*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Taking Folic Acid With Other Medicines And Herbal Supplements

NHS medicines information on possible interactions with folic acid and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.

Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that may affect how folic acid works.

Folic acid can also affect the way other medicines work.

Do not take your folic acid within 2 hours before or after taking indigestion remedies (antacids containing aluminium or magnesium), as they may stop the folic acid being properly absorbed.

Tell your doctor if you're taking any of these medicines before you start taking folic acid:

methotrexate, a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis and some types of cancer
phenytoin, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital or primidone, medicines used to treat epilepsy
fluorouracil, capecitabine, raltitrexed or tegafur, medicines used to treat some types of cancer
antibiotics, medicines used to treat or prevent bacterial infection
medicines that contain zinc (including throat lozenges and cold remedies)
sulfasalazine, a medicine used to treat the inflammatory bowel conditions ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
cholestyramine, a medicine used to reduce cholesterol

Taking folic acid with painkillers

You can take folic acid at the same time as everyday painkillers such as paracetamol.

Paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you're taking folic acid with methotrexate, talk to your doctor before taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin.

Mixing folic acid with herbal remedies or supplements

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking any herbal remedies or supplements together with folic acid.

Some vitamin and mineral supplements already contain folic acid. It's important not to take more than the recommended daily amount.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you take any supplements or remedies that contain zinc. Folic acid can stop zinc working as well as it should.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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