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Medicine · Generic

Folic Acid

Vitamin (B vitamin needed to make red blood cells)

Also known as Vitamin B9.
  • 9 brands
  • 10 makers
  • Tablet
  • From ≈ ৳12

What it is used for

Folic acid is used to treat anaemia caused by a lack of folate, a B vitamin. It is taken before and in early pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida, and higher-strength tablets are prescribed for women at higher risk. It is also prescribed for people with ongoing red cell breakdown, such as thalassaemia or sickle cell disease, and to reduce side effects of methotrexate.

How it works

The body needs folate to make DNA and to build new cells, including red blood cells. Folic acid is the man-made form of folate and is converted to its active form in the body.

Drug class: Vitamin (B vitamin needed to make red blood cells)

Available in Bangladesh

9 brands from 10 makers, in these forms and strengths:

Tablet
5 mg

Brands and prices

Same medicine, different makers — ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching.

Folic Acid Tablet · 5 mg10 brands · from ≈ ৳12

  • FolisonJayson Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳12
  • FolusMonicopharma Ltd.≈ ৳12
  • Folic AcidBelsen Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳12
  • FolateAd-din Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳13
  • Folic-SonBristol Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳13
  • FolacAmbee Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳13
  • RefolicReliance Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳13
  • TerovitGaco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳13
Show all 10 brands
  • Folic AcidAmico Laboratories Ltd.≈ ৳14
  • FolcidPharmik Laboratories Ltd.≈ ৳14

Cheapest first. Prices are DGDA maximum retail prices (MRP) per unit as listed, rounded down to the whole taka. ≈ marks an indicative MRP from a public price list that Mukti has not yet checked against the pack. The MRP printed on the pack always applies.

Prescription

Mukti's medicine catalogue marks Folic Acid as a prescription medicine. Keep a valid prescription ready when you order it in the Mukti Health app, and use it only as your doctor directs.

Important safety information

Common side effects

Side effects are uncommon. A few people have a poor appetite, nausea, bloating or wind. Allergic reactions are rare.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist first

  • Anyone with anaemia whose vitamin B12 level has not been checked
  • People taking epilepsy medicines, as folic acid can affect their levels
  • People taking methotrexate, who need clear advice on timing
  • Women planning a pregnancy, to check which strength is right for them
  • People with cancer or who are having cancer treatment

Warnings

  • Folic acid alone can correct some anaemia caused by low vitamin B12 while nerve damage continues. B12 levels should be checked before treating anaemia.
  • For pregnancy, it works best when started before conception and continued through the early weeks, when the baby's spine and brain form.
  • If you take methotrexate, follow your doctor's instructions on which days to take folic acid.

Questions people ask

Why take folic acid before getting pregnant?

The baby's brain and spine start forming in the first weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Taking folic acid beforehand helps make sure enough is available at this stage.

Is folic acid the same as folate?

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, lentils, beans and citrus fruit. Folic acid is the man-made form used in supplements and fortified foods.

Why is folic acid given with methotrexate?

Methotrexate blocks the body's use of folate, which can cause mouth sores, stomach upset and liver or blood problems. Folic acid reduces these side effects without stopping methotrexate from working for arthritis.

Do people with thalassaemia need folic acid?

Many people with thalassaemia are advised to take folic acid, because the body makes red blood cells quickly and uses up more folate. They should not take iron unless a doctor says so.

What is the cheapest brand of Folic Acid 5 mg tablet in Bangladesh?

Of the 10 brands of Folic Acid 5 mg tablet listed, the lowest maximum retail price is ৳12, shared by Folison (Jayson Pharmaceuticals Ltd.), Folus (Monicopharma Ltd.) and Folic Acid (Belsen Pharmaceuticals Ltd.). They contain the same medicine; ask your doctor or pharmacist before you switch brands.

What is the price of Folic Acid in Bangladesh?

Listed maximum retail prices range from ৳12 to ৳14 per unit, depending on the form, strength and maker.

How many brands of Folic Acid are there in Bangladesh?

Mukti lists 9 brands of Folic Acid from 10 makers, as tablet.

Do I need a prescription for Folic Acid?

Mukti's medicine catalogue marks Folic Acid as a prescription medicine. Keep a valid prescription ready when you order it in the Mukti Health app, and use it only as your doctor directs.

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