What is this medicine?
VITAMIN E (VAHY tuh min E) is a vitamin that is being promoted for its ability to protect against aging of the skin caused by ultraviolet light, such as sunlight and to aid in the healing of minor burns and sunburns. These claims have not been evaluated by the FDA at this time. Vitamin E is a naturally occurring vitamin that is found in many foods such as cereal grains, fruits, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, and wheat germ oil.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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
- severe burning, irritation, crusting, or swelling of the treated areas
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
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.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Avoid contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, rinse the eyes well with plenty of cool tap water.
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.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions are not expected.
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 medicine?
When used to reduce fine facial lines, you may not notice any improvements right away. it may take several months to see any claimed effects. This product may not work for everyone who uses it.
If skin irritation occurs while using this product, stop using it.
There is no evidence at this time that Vitamin E skin products aid in healing of minor burns or sunburn. Use only if directed by your doctor or health care professional.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- an unusual or allergic reaction to Vitamin E, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacymany 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.