Andreafol 0.4 mg 90 tablets

What is AndreaFol and when is it used?

AndreaFol with the active ingredient folic acid is a medicine to prevent neural tube defects in the expectant child. These are very rare but serious malformations that involve the embryo's spinal column (the "neural tube") not closing properly. These children then have an open back (“spina bifida”). Many of them remain disabled or unable to live.

Medical research has proven that neural tube defects can be practically completely prevented if the mother is provided with an adequate supply of the vitamin folic acid.

Various professional medical organizations (including the Swiss Society of Pediatrics and the Swiss Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics) and the Federal Office of Public Health recommend that all women who want to (or could) become pregnant or who have just become pregnant should eat a diet rich in folic acid Take 0.4 mg folic acid daily.

Folic acid is particularly important for women who stop taking the pill because they want to have children. Contraceptive hormone preparations reduce folic acid levels in the body and thus increase the risk to the child.

What precautions should be taken?

Women who have ever given birth to a child with an open back or similar disorders or whose relatives have had such cases should talk to their doctor about it to be on the safe side.

When should AndreaFol not be taken/used?

In case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or one of the excipients according to the composition, or in case of pernicious anemia (a rare form of anemia).

When should you be careful when taking/using AndreaFol?

Folic acid can weaken the effect of certain anti-seizure medications (epilepsy).

Certain anti-seizure (epilepsy) medications can lower folic acid levels. This may prompt the doctor to increase the dosage of folic acid.

Alcoholic drinks hinder the absorption of folic acid and can weaken the effect of AndreaFol. If possible, avoid alcohol during treatment.

If you know that you suffer from sugar intolerance, please only take AndreaFol after consulting your doctor.

Tell your doctor, pharmacist or druggist if you

• suffer from other illnesses,
• Have allergies or
• Take other medicines (including those you bought yourself!) or use externally!

Can AndreaFol be taken/used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

AndreaFol may be taken in the specified dosage during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How do you use AndreaFol?

Adult women take 1 tablet daily.

It is best taken before a main meal with some liquid.

Use should begin at least 4 weeks before conception and continue for 8 weeks beyond. For those who did not take a folic acid supplement before conception, it still makes sense if it is started no later than the 28th day after conception.

Stick to the dosage stated in the package leaflet or prescribed by your doctor. If you think the medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What side effects can AndreaFol have?

The following side effects may occur when taking AndreaFol:

In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur.

In very rare cases, gastrointestinal disorders can occur, including at high doses.

If you notice any side effects, contact your doctor, pharmacist or druggist. This applies in particular to side effects that are not stated in this leaflet.

What should also be noted?

The medicine may only be used until the date marked “EXP” on the container.

Storage instructions

Store at room temperature (15-25°C).

Keep out of reach of CHILDREN.

More information

Your doctor, pharmacist or druggist can provide you with further information. These people have the detailed information for specialists.

What is included in AndreaFol?

1 tablet contains:

Active ingredients: folic acid 0.4 mg.

Excipients: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate.

Approval number

54718 (Swissmedic).

Where can you get AndreaFol? Which packs are available?

In pharmacies and drugstores, without medical prescription.

Packs of 30 and 90 tablets.

Authorization holder

Andreabal AG, Allschwil.