How does it work?

Alpha tocopheryl acetate, also known as Vitamin E, is commonly found in the diet, in eggs, vegetable oils and whole wheat cereals.

Vitamin E plays a vital role in maintaining cell structure and is known to have strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that neutralise the effects of free radicals, which are substances produced as a result of the body's biological processes. Free radicals attack certain cells in the body such as the lung, heart, skin and red blood cells and as a result have been linked to the development of coronary heart disease and certain cancers in humans. There is some clinical evidence to suggest that vitamin E may protect against such diseases and slow down the ageing process.

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and therefore is absorbed with fat from the gut. A deficiency in vitamin E may occur if there is a problem with absorption of fat (malabsorption disorders), such as in premature babies, cystic fibrosis or severe liver disease. Alpha tocopheryl acetate is commonly given to replace vitamin E in these disorders.

What is it used for?

• Correction of Vitamin E deficiency that occur in malabsorption disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and certain liver diseases.

How do I take it?

• Vitamin E suspension can be taken with or without food.
• The amount of vitamin E suspension to be taken will vary depending on age and the level of deficiency that needs to be treated.
• You should use an oral syringe to measure the suspension accurately.
• Any remaining suspension should be discarded one month after opening the bottle.

Warning!

• There is an increased risk in developing blood clots when taking this medicine in people predisposed to the condition.
• Vitamin E suspension contains castor oil which can cause diarrhoea and upset stomach.
• Vitamin E suspension contains sucrose and is not suitable for people with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency.

Use with caution in

• Individuals on oestrogen containing medicines, such as some oral contraceptives.
• Predisposition to the formation of blood clots (thrombosis).
• Premature infants.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• The safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for further advice.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Abdominal pain.
• Diarrhoea.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

Alpha tocopheryl acetate may increase the risk of thrombosis in individuals when taken concurrently with oestrogen containing medicines, such as some oral contraceptives.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredients

Vitamin E suspension is only available generically (ie without a brand name).

Vitamin E supplements in the form of capsules are also available.