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What is vitamin A?
Vitamin A is found in food from animal sources and it is also produced synthetically. Vitamin A is important for the eyes and skin, and for normal growth. Vitamin A is used to treat vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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What are the possible side effects of vitamin A?

Stop taking vitamin A and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may occur with large doses or prolonged use of vitamin A. Notify your doctor if you experience

• tiredness;

• nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;

• irritability;

• headache;

• dryness or cracking of the lips or skin; or

• hair loss.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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How should I take vitamin A?
Take vitamin A exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Measure the liquid forms of vitamin A with the dropper provided. Do not take more vitamin A than is prescribed for you or than is recommended on the package. Too much vitamin A can be dangerous. Store vitamin A at room temperature away from light, moisture, and heat.

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What is the most important information I should know about vitamin A?
Do not take more vitamin A than is prescribed for you or than is recommended on the package. Too much vitamin A can be dangerous.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of vitamin A.

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What other drugs will affect vitamin A?
Before taking vitamin A, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: oral birth control pills, cholestyramine (Questran), or mineral oil. You may not be able to take vitamin A, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with vitamin A. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Do not take a vitamin A supplement without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Although some vitamin A is necessary for the normal development of a baby, doses in excess of the U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 5,000 USP units per day may cause birth defects.

Do not take a vitamin A supplement without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a vitamin A overdose include tiredness, discomfort, lethargy, upset stomach, decreased appetite, vomiting, slow or decreased growth, joint soreness, irritability, headache, drying and cracking of the lips and skin, hair loss, and yellowing of the skin.

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Who should not take vitamin A?
Before taking vitamin A, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Do not take a vitamin A supplement without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Although some vitamin A is necessary for the normal development of a baby, doses in excess of the U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 5,000 USP units per day may cause birth defects.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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