is important to keep your bones healthy and strong.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Folvik-D, Folvite-D |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Dietary supplement |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3)
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
See Risks and Warnings
Pros and cons of Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3)
Pros
- Convenient, combines two medications into one pill
- Not many side effects
- Raises vitamin D levels better than vitamin D2
Cons
- Too much vitamin D can cause side effects that can last for months after stopping the supplement.
- Not evaluated by the FDA, so not intended to treat or prevent disease
Pharmacist tips for Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3)
- Only take Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3) as directed by your healthcare provider and get your folic acid and vitamin D levels checked if your provider orders blood tests.
- Contact your provider if you notice unexplainable loss of appetite, nausea, constipation, weight loss, weakness, or changes to your mood. These might be signs that you're taking too much vitamin D.
- Store Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3) at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.
- Make sure to keep this medication away from children. If a child takes this medication or if you accidentally take too much, contact the poison control center right away 1-800-222-1222.
Risks and warnings for Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3)
Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3) 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.
Anemia due to low vitamin B12
Anemia can be due to various causes, including low levels of vitamin B12. Folic acid should not be given to people with anemia due to low vitamin B12, since it can make it harder to identify and treat nerve problems that are also caused by low B12 levels. Your provider will order tests to determine the exact cause of your anemia.
Drug interaction with phenytoin
- Risk factors: Taking phenytoin
Folic acid can interact with phenytoin and make it work less well. If you are on phenytoin, talk to your provider before starting folic acid, including over-the-counter folic acid supplements. You may need a higher dose of phenytoin to prevent seizures.
High calcium or vitamin D levels
- Risk factors: Taking too much vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 shouldn't be used if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood. If you take more vitamin D3 than the recommended or prescribed dose, it can cause calcium to build up in your blood. This can be dangerous for your kidneys. If you're taking vitamin D3 to treat low vitamin D levels or other conditions diagnosed by your provider, be sure to get all ordered blood tests done on time. That way, your provider can make sure your vitamin D levels aren't too high and you're taking the correct dose. If you notice unexplained nausea that doesn't go away, a loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, weakness, or a change in how much or how often you urinate, talk to your provider. These could be early signs that you're taking too much vitamin D and your calcium blood level is too high.
Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3) dosage
Typical dosage for Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3)
Each Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3) tablet contains 1,000 mcg of folic acid and nearly 100 mcg (about 3,700 IU) of vitamin D.
The typical dose is one Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3) tablet by mouth once or twice daily.
Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3) 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 Folvik-D (folic acid / vitamin D3) will not be safe for you to take.
- Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood)
- Malabsorption syndrome (condition where nutrients aren't absorbed through the small intestine)
- Peopl who are very sensitive to the toxic effects of vitamin D
- Hypervitaminosis D (high vitamin D levels in the blood)
