Forceval Junior Capsules

Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you or your child.

Please note this leaflet has been written as if it will be read by patients, any parents/carers using it should read “your child” where the term “you” or “your” Is used.

This medicine is available without prescription. However, you still need to take Forceval Junior Capsules carefully to get the best results from them.

• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.
• You must contact a doctor, dietician or pharmacist if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effect not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor, dietician or pharmacist.

There are 13 vitamins in Forceval Junior Capsules:

Vitamin A (as β-Carotene) 1250 iu (Retinol Equivalent) (375 micrograms)

Vitamin D2 200 iu (5 micrograms)

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 1.5 mg

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1.0 mg

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 1.0 mg

Vitamin B12 2.0 micrograms

Vitamin C 25 mg

Vitamin E 5 mg

Vitamin K1 25 micrograms

Biotin 50 micrograms

Nicotinamide 7.5 mg

Pantothenic acid 2 mg

Folic acid 100 micrograms

There are 9 minerals and trace elements in Forceval Junior Capsules:

Iron 5 mg

Copper 1 mg

Magnesium 1 mg

Zinc 5 mg

Iodine 75 micrograms

Manganese 1.25 mg

Selenium 25 micrograms

Chromium 50 micrograms

Molybdenum 50 micrograms

The functions of the vitamins found in Forceval Junior Capsules are:1,2,3,4

Vitamin A (β-Carotene): Is essential for growth, maintenance of skin and mucous membranes such as the linings of the mouth, nose, lungs, digestive system, colon and for vision, particularly at night

Vitamin D2: Vitamin D2 helps the body absorb calcium, potassium and phosphorous, all of which are vital for healthy bones and teeth

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Is involved in the proper functioning of the heart muscles and for the release of energy from protein, fat and carbohydrate, needed for growth, normal appetite and digestion. Thiamin has also been shown to play a vital role in the normal functioning of the nervous system

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Vitamin B2 plays a key role in energy metabolism, and is required for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Vitamin B6 helps protein metabolism, along with the maintenance of the nervous and immune systems

Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is often called the 'red vitamin' because it is required for regulating blood cells

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that plays an important role in maintaining the health of our cells, blood vessels and our resistance to infection. Vitamin C also helps bones, teeth, gums, skin and assists the absorption of iron from the blood

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a highly effective antioxidant, helping to protect the body from the effects of free radicals. It also helps to maintain healthy skin and blood cells

Vitamin K1: Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting

Biotin: Biotin is needed for normal growth and development of the skin and hair, the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and the healthy functioning of bone marrow

Nicotinamide: Nicotinamide (also known as Vitamin B3) is essential for a healthy nervous system

Pantothenic acid: Pantothenic acid plays a vital role in the process of releasing energy from foods, the role of fat metabolism and the provision of the immune system with antibodies

Folic acid: Folic acid is required to regulate the growth of cells including red blood cells and protein synthesis.

The main functions of the minerals and trace elements are: 1,2,3,4

Iron: Iron forms part of red blood cells which carry oxygen round the body

Copper: Is required for growth and forms part of enzymes involved in blood and bone formation

Magnesium: Magnesium is essential for the formation of bones and teeth, and for the release of energy from food

Zinc: Zinc is required for growth and cell function, bone metabolism, taste, insulin production and the body’s immune system which fights infection

Iodine: Involved in the functioning of the thyroid gland which regulates many of the metabolic processes of the body

Manganese: Manganese helps the body to utilise calcium and potassium and maintain the structure of cells

Selenium: Selenium helps to protect the cells and lipids from free radical damage

Chromium: Helps the body to use glucose by its action on insulin

Molybdenum: Is involved in the enzyme processes for protein metabolism.

Do not take Forceval Junior Capsules :

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the ingredients of Forceval Junior Capsules (see Section 6 Further information)
• if you suffer from iron storage disorders such as bronzed diabetes (haemochromatosis).

Do not give Forceval Junior Capsules to children aged under 5.

Take special care with Forceval Junior Capsules

Before you take Forceval Junior Capsules tell your doctor, dietician or pharmacist if:

• you are taking any other vitamin or mineral supplement
• you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• you are a smoker
• you have an asbestos related illness such as asbestosis.

If any of the above applies to you, or if you are not sure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Forceval Junior Capsules.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken/used any of the following medicines as they may interfere with Forceval Junior Capsules:

• Anticoagulants such as warfarin or nicoumalone (used to prevent blood from clotting)
• Phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy)
• Tetracycline antibiotics (used to treat infections) such as doxycycline and minocycline.

Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken/used any other medicines including other vitamin or mineral products obtained without a prescription.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Forceval Junior Capsules contain Vitamin A, check with your doctor, dietician or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine during pregnancy.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine whilst breast-feeding.

Important information about some of the ingredients of Forceval Junior Capsules

Forceval Junior Capsules contain soya bean oil. If you are allergic to peanut or soya, do not take this medicinal product.

Forceval Junior Capsules contain iron, an overdose could be fatal in children under 12 years.

Forceval Junior Capsules contain sorbitol. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

Children 5 years and over: Two capsules per day or as prescribed by the doctor. The capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

Adults and elderly: Not recommended

Do not take Forceval Junior Capsules on an empty stomach.

What to do if anyone takes more Forceval Junior Capsules than they should

If you (or someone else) accidentally takes too many tablets, you should tell your doctor at once or contact the nearest accident and emergency department. Show any left over medicines or the empty packet to the doctor.

If you forget to take Forceval Junior Capsules

Do not worry. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time to take the next dose (within 1-2 hours). Do not take a double dose. Then go on as before.

What is in Forceval Junior Capsules?

The active ingredients in this medicine are: Vitamin A (as β-Carotene), Vitamin D2, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K1, Biotin, Nicotinamide, Pantothenic acid, Folic acid, Iron, Copper, Magnesium, Zinc, Iodine, Manganese, Selenium, Chromium, Molybdenum.

The other ingredients are Soya Bean Oil, Soya Lecithin, Hard Vegetable Fat (Biscuitine 621), Purified Water, Gelatin, Glycerine, Black Iron Oxide Pigment (E172), Red Iron Oxide Pigment (E172) and Sorbitol Solution 70% (E420).

What Forceval Junior Capsules look like and contents of the pack

Forceval Junior Capsules are small, brown, oval-shaped soft gelatin capsules numbered “571” in white on one side. They come in cartons containing 30 or 60 capsules.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

The product licence holder is:

Forceval Junior Capsules are manufactured by:

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