Vitamin A & D compound

About Vitamin A & D compound

This belongs to the group of medicines known as vitamins.

Vitamin D is taken for maintenance healthy bones and teeth, to help boost the immune system and sometimes in the treatment of psoriasis.

Vitamin A can be used to treat ocular (visual) defects and an increased susceptibility to infections, but vitamin A deficiency in Britain is rare. It is also added to a wide range of cosmetic products including antiaging creams.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which comes in two forms: retinol found in animal products live liver, eggs, butter and cod live oil and beta-carotene which our body converts into vitamin A when we need more.

Vitamin D is also a fat-soluble vitamin which is found in fish oil and the rays from the sun. Deficiency is caused by inadequate exposure to sunlight and low consumption of foods containing vitamin D.

Vitamin A & D is available in tablet, chewable tablet, effervescent granules and injection form.

Before Taking Vitamin A & D compound

Before taking this preparation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from epilepsy
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Vitamin A & D compound

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• The chewable form of vitamin A & D must be sucked or chewed before swallowing.
• The effervescent form of vitamin A & D must be dissolved with water before taking.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of vitamin A & D contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside vitamin A & D.
• Vitamin A & D must not be taken if you are pregnant or think you might be, nor should you eat any liver products or food contains liver including fish liver oil capsules and drops.
• Keep your doctors appointment, as they may want to monitor your progress.
• Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency may cause night blindness (difficulty see in dim lights), dry rough skin, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, dry and inflamed eyes and resistant to infection may be decreased.
• Symptoms of long term vitamin D deficiency may cause low blood levels of calcium and phosphate, which results in the softening of the bones. In children this can cause abnormal bone development and in adults it can cause osteoporosis, backache, muscle weakness, bone pain and fractures.

Can Vitamin A & D compound cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

Feeling sick or being sick.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Vitamin A & D compound

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 23/09/2002