Phytonadione (Vitamin K), Oral/Injection

________________________________________________________________________

KEY POINTS

• This medicine is taken by mouth or given by injection to treat or prevent certain kinds of bleeding problems. Take it exactly as directed. Do not make big changes in your diet, such as eating a lot more green leafy vegetables while taking this medicine.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

________________________________________________________________________

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: vitamin

Generic and brand names: phylloquinone, injection; phylloquinone, oral; phytonadione, injection; phytonadione, oral; vitamin K, injection; vitamin K, oral; Mephyton (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine, known as vitamin K, is given by mouth or by injection to correct problems that interfere with normal blood clotting. It is also used in newborn infants to prevent or treat bleeding disorders.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you ever had:

• An allergic reaction to any medicines
• Bleeding problems or a blood disorder such as G6PD
• Liver disease

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. It is not known if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take the tablets by mouth exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. If your healthcare provider has not given you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the medicine package.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in children. Some brands should not be used in children under a certain age.

If you are receiving this medicine by injection (shots), your healthcare provider will observe you for any side effects. After a starting dose, other doses are determined by a blood test called prothrombin time (PT). This test also indicates whether the medicine is working. It is important to keep all appointments for blood tests.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

If you are taking any medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming, such as warfarin (Coumadin), be sure to tell your healthcare provider.

Do not make big changes in your diet, such as eating a lot more green leafy vegetables than you usually eat. Discuss your diet with your healthcare provider.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Fast or irregular heartbeat, increased sweating, shortness of breath, severe dizziness.

Other: Flushing; change in sense of taste; pain or irritation at the injection site.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Cholesterol-lowering medicines such as cholestyramine (Prevalite) and colestipol (Colestid)
• Mineral oil
• Orlistat (alli, Xenical)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

---

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.