Indications & Uses
This combined preparation of Iron, Folic acid, Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C is used to treat and prevent a shortage of these nutrients. It also helps meet the extra need for these vitamins and minerals, especially in pregnancy or when a woman is planning to become pregnant.
Pharmacology
Iron is an essential mineral and does several important jobs in the body. For example, it helps make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. A lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. Liver is a good source of iron, but don't eat it if you are pregnant. It is also rich in vitamin A, which in large amounts can harm your unborn baby.
Folic acid is needed to produce certain coenzymes in many metabolic systems, such as purine and pyrimidine synthesis. It is also needed for the synthesis and maintenance of nucleoprotein in erythropoesis. In folate-deficiency anaemia, it also promotes WBC and platelet production.
Vitamin C is necessary for collagen formation and tissue repair. It plays a role in oxidation/reduction reactions and in other metabolic pathways, including synthesis of catecholamines, carnitine and steroids. It also plays a role in the conversion of folic acid to folinic acid.
Vitamin B complex: the building blocks for good health come from many different foods, even when they belong to the same family of nutrients. Vitamin B is a good example. It is a key player in maintaining cell health and keeping you energetic. Not all types of vitamin B do the same thing, and the different types come from different foods.
Vitamin B deficiencies can lead to health problems. Sometimes a doctor will prescribe a supplement when they think you're not getting enough.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
The usual adult dose of this iron, folic acid, vitamin B complex and vitamin C combination is one capsule a day. In more severe deficiency, 2 capsules a day may be needed, or the dose the doctor directs.
Side Effects
Side-effect information is not available for this brand yet.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Take care with this iron, folic acid, vitamin B complex and vitamin C combination in patients who may develop iron overload, for example those with hemochromatosis, haemolytic anaemia or red cell aplasia. Iron also chelates with tetracycline, so the absorption of the tetracycline may be impaired.
Contraindications
This iron, folic acid, vitamin B complex and vitamin C product is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients. Iron therapy is also contraindicated in haemachromatosis and haemosiderosis, in patients receiving repeated blood transfusion, and in anaemia that is not due to iron deficiency. Give it cautiously to patients taking Levodopa, because one of the ingredients (Pyridoxine) reduces the effect of Levodopa.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Doctors recommend this medicine during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
Accidental overdose of iron-containing products, including this iron, folic acid, vitamin B complex and vitamin C combination, is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. If you have liver disease or hemochromatosis, avoid higher doses. Too much iron can cause bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, acidosis, darkened stools and abdominal pain. These symptoms may clear in a few hours.
Riboflavin is reported to be completely safe, and no toxic symptoms have been reported so far. Higher doses of Nicotinamide may cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Sensory neuropathy was seen in people taking more than 200 mg of Pyridoxine for very long periods. No cases of Folic acid overdose have been reported. A single large intake of Ascorbic acid, even a massive dose, is unlikely to cause significant effects.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep in a dry place below 25° C and away from light.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Bic-F
What is Bic-F Capsule?
Bic-F Capsule is a medicine that contains Iron + Folic acid + Vitamin B complex + Vitamin C. It is made by General Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Iron & Vitamin Combined preparations group of medicines.
What is Bic-F used for?
This combined preparation of Iron, Folic acid, Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C is used to treat and prevent a shortage of these nutrients. It also helps meet the extra need for these vitamins and minerals, especially in pregnancy or when a woman is planning to become pregnant.
Can I take Bic-F during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Doctors recommend this medicine during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Bic-F?
Accidental overdose of iron-containing products, including this iron, folic acid, vitamin B complex and vitamin C combination, is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. If you have liver disease or hemochromatosis, avoid higher doses. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Bic-F?
Keep in a dry place below 25° C and away from light.
Can I take other medicines with Bic-F?
Some medicines can interact with Iron + Folic acid + Vitamin B complex + Vitamin C, for example: Tetracycline Hydrochloride. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Bic-F?
Bic-F is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.