Drugs & Vitamins

A-Caro Active Ingredients: Beta-Carotene Representative Names: A-Caro, B-Caro, Lumitene What are beta-carotene capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with beta-carotene? What side effects may I notice from taking beta-carotene? What should I watch for while taking beta-carotene? Where can I keep my medicine? What are beta-carotene capsules? (Back to top) BETA-CAROTENE (Solatene®) is a naturally occurring substance present in green and yellow fruits and vegetables. In the body, beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A and is used as a vitamin supplement to prevent or treat vitamin A deficiency. Beta-carotene can help prevent or treat reactions to the sun in some specific groups of patients. Generic beta-carotene capsules are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of the following conditions: •kidney disease •liver disease •vitamin A toxicity •an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin A, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take beta-carotene capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is best to take the capsules with food. To make it easier for children to swallow you can open the capsules and mix the contents with orange juice or tomato juice. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, skip that dose. Continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not double or take extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with beta-carotene? (Back to top) •cholestyramine •mineral oil •orlistat •porfimer PDT •vitamin A Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking beta-carotene? (Back to top) The recommended daily allowance of beta-carotene does not cause any side effects. Side effects related to overdose include: •joint pain •diarrhe •dizziness •unusual bleeding or bruising •yellowing of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and face What should I watch for while taking beta-carotene? (Back to top) Make sure you have a proper diet. Taking supplemental beta-carotene does not replace the need for a balanced diet. Any yellow color that develops in the hands, feet or face will disappear within 1 to 2 weeks after you stop taking beta-carotene. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:10/28/2002 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.