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Gesticare
Gesticare ™ is a prenatal vitamin. This particular prenatal vitamin is specially designed to allow for improved calcium and iron absorption. Gesticare also comes in combination with DHA (see Gesticare DHA for more information). This supplement is available only with a prescription.
Gesticare is made by Azur Pharma, Inc.
Gesticare contains a variety of different vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are important for a healthy pregnancy, and many pregnant women may not get enough of these nutrients, for various reasons. Probably most importantly, this prenatal vitamin contains folic acid, which is important to prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida. It also contains iron, calcium, and various other vitamins and minerals.
Unlike other prenatal vitamins, Gesticare is specially designed to improve the absorption of calcium and iron. These two minerals interact with each other and (if taken at the same time) decrease each other's absorption. To avoid this problem, the iron in Gesticare is immediate-release (is dissolved in the stomach), while the calcium is specially coated to dissolve in the small intestine.
When and How to Take the Supplement
Some general considerations for when and how to take this prenatal vitamin include the following:
- Gesticare comes in tablet form. It is taken once a day.
- You can take this prenatal vitamin with food or on an empty stomach. The iron may be better absorbed on an empty stomach, but most women find that taking prenatal vitamins with a little food usually helps with stomach upset.
- You can take Gesticare at any time of the day, but try to take it at the same time each day.
- Let your healthcare provider know if you have trouble keeping Gesticare down or if it causes significant nausea or other intolerable side effects. Your healthcare provider may have some useful suggestions or may recommend trying a different prenatal vitamin.
- Although occasional missed doses are not of significant concern, it is important to try to take your prenatal vitamin regularly throughout pregnancy.
Dosing Information
There is only one standard recommended dose for Gesticare. As is always the case, do not adjust your Gesticare dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Gesticare. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the possible side effects of Gesticare (which are also common symptoms in pregnancy) include, but are not limited to:
(Click Gesticare Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Gesticare
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Gesticare if you have:
- Anemia
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not known exactly what to expect from an overdose with Gesticare. It is reasonable to assume that side effects from too much of any of the active ingredients in the vitamin (particularly iron) might cause problems. If you think you or someone else may have taken too much Gesticare, seek medical attention immediately.
Gesticare should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children. This is particularly important, since Gesticare contains iron. Iron poisoning is a leading cause of poisoning deaths in children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take your Gesticare dose, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Gesticare.
If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take another dose (it is difficult to tell how much of the drug was absorbed into your body). If you regularly vomit after taking a dose, talk with your healthcare provider.
Is There a Generic Version of Gesticare?
Technically, there are no generic equivalents for prenatal vitamins (since tests are not performed to make sure the vitamins act the same way in the body). However, "generic" prenatal vitamins may be available that have the similar active ingredients as Gesticare.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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