Fertisure M

Folic Acid (1.5mg) + Levo-carnitine (500mg)
Price: ₹200 - ₹280 for 10 tablets
Mfr: Eris Lifesciences Ltd. | Form: Tablet

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination supplement containing a high-dose B-vitamin (Folic Acid) and a naturally occurring amino acid derivative (Levo-carnitine). It is primarily used for the management of nutritional deficiencies, infertility (especially in males), and supportive therapy in conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism. The combination leverages the synergistic roles of both components in cellular energy production, homocysteine metabolism, and spermatogenesis.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: One tablet daily, or as directed by the physician. Typically taken after a meal to improve tolerability.

Note: Administer orally with a glass of water, preferably after a meal to minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort. Do not crush or chew unless advised. Consistent daily timing is recommended.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to Folic Acid, Levo-carnitine, or any formulation excipient
  • Pernicious anemia or other megaloblastic anemias where vitamin B12 deficiency is not ruled out and treated (Folic Acid may mask hematological signs, allowing neurological damage to progress)

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Folic Acid acts as a precursor to tetrahydrofolate, a coenzyme essential for one-carbon transfer reactions in nucleotide synthesis (purines, thymidylate) and amino acid metabolism (homocysteine to methionine). Levo-carnitine is crucial for transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix for beta-oxidation and ATP production. In combination, they support cellular energy metabolism, reduce oxidative stress, and improve mitochondrial function, which is critical for highly energetic processes like sperm motility and neuronal function.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhea (especially with Levo-carnitine)
  • Fishy body odor (due to TMAO from carnitine metabolism)

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: Folic Acid (1.5mg) is a high dose. It is not for routine neural tube defect prevention (0.4-0.5mg is standard). Use only if clearly needed and prescribed for a specific high-risk condition (e.g., history of neural tube defect, malabsorption). Levo-carnitine is Category B. Generally considered safe, but the combination should be used under strict medical supervision.

Driving: No known effects. However, if dizziness or restlessness occurs as a side effect, caution is advised.

🔄 Drug Interactions

Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, PrimidoneFolic Acid may decrease serum levels of these anticonvulsants, potentially reducing seizure control.Major
MethotrexateFolic Acid can reduce the hematological toxicity of methotrexate but may also interfere with its antineoplastic efficacy in high doses. Requires careful monitoring.Major
Valproic Acid / DivalproexValproate depletes carnitine. Levo-carnitine supplementation is beneficial to prevent deficiency. No negative interaction.Moderate (Beneficial)
Trimethoprim, PyrimethamineThese drugs are folate antagonists. Folic Acid may counteract their antibacterial/antimalarial effect.Moderate
Oral ContraceptivesMay decrease serum folate levels, increasing folate requirement.Minor
WarfarinTheoretical interaction; high-dose folate may alter warfarin efficacy. Monitor INR.Moderate

🔁 Alternatives to Fertisure M

Same composition (Folic Acid (1.5mg) + Levo-carnitine (500mg)), different brands:

Folvite LC Folitrax LC Fecundin Carnifolin