PrimaCare

Generic Name: prenatal multivitamins

• What are prenatal multivitamins?
• What are the possible side effects of prenatal multivitamins?
• What is the most important information I should know about prenatal multivitamins?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking prenatal multivitamins?
• How should I take prenatal multivitamins?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking prenatal multivitamins?
• What other drugs will affect prenatal multivitamins?
• Where can I get more information?

What are prenatal multivitamins?

There are many brands and forms of prenatal multivitamins available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Prenatal multivitamins are a combination of many different vitamins that are normally found in foods and other natural sources. Minerals may also be contained in prenatal multivitamins.

Prenatal multivitamins are used to provide the additional vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy.

Prenatal multivitamins may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of prenatal multivitamins?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

When taken as directed, prenatal multivitamins are not expected to cause serious side effects. Common side effects may include:

• upset stomach;
• headache; or
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about prenatal multivitamins?

Never take more than the recommended dose of a multivitamin. An overdose of vitamins A, D, E, or K or certain minerals contained in prenatal multivitamins may cause serious overdose symptoms or harm to the unborn baby.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking prenatal multivitamins?

Some vitamins and minerals can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large doses. Do not take more of this product than directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor.

Before taking prenatal multivitamins, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medicines you use.

Ask a doctor before using a vitamin or mineral supplement if you are on a low-salt diet.

You may need to continue taking prenatal multivitamins if you breastfeed your baby. Ask your doctor about taking this product while breast-feeding.

How should I take prenatal multivitamins?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Never take more than the recommended dose of prenatal multivitamins.

Many multivitamin products also contain minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Minerals (especially taken in large doses) can cause side effects such as tooth staining, increased urination, stomach bleeding, uneven heart rate, confusion, and muscle weakness or limp feeling. Read the label of any multivitamin product you take to make sure you are aware of what it contains.

Take your prenatal multivitamin with a full glass of water.

Swallow the regular tablet or capsule whole. Do not break, chew, crush, or open it.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with the oral powder.

Store this product in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of vitamins A, D, E, or K or certain minerals contained in prenatal multivitamins may cause serious overdose symptoms or harm to the unborn baby.

Overdose symptoms may include hair loss, dry skin, rash, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, increased thirst or urination, weight loss, confusion, weakness, drowsiness, joint pain, muscle weakness, severe headache, tingly feeling, irregular heartbeats, yellowing of your skin, or unusual bleeding.

What should I avoid while taking prenatal multivitamins?

Avoid taking any other multivitamin product within 2 hours before or after you take prenatal multivitamins. Taking similar vitamin products together at the same time can result in a vitamin overdose or serious side effects.

Avoid the regular use of potassium supplements or salt substitutes if your prenatal multivitamin contains potassium.

Avoid taking prenatal multivitamins with milk other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium.

What other drugs will affect prenatal multivitamins?

Other drugs may affect prenatal multivitamins, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about prenatal multivitamins.