Prenatal Vitamins

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Prenatal vitamins are used before, during and after pregnancy.Prenatal vitamins are in a class of medications called vitamins. It works by adding to the vitamins and minerals in your diet.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

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

HOW should this medicine be used?

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.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking prenatal vitamins,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any otherdrugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and whatsymptoms you had.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescriptionmedications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking orplan to take while taking prenatal vitamins. Your doctor may need to change the doses of yourmedications 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.

• 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.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Follow the dietary recommendations as directed by your doctor.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

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.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

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).

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

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.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

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.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

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.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: March 15, 2025.