Prenatal Vitamins, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: prenatal vitamin

Generic and brand names: Advanced NatalCare; CareNatal DHA; CitraNatal DHA; CitraNatal90 DHA; CitraNatal Rx; Duet; DuetDHA; KPN Prenatal; NataChew; NataFort; NatalCare Gloss Tabs; Natal Care Plus; NatalCare Pic; NatalCare Pic Forte; NatalCare Rx; NatalCare Three; NataTab CFE; NataTab FA; NataTab Rx; NutriNate; PreCare Conceive; PreCare Premier; PreCare Prenatal; Prenatabs CBF; Prenatabs FA; Prenatabs Rx; Prenatal 1-A-Day; Prenatal AD; Prenatal H; Prenatal MR 90 with Iron; Prenatal MTR with Selenium; Prenatal Plus; Prenatal Rx 1; Prenatal Elite; Prenatal GT; Prenatal-U; Prenatal Z; Citracal 90+DHA pak; Mission Prenatal-rx; Prenatal 19; Prenatal 1mg w/iron; Prenatal Formula Tablets; Prenatal Rx w/Beta Carotene; Prenate Advanced; PrimaCare; PrimaCare One; StuartNatal Plus 3; Tandem OB; Trinate; Ultra Natal Care (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)

What is this medicine used for?

These vitamins, in tablet or capsule form, provide nutrients needed for good health during pregnancy. They are also taken by women trying to get pregnant and by mothers after birth.

Each tablet or capsule contains essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and zinc. Most prenatal vitamins also contain folic acid, which helps to prevent anemia in the mother and birth defects in the baby.

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

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergy to any medicine
• a blood or bleeding disorder
• kidney stones
• kidney or liver disease
• phenylketonuria (PKU) (some vitamins contain phenylalanine)

Tell your healthcare provider if you currently take medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming such as clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or warfarin (Coumadin). Some vitamins contain omega-3 fatty acids that may increase bleeding time.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take these vitamins exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take them longer than prescribed. Take them regularly every day. To help you remember, try taking them at the same time each day, such as after breakfast. Taking these vitamins with food will lessen the chance of stomach upset.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, hair loss, peeling skin, weight loss, severe headache, muscle or joint pain, severe back pain, blood in your urine, pale skin.

What should I watch out for?

The amount of iron in these vitamins could harm a young child. Keep this medicine away from children. If a child swallows these vitamins by accident, contact a poison control center or get medical care right away.

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.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Other: Stomach upset, nausea, mild constipation, diarrhea, dark stools.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Do not take other multivitamins or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. 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 these vitamins 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.