Vitamins for the Eyes, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: vitamin

Generic and brand names: ICAPS Plus Tablets; ICAPS Time Release Tablets; Lipotriad Caplets; OcuCaps Caplets; OcuSoft VMS; Ocuvite Extra; Ocuvite Tablets; Protegra Softgels; Theragran AntiOxidant

What is this medicine used for?

This product is a combination of vitamins and minerals that are considered to be good for your eyesight. Vitamins A, C, and E and the mineral zinc may prevent changes in vision that occur as you get older. Some products contain additional vitamins and minerals as well. Lutein has been added to many vitamin products to reduce the risk of a condition called macular degeneration. Your eye healthcare provider can tell you about the use and benefits of vitamins and minerals for your eyes.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine or other vitamins. If you are a smoker or are exposed to high amounts of outdoor ultraviolet rays, you may need a product that does not contain vitamin A. Ask your healthcare provider about this.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.

How do I use it?

These vitamins can be purchased without a prescription. Follow the directions on the package or those your healthcare provider gives you. It is best to swallow the tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water, especially timed-release products. Your pharmacist can tell you which are timed-release products.

What should I watch out for?

Vitamins are not replacements for a well-balanced diet. They are to be used only as supplements. Follow your healthcare provider's advice about diet and supplements. A regular eye exam is the best way to protect your eyesight. Keep all appointments.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

When taken as directed, vitamin products should not cause any significant side effects. However, large amounts of vitamin A may cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. These vitamins do not contain large amounts of vitamin A.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.