Forvia FAQs
What makes FORVIA Multivitamin/mineral Tablets and Chewables different from other vitamin products?
FORVIA Tablets are specially designed to address the deficiencies most often seen in nutrient malabsorption conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease and colitis) or weight-loss surgery. FORVIA is different from general purpose products in 3 ways. First, FORVIA Tablets and Chewables have the vitamins and minerals most often deficient in IBD or weight loss surgery. Second, the forms of the individual vitamins and minerals were selected to promote good absorption and reduce stomach distress. Third, ingredients often found in general purpose products that can cause distress are not in FORVIA. For example, there is no lactose or gluten in FORVIA, and no magnesium because magnesium may cause diarrhea.
What vitamins and minerals are in FORVIA Tablets and Chewables?
For a complete listing of each nutrient, click here.
I have celiac disease and can’t tolerate gluten. Is there gluten in FORVIA?
No, FORVIA Tablets and Chewables do not contain gluten.
Should the two tablet dose be taken both at once?
You can take both at once or separately, such as one in the morning and one at night with a glass of water or juice. Either way, you’ll get the full nutritional benefit.
Do the tablets break down quickly in the body?
The manufacturing specification for FORVIA Tablets is for disintegration within 45 minutes in the test specified in the US Pharmacopeia, a manual of pharmaceutical testing methods and standards. Actual experience with batches to date indicates disintegration times in 20 to 35 minutes, and for most people the tablets will disintegrate completely before the stomach empties. Some individuals may have faster transit times if there has been extensive bowel surgery or there is an ostomy in place. If rapid transit is a problem, we recommend taking FORVIA Chewables. An alternative would be to take FORVIA Tablets with a meal or snack (since food in the stomach tends to slow emptying time) as well as a glass of water or juice.
Do FORVIA Tablets and Chewables supply all the vitamins and minerals I need, or do I have to take other products as well?
Your physician or health professional is in the best position to judge your individual needs. However, for most people, FORVIA Tablets and a reasonably balanced diet will provide the necessary vitamins and minerals. An important exception is calcium – FORVIA provides 200 mg of the 1000 mg daily requirement, but some IBD patients have a higher daily requirement or may not be able to maintain a diet rich in calcium. These people should consider an additional supplement of calcium such as Forbones tablets.
How much iron is in FORVIA?
Each FORVIA Tablet contains 15 mg of elemental iron as ferrous fumarate. Absorption of iron is improved when taken in the right ratio with vitamin C, and FORVIA Tablets contain vitamin C in the amount and ratio shown to improve iron absorption.
I’m taking other medications. Does FORVIA interfere with other medications?
Your physician or pharmacist is in the best position to answer questions about specific medications you may be taking. If you take anticoagulants or blood thinners, you should discuss taking FORVIA with your doctor because FORVIA Tablets contain vitamin K, which may affect the dose of anticoagulant needed. If you are taking antibiotics, you should not take FORVIA and antibiotics within two hours of each other because iron-containing products such as FORVIA may interfere with absorption of some antibiotics.
Do I need a prescription for FORVIA?
No, FORVIA Tablets and Chewables are available without prescription. Click here to order them direct over the website, or call 1-866-619-7705 toll-free or write us at Inovera, PO Box 790, Spring House, PA 19477-0790. Our operators take calls 9:00 – 5:00 ET Monday – Friday.
Is FORVIA FDA-approved?
Oral vitamin and mineral products like FORVIA which are intended for maintaining or improving nutritional status rather than treating an underlying disease do not require pre-marketing approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, manufacture is subject to plant inspection and manufacturing and labeling regulations. FORVIA Tablets and Chewables are manufactured and packaged in facilities that comply with all applicable FDA cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines and regulations.
I have a hard time swallowing large tablets. How big are FORVIA Tablets?
FORVIA Tablets are capsule-shaped, about 5/16″ across and ¾” long, but for people who have a hard time swallowing, FORVIA Chewables are a good choice. The vitamin and mineral content is the same with either Chewables or regular Tablets.
My child is 10 and has IBD – would FORVIA Chewables be suitable for her?
For children under 12, you should discuss FORVIA with your child’s physician. Nutritional needs and physical size of children vary with age and extent of disease. Her doctor is in the best position to judge the dose and appropriateness of FORVIA to her individual case.