USES: This product is a combination of B vitamins used to treat or prevent vitamin deficiency due to poor diet, certain illnesses, alcoholism, or during pregnancy. Vitamins are important building blocks of the body and help keep you in good health. B vitamins include thiamine, riboflavin, niacin/niacinamide, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, and pantothenic acid.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.If you are taking chewable tablets, chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing.If you are taking extended-release capsules, swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.If you are taking a liquid product, use a medication-measuring device to carefully measure the dose. Do not use a household spoon. Some liquid products need to be shaken before each dose. Some products that contain vitamin B12 need to be placed under the tongue and held there before swallowing. Follow label directions carefully to get the most benefit.Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
SIDE EFFECTS: Mild upset stomach or flushing may occur. These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as your body adjusts to this product. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to take this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy.
Vitamins and exercise can lower your risk for heart attack and heart disease. Folic acid, vitamins, and homocysteine levels are interconnected and affect your risk for heart disease or heart attack. Antioxidants and exercise also play a key role in heart attack and heart disease prevention. Lower your risk factors for heart disease and heart attack by lowering cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, diabetes prevention, and smoking cesssation.
Homocysteine is metabolized (chemically transformed) into methionine and
cysteine with the help of the B vitamins; folic acid, B12, and B6 (pyridoxine).
Therefore, insufficient amounts of these B vitamins in the body can
theoretically hamper the metabolic breakdown of homocysteine, and hence increase
its blood levels. High levels of homocysteine in the blood
(hyperhomocysteinemia) can damage the inner surface of blood vessels, promote
blood clotting, and accelerate atherosclerosis.
The current state of knowledge regarding folic acid, homocysteine, and
heart
attacks is as follows:
The level of blood folate is an important determinant
of the blood homocysteine level. Low blood folate levels are associated with
high blood levels of homocysteine.
Low blood folate is common among individuals who do
not take multivitamins, but unusual among those who do.
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