Vitamin A
What is VITAMIN A?
(VITAMIN A) Vitamin A is used to prevent or treat low levels of the vitamin in people who do not get enough of it from their diets. Most people who eat a normal diet do not need extra vitamin A. However, some conditions (such as protein deficiency, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, liver/pancreas problems) can cause low levels of vitamin A. Vitamin A plays an important role in the body. It is needed for growth and bone development and to maintain the health of the skin and eyesight. Low levels of vitamin A may cause vision problems (such as night blindness) and permanent eye damage.
How should I use VITAMIN A?
Take this vitamin by mouth with or without food, usually once daily. Follow all directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Use this vitamin regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose or use this vitamin more often than recommended. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take VITAMIN A?
Before taking vitamin A, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as soy found in some brands),which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this vitamin has been found to be safe only when used in recommended doses. It must not be used in doses that are higher than recommended because doing so may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. This vitamin passes into breast milk and is considered safe during breastfeeding when used in recommended doses. Consult your doctor for more information.
What may interact with VITAMIN A?
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this vitamin are: acitretin, alitretinoin, bexarotene, cholestyramine, isotretinoin, tretinoin, other products that contain vitamin A (such as multivitamins), warfarin. Avoid taking vitamin A at the same time as you take neomycin, orlistat, and mineral oil. If you take any of these medications, separate your doses from your dose of vitamin A by at least 2 hours.
What if I miss a dose of VITAMIN A?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
What side effects may I notice from receiving VITAMIN A?
This vitamin usually has no side effects when used in recommended doses. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. A very serious allergic reaction to this vitamin is rare. However, get medical help right away 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 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Where should I keep VITAMIN A?
Different brands of this vitamin have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.