What is the most important information I should know about prenatal vitamins?
Never take more than the recommended dose of a
multivitamin. Avoid taking more
than one multivitamin product at the same time unless your doctor tells you to. Taking similar
vitamin products together can result in a
vitamin overdose or serious side effects.
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.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
An overdose of vitamins A, D, E, or K can cause serious or
life-threatening side effects and can also harm your unborn baby. Certain minerals
contained in a prenatal multivitamin may also cause serious overdose symptoms or harm to
the baby if you take too much.
Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of
appetite, hair loss, peeling skin, tingly feeling in or around your mouth, changes in menstrual
periods, weight loss, severe headache, muscle or joint pain, severe back pain, blood in your urine,
pale skin, and easy bruising or bleeding.
Do not take this medication with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or
antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may make it harder for your body to absorb certain
ingredients of the multivitamin.
What is multivitamin?
Prenatal vitamins are a combination of many different vitamins that are normally found in
foods and other natural sources.
Prenatal vitamins are used to provide the additional vitamins needed during pregnancy.
Minerals may also be contained in prenatal multivitamins.
Prenatal vitamins may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking prenatal vitamins?
Many vitamins can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large
doses. Do not take more of this medication than directed on the label or prescribed by your
doctor.
Before taking prenatal vitamins, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.
Prenatal vitamins can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use
this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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