Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins come as a tablet, capsule, gummy, or softgel to take by mouth. They are usually taken once daily. Take prenatal vitamins at around the same time(s) every day.

Take prenatal vitamins exactly as directed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than recommended by your doctor.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking prenatal vitamins,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking prenatal vitamins. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had bleeding problems or anemia.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking prenatal vitamins.
• ask your doctor if they recommend certain amounts of the individual vitamins and minerals contained in prenatal vitamins. Read the product label carefully to check for these key vitamins and minerals and that the amount is enough.

Follow the dietary recommendations as directed by your doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Prenatal vitamins may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• constipation
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• itching, rash, or hives

Prenatal vitamins may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about prenatal vitamins. They can also help you to find products with the right amount of vitamins recommended by your doctor.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.