Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Prevention or treatment of vitamin E deficiency.
• Supplementation in people with inadequate dietary intake when advised by a healthcare professional.
• Deficiency related to fat-malabsorption conditions, such as certain liver, bile duct, pancreatic, intestinal, or inherited disorders, under medical supervision.

Adult dosing depends on the reason for use, the formulation, the strength, dietary intake, and whether there is a malabsorption condition. For routine supplementation, use only as directed on the product label or by a doctor or pharmacist. Treatment of confirmed deficiency or use of high-dose vitamin E should be individually prescribed and monitored by a doctor.

• Usually well tolerated at recommended doses.
• Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, flatulence, headache, tiredness, blurred vision, or rash.
• High doses may increase the risk of easy bruising or bleeding.
• Rare but serious effects may include severe allergic reaction or significant bleeding; seek urgent medical help if these occur.

Use Vitamin E carefully if you have a bleeding disorder, vitamin K deficiency, liver disease, malabsorption disease, a history of stroke, or if you are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines. Tell your doctor before surgery or dental procedures, as high-dose vitamin E may need to be stopped beforehand. Use under a registered doctor's or pharmacist's guidance, especially for children, older adults, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and anyone with long-term illness.

• Anticoagulants such as warfarin and other blood thinners: may increase bleeding risk, especially at high doses.
• Antiplatelet medicines such as aspirin or clopidogrel: may increase bleeding tendency.
• Vitamin K: high-dose vitamin E may interfere with vitamin K-related clotting balance.
• Orlistat, cholestyramine, colestipol, and mineral oil: may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamin E.
• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy: antioxidant supplements may interfere with some treatments; use only if the cancer specialist agrees.

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to vitamin E or any ingredient of the product.
• Do not use high-dose vitamin E without medical advice if you have active bleeding, a significant bleeding disorder, or are taking anticoagulant therapy.

Vitamin E is required in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and usual dietary intake or standard prenatal amounts are generally considered safe. Avoid high-dose vitamin E during pregnancy or lactation unless specifically prescribed, because unnecessary high doses may cause harm or increase bleeding risk. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date or if the product looks damaged, discoloured, or has an unusual odour.