Vitamin E is used as a supplement to treat and prevent vitamin E deficiency.
This medicine is also used for certain diseases that prevent the body from absorbing enough vitamin E from the diet such as cystic fibrosis (an inherited disorder that causes excessively thick and sticky mucus that can clog the lungs or intestines) and abetalipoproteinaemia (a rare inherited disorder that disrupts the normal absorption of fats and certain vitamins from the diet).
Vitamin E may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Vitamin E exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a capsule or as an oral suspension.
If you are taking the capsule, swallow it whole. Do not chew or open the capsule.
If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
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.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- vitamin K deficiency
- lesions that have the tendency to bleed e.g. stomach ulcers
- history of haemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain)
- bleeding disorders
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Vitamin E to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Vitamin E may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, tiredness, blurred vision, and rash.
If you develop unusual bleeding or bruising, alert your doctor quickly. These could be signs of bleeding problems.
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 and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. colestyramine, colestipol
- orlistat (medicine for obesity)
- birth control pills
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Vitamin E.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.