Cholecalciferol and folic acid

Cholecalciferol is vitamin D3. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.

Folic acid is vitamin B9, or folate. Vitamin B9 helps your body produce and maintain new cells. Folic acid also helps prevent several types of birth defects when taken by pregnant women.

Cholecalciferol and folic acid is a combination medicine used in people who do not get enough of these vitamins in their diets to maintain adequate health.

Cholecalciferol and folic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cholecalciferol and vitamin D to a child. Your child's dose will depend on age, weight, diet, and other factors.

Learn about the foods you should eat to ensure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Your cholecalciferol and folic acid dose may need to be adjusted as you make changes to your diet. Use only the recommended dose of cholecalciferol and folic acid.

Cholecalciferol and folic acid may be only part of a complete treatment program that also includes dietary changes and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

You should not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your body or any condition that makes it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

You should not use cholecalciferol and folic acid if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D or folic acid, or if you have:

• high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D);
• high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or
• any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

Folic acid is sometimes used with other medications to treat pernicious anemia. However, cholecalciferol and folic acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Take all of your medications as directed by your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia);
• heart disease;
• kidney disease; or
• a thyroid disorder.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking cholecalciferol and folic acid and call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite;
• weakness; or
• increased urination.

Less serious side effects may be more common, and you might not experience any at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much vitamin D can lead to serious or life-threatening side effects.

Signs of an overdose may include nausea, loss of appetite, increased or decreased thirst, urinating more or less than usual, body aches, stiffness, confusion, or irregular heartbeats.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any multivitamins, mineral supplements, or antacids while you are using cholecalciferol and folic acid.

If you are taking other medications, take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take cholecalciferol and folic acid. Some medications can make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin D.

Other drugs may affect cholecalciferol and folic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.