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Vitamin E

About vitamin E

Type of medicine Vitamin
Used for Treatment or prevention of vitamin E deficiency
It is also found in some cosmetic products
Also called Alpha tocopheryl acetate
Vita-E
Ephynal
Available as Tablets, capsules, liquid and creams

Vitamin E is stored in the body for a short time and a large amount of the daily dose is passed through the body in the stools.
The best natural sources are found in wheatgerm, soybeans, vegetable oil, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, wholegrains and eggs.

Before taking vitamin E

Before taking vitamin E make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from blood clotting problems
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to take vitamin E

  1. Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  2. Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
  3. You must follow the printed instructions you have been given with your medication.
  4. Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of vitamin E contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
  5. This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside vitamin E.

Can vitamin E cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Stomach pain If stomach ache is severe or continues speak with your doctor
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store vitamin E

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1513		 DocRef:
dils2458		 Last Updated:
10 Dec 2007		 Date of Next Review:
9 Dec 2009		 Version:
22

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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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