Selenium Capsules or Tablets

What is this medication?

SELENIUM (se LEE nee um) prevents and treats low selenium levels in your body. Selenium is a mineral that plays an important role in maintaining the health of your immune system and thyroid gland. It is an antioxidant, which helps to protect your cells.

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

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

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

• Intestinal or stomach disease
• Kidney disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to selenium, 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 or prescription label. For best results take 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. While this medication may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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?

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 medication?

Follow a healthy diet. Taking a supplement does not replace the need for a balanced diet. Some foods that have selenium naturally are meat, poultry, grains, and seafood.

Too much of this supplement can be unsafe. Talk to your care team about how much is right for you.

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
• Selenium toxicity—hair loss, diarrhea, garlic odor to breath or sweat, metallic taste in mouth, brittle or discolored nails, unusual weakness or fatigue, nausea, vomiting

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 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. 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.