S-adenosyl-L-methionine, SAM-e Oral Dosage Forms

What is this medication?

S-ADENOSYL-L-METHIONINE, SAM-E (S a DEN o sil L meh THIO nine, SAM-e) may support mental health. It may also support bone and liver health. The FDA has not evaluated this supplement for any medical use. It may contain ingredients not listed. Discuss all supplements you are taking with your care team. They can provide you with important safety information.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Frequently drink alcohol
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Immune system problems
• Liver disease
• Muscle weakness
• Neuromuscular or neurologic illness
• Parkinson disease
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt
• An unusual or allergic reaction to SAM-e, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this supplement by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package labeling or ask your care team. Do not take this supplement more often than directed.

Contact your care team about the use of this supplement in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this supplement with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This supplement may also interact with the following:

• Antacids
• Lithium
• Medications for Parkinson's disease, like levodopa
• Medications for the treatment of depression, anxiety or other mood problems

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

See your care team if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Herbal or dietary supplements are not regulated like medications. Rigid quality control standards are not required for dietary supplements. The purity and strength of these products can vary. The safety and effect of this dietary supplement for a certain disease or illness is not well known. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Food and Drug Administration suggests the following to help consumers protect themselves:

• Always read product labels and follow directions.
• Natural does not mean a product is safe for humans to take.
• Look for products that include USP after the ingredient name. This means that the manufacturer followed the standards of the US Pharmacopoeia.
• Supplements made or sold by a nationally known company are more likely to be made under tight controls. You can write to the company for more information about how the product was made.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature or as directed on the package label. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused supplement after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.