This medication is a multivitamin product used to treat
or prevent vitamin deficiency due to poor diet, certain illnesses, or
during pregnancy. Vitamins are important building blocks of the body and
help keep you in good health.
Take this medication by mouth as directed. Follow all
directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor. Do
not take more than the recommended dosage. If you have any questions, ask
your doctor or pharmacist.
Use a medication-measuring device to carefully measure
the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon.
Some products are best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour
before or 2 hours after meals. If stomach upset occurs, you may take this
medication with food. Avoid taking antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee
within 2 hours before or after this medication because they will decrease
its effectiveness.
Constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach may occur.
These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as your body adjusts
to this medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Iron may cause your stools to turn black, which is not
harmful.
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 medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- iron overload disorder (such as hemochromatosis,
hemosiderosis)
- use/abuse of alcohol
- liver problems
- stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcer, colitis)
- vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia)
Liquid preparations 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 medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How To Use section.
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.
This product can decrease the absorption of other drugs
such as bisphosphonates (for example, alendronate), levodopa,
penicillamine, quinolone antibiotics (for example, ciprofloxacin,
levofloxacin), thyroid medications (for example, levothyroxine), and
tetracycline antibiotics (for example, doxycycline, minocycline). Separate
your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of this
product. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should wait
between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with
all your medications.
This product may interfere with certain lab tests (such
as fecal occult blood test), 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.
If your doctor has prescribed this medication, do not
share it with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
vitamin B12 levels) may be done while you are taking this product. Keep all
medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
This medication is not a substitute for a proper diet.
It is important to maintain a well-balanced diet. Foods rich in iron
include red meats (especially liver), fish, beans, dried fruit, and
iron-fortified or enriched cereals and bread.
If you 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.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or 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.