Vitamin E

What is the most important information I should know about vitamin E?

Do not take more vitamin E than is prescribed for you or than is directed on the package. Too much vitamin E can be dangerous.

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E is found in foods such as vegetable oils and shortening, meat, eggs, milk, and leafy vegetables. Vitamin E is important for many processes in the body.

Vitamin E is used to treat vitamin E deficiency.

Vitamin E may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take vitamin E?

Before taking vitamin E, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements.

Before taking vitamin E, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin). You may not be able to take vitamin E, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Do not take a vitamin E supplement without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Do not take a vitamin E supplement without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take vitamin E?

Take vitamin E exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take the pills with a full glass of water.

Swallow the capsules whole, do not crush, chew, or open them.

Measure the liquid form of vitamin E with the dropper provided.

Do not take more vitamin E than is prescribed for you or than is directed on the package. Too much vitamin E can be dangerous.

Store vitamin E at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a vitamin E overdose may include fatigue, weakness, nausea, headache, blurred vision, flatulence, and diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking vitamin E?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while you are taking vitamin E unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of vitamin E?

Stop taking vitamin E and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other less serious side effects may occur, especially with large doses or prolonged use. Talk to your doctor if you experience

• fatigue,
• weakness,
• headache,
• nausea,
• blurred vision, or
• flatulence or diarrhea.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect vitamin E?

Before taking vitamin E, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin). You may not be able to take vitamin E, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with vitamin E. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about vitamin E.

Consultation with a licensed health care professional is advisable before using any herbal/health supplement. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2003 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.03. Revision date: 2/13/04.