This product is a combination of B vitamins used to
treat or prevent vitamin deficiency due to poor diet, certain illnesses,
alcoholism, or during pregnancy. Vitamins are important building blocks of
the body and help keep you in good health. B vitamins include thiamine,
riboflavin, niacin/niacinamide, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, and
pantothenic acid.
Some brands of B vitamins also contain ingredients such
as vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin, or zinc. Consult your doctor or pharmacist
if you have questions about the ingredients in your brand.
Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as
directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are taking a brand that contains vitamin C, take
this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240
milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
If you are taking chewable tablets, chew the tablet
thoroughly before swallowing.
If you are taking extended-release capsules, swallow
them whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets.
Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side
effects. Swallow the whole tablet without crushing or
chewing.
If you are taking a liquid product, use a
medication-measuring device to carefully measure the dose. Do not use a
household spoon. Some liquid products need to be shaken before each dose.
Some products that contain vitamin B12 need to be placed under the tongue
and held there before swallowing. Follow label directions carefully to get
the most benefit.
Take this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
Mild upset stomach or flushing may occur. These effects
are usually temporary and may disappear as your body adjusts to this
product. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; or if you have
any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which
can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
If you have any of the following health problems,
consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this
product:
- diabetes
- liver problems
- vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia)
Chewable tablets or liquid products may contain
aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that
requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine),
consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this drug
safely.
Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or
alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or
liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product
safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this
medication. This product is safe to take during pregnancy when used as
directed. Certain spinal cord birth defects may be prevented by maintaining
adequate amounts of folic acid during pregnancy. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for details.
This product passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- altretamine
- cisplatin
- certain anti-seizure drugs (such as phenytoin)
- levodopa
- other vitamin/nutritional supplements
This product may interfere with certain lab tests (such
as urobilinogen, intrinsic factor antibodies), possibly causing false test
results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
product.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
This product is not a substitute for a proper diet.
Remember that it is best to get your vitamins from healthy foods. B
vitamins are naturally found in leafy greens and other vegetables, meat,
fish, poultry, and enriched breads/cereals.
If you are taking this product on a regular schedule and
miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the
next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time.
Do not double the dose to catch up.
Refer to storage information printed on the package. If
you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.