Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
vitamin E
vitamin E
What is the most important information I should know about vitamin E?
What is the most important information I should know about vitamin E?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is vitamin E?
What is vitamin E?
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in foods such as nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin important for many processes in the body.
Vitamin E is used to treat or prevent vitamin E deficiency. People with certain diseases may need extra vitamin E.
Vitamin E may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking vitamin E?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking vitamin E?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:
- anemia (low red blood cells);
- bleeding problems;
- liver or kidney disease;
- any allergies;
- an eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa;
- a vitamin K deficiency;
- diabetes;
- high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
- cancer;
- a stroke or blood clot; or
- surgery (recent or planned).
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.
How should I take vitamin E?
How should I take vitamin E?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Vitamin E works best if you take it with food.
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 vitamin E 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.
If you need surgery or a medical procedure, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using vitamin E. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking vitamin E?
What should I avoid while taking vitamin E?
Avoid taking other vitamins, mineral supplements, or nutritional products without your doctor's advice.
What are the possible side effects of vitamin E?
What are the possible side effects of vitamin E?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking vitamin E and call your doctor at once if you have:
- headache, dizziness, weakness;
- vision changes;
- diarrhea, stomach cramps; or
- easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums).
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;
- feeling tired;
- headache; or
- rash.
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 vitamin E?
What other drugs will affect vitamin E?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using vitamin E with any other medications, especially:
- ibrutinib;
- tipranavir; or
- warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect vitamin E, 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?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about vitamin E.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>
