biotin (oral)

What is the most important information I should know about biotin?

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is biotin?

Biotin is a form of vitamin B found in foods. Biotin helps the body break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Biotin has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective aid in treating or preventing biotin deficiency. Biotin deficiency can be caused by malnutrition, rapid weight loss, long-term tube feeding, and other medical conditions.

Biotin has also been used to treat seborrhea (skin rash) in babies. However, research has shown that biotin may not be effective in treating this condition.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating brittle nails or thinning hair, diabetes, nerve pain, and other conditions.

Biotin is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Biotin may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking biotin?

Before using biotin, talk to your healthcare provider. Your dose needs may be different:

• if you have kidney disease;
• if you have had stomach surgery; or
• if you smoke.

Ask a doctor before using biotin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

How should I take biotin?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use biotin, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

The recommended dietary allowance of biotin increases with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances") listings for more information.

It may take 3 to 6 months before the condition of your hair or nails improves.

After you stop using biotin, your nails will likely return to their original condition within 6 to 9 months.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra biotin to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while taking biotin?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of biotin?

Common side effects may include upset stomach or diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect biotin?

Taking certain medicines can lower your blood levels of biotin, which could affect your biotin dose needs. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using biotin with any other medications, especially:

• carbamazepine;
• phenobarbital;
• phenytoin; or
• primidone.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect biotin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.