Vitamin E Capsules or Tablets

What is this medication?

VITAMIN E (VAHY tuh min E) prevents and treats low levels of vitamin E in your body. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which helps to protect your cells. Vitamin E plays an important role in maintaining the health of your blood cells, brain, eyes, and skin.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Alph-E-Mixed

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Anemia
• Bleeding problems
• History of stroke
• Low vitamin K levels in the body
• Recent surgery
• An unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin E, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package label. For best results take this medication with food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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?

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.

What may interact with this medication?

• 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.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

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 care team about how much is right for you.

If you are scheduled for any medical or dental procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this vitamin. You may need to stop taking it before the procedure.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea

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.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 85 degrees F). Protect from heat and light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.