What is this medicine?
Vitamin E (VAHY tuh min E) is a vitamin found in nature. It is added to a healthy diet to prevent or to treat low vitamin E levels.
This vitamin may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- changes in vision
- diarrhea
- dizzy with headache
- nausea, vomiting
- stomach cramps
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusually weak or tired
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.
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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package label. For best results take this vitamin with food. Take your vitamin at regular intervals. Do not take your vitamin more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine 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.
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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.
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What may interact with this medicine?
- cholestyramine
- mineral oil
- orlistat
- warfarin
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.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
No known contraindications.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Follow a good diet. Taking a vitamin supplement does not replace the need for a balanced diet. Some foods that have this vitamin naturally are cereal grains, fruits, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, and wheat germ oil.
Too much of this vitamin can be unsafe. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about how much is right for you.
If you are scheduled for any medical or dental procedure, tell your healthcare provider that you are taking this vitamin. You may need to stop taking it before the procedure.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
- anemia
- bleeding problems
- history of stoke
- low vitamin K levels in the body
- recent surgery
- an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin E, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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