Generic name: Cholecalciferol and folic acid
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Ortho D?
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.
Warnings
You should not use this medicine 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 in combination 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.
How should I use Ortho D
Use Ortho D (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
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 make sure 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 program of treatment 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.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Ortho D side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite;
- weakness; or
- increased urination.
Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Ortho D?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any multivitamins, mineral supplements, or antacids while you are taking cholecalciferol and folic acid.