Betacarotene is used to reduced reactions caused by sensitivity to sunlight (e.g. swelling, burning, itching, and redness of the skin) in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria or EPP (rare inherited blood disorder).
This medicine is also used to treat Vitamin A deficiency, macular degeneration (visual impairment due to aging) and disorders other than EPP causing sensitivity to sunlight e.g. polymorphous light eruption.
Betacarotene may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Betacarotene exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more than instructed by your doctor.
Take Betacarotene with food or immediately after meal. The capsule may be opened and mixed with orange or tomato juice.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You may still develop considerable burning and swelling of the skin after sufficient exposure to sunlight even if you are taking this medicine. Certain time limit of exposure to sunlight must be established.
Betacarotene may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine is likely to cause yellow discoloration of the skin particularly in the palms, hands, soles of the feet and to a lesser extent of the face.
Other side effects may include the following: loose stool, joint pain, and bruising.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor if you are taking medicines for weight management such as Orlistat.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Do not substitute green or yellow vegetables or their juices or extracts for Betacarotene.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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