This supplement is used to prevent or treat a lack of
vitamin E in the body. A low body level of vitamin E is rare. Most people
who eat a normal diet do not need extra vitamin E. However, vitamin E
supplements are used in premature newborns and in people who have problems
absorbing enough vitamin E from their diets. Vitamin E is important in
protecting your body's cells from damage. It is known as an
antioxidant.
Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all
directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
If you are using a liquid form of this product,
carefully measure your dose using a medication-measuring device or spoon.
Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If
your liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each
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 (400 units or more per 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, taking these high doses may even be harmful. Talk
to your doctor or pharmacist and discuss the risks and benefits before
taking vitamin E supplements.
If your doctor prescribes this product for vitamin E
deficiency, 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, vitamin E may cause side effects if taken at
high doses (400 units or more per day) or for a long period of time. In
these situations, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, tiredness, dizziness,
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 vitamin E, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to other ingredients listed on the package
label; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients (such as soybeans), 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 disorders
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- high blood fats (cholesterol/triglycerides)
- recent or planned surgery
At high dosages, this product may rarely make you dizzy
or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more
dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or
clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to
your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Some brands of this product may contain sugar, alcohol,
or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence,
liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires
you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or
pharmacist about using this product safely.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug 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:
- bile acid-binding resins (such as cholestyramine,
colestipol)
- "blood thinners" (such as warfarin)
- iron supplements
- mineral oil
If you are also taking orlistat, separate the time
between orlistat and vitamin E doses by at least 2 hours.
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 according to the product package directions away
from heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. If you have
any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. 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.