This product is a man-made form of vitamin E, a fatty
substance that the body needs. Natural vitamin E is found in high-fat foods
such as nuts and oils. This product provides vitamin E to people who cannot
absorb fats due to disease (such as cholestatic liver disease, short bowel
syndrome). A low level of vitamin E in the body is rare. Most people who
eat a normal diet do not need extra vitamin E.
Too little vitamin E can cause nerve problems (numbness,
tingling, loss of balance). Vitamin E is important in protecting your
body's cells from damage. It is known as an antioxidant.
Take this product by mouth, usually once daily or as
directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on the product package. If
you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Shake the container well before measuring each dose.
Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not
use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Dosage is
based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase
your dose or take it more often than recommended. Taking too much vitamin E
may increase your risk of side effects.
High doses of vitamin E (more than 400 units a day) may
increase the chance of rare but very serious side effects. There is no
proof that high doses of vitamin E help to prevent or treat heart disease.
There is very little evidence that it helps prevent or treat Alzheimer's
disease. In some people, high doses may even be harmful. Before taking
extra vitamin E, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or
pharmacist.
If your doctor prescribes this product for low levels
(deficiency) of vitamin E, use it regularly to get the most benefit from
it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. You should see
improvement of symptoms such as numbness/tingling of the hands/feet and
weakness. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. If you
think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right
away.
Vitamin E does not usually cause side effects when used
in recommended doses. However, if vitamin E is taken in high doses (more
than 400 units a day) or for a long time, side effects such as nausea,
diarrhea, stomach cramps, tiredness, blurred vision, and headache may
rarely occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor
or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to vitamin E; or to polyethylene glycol or
other ingredients listed on the package label; or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause
allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
If you have any of the following health problems,
consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this
product:
- blood clotting/bleeding problems (such as stomach ulcers,
hemophilia, low platelets)
- certain type of stroke (hemorrhagic)
- liver disease
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products). Your doctor may direct you to stop taking this
product 1 month before surgery to prevent bleeding
problems.
During pregnancy, this product should be used only when
clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some drugs that may interact with this product
are:
- anti-platelet drugs (such as aspirin, clopidogrel,
ticlopidine)
- "blood thinners" (such as warfarin)
- herbal products that can increase your risk of bleeding (such
as garlic, gingko)
- fat-soluble supplements (such as vitamins A/D/E/K, coenzyme
Q)
- iron supplements
- selenium
If your doctor has directed you to take low doses of
aspirin (usually 81-162 milligrams a day) or other treatment to prevent
heart attack or stroke, you should continue to take them. Consult your
doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Check the labels on all your prescription and
nonprescription/herbal products because they may contain vitamin E. Ask
your doctor or pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Eat a well-balanced diet. Foods high in vitamin E
include vegetable oils, wheat germ oil, whole grain cereals, meat, poultry,
and green leafy vegetables.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and
moisture. Some brands should be stored in the refrigerator after opening.
Refer to storage information printed on the package. Do not store in the
bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.