Vitamin E, Oral

Type of medicine: vitamin

Generic and brand names: d-alpha tocopheryl; d-alpha tocopheryl acetate; d-alpha tocopheryl acid succinate; vitamin E; Amino-Opti-E; Aquasol E; Aquavit-E; Alpha E; Aqua Gem E; E-1000; E-200; E-400; E-Complex 600; E-Vitamin Succinate; Vita-Plus E

Vitamin E is found in certain foods and is needed for good health. Vitamin E supplements are prescribed when you don't get enough in your diet. Your health care provider may prescribe vitamin E for other conditions.

Before taking this medicine, tell your provider if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking vitamins or medicines that affect the way your blood clots.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Vitamin E is stored in your body, so large doses may cause serious side effects. Do not take more than recommended by your health care provider or directed on the package label.

The liquid may be dropped directly into your mouth or mixed with fruit juice. You may take capsules with or without food.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

When taken in recommended doses, vitamin E does not usually cause serious side effects. However, taking large doses over a long period of time can cause serious side effects.

If you take more than 400 IU of vitamin E, tell all health care providers or dentists you are taking this medicine. Vitamin E may cause you to bleed more easily or to bleed longer.

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Blurred vision, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, and stomach cramps.

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• iron medicines
• herbal remedies with blood thinning effects such as angelica, anise, arnica, capsicum, chamomile, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, horse chestnut, licorice, papain, passionflower, red clover, tumeric, and willow
• orlistat (Xenical)
• vitamin K
• warfarin (Coumadin).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.