Biotin is a form of vitamin B found in foods. Biotin helps the body break down fats, carbohydrates, and other substances.
Biotin has been used in alternative medicine as a probably effective aid in the treatment or prevention of 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 (rashes) in babies. However, research has shown that biotin may not be effective in treating this condition.
Other uses not proven in the research include the treatment of brittle nails or very fine hair, diabetes, nerve pain, and other conditions.
There is no certainty that biotin is effective for the treatment of any medical condition. The medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Biotin should not be used as a substitute for prescription medicines.
Biotin is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no laws regulating the standardized manufacture of herbal products and it has been found that some of these products for sale have been contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal supplements and / or for health should be obtained from places of trust to reduce the risk of contamination.
Biotin may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this product guide.
What is the most important information I should know about biotin?
Follow all instructions on the product label and package. Tell each of your health providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all the medicines you are using.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking biotin?
You should not use this product if you are allergic to biotin.
Before using biotin, tell your healthcare provider. The dose you need may be different:
- if you have kidney disease;
- if you have stomach surgery; or
- if you smoke
The dose you need may be different during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding your baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant or if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give any herbal health supplement to a child without medical advice.
How should I take biotin?
If you are considering using an herbal supplement, seek the advice of your doctor. You can also seek the advice of an expert trained in the use of herbs / health supplements.
If you decide to use biotin, follow the instructions on the label or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use quantities greater than what is recommended on the label.
It may take 3 to 6 months before the condition of your hair or nails improves.
Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with biotin does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product
Biotin can cause false results in certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using biotin.
After you stop using this medication, your nails will probably return to their original state within 6 to 9 months.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I skip a dosage?
Skip the dose you stopped taking if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not use more biotin to reach the dose you stopped taking.
What would happen with an overdose?
Since biotin is a water soluble vitamin, an overdose is not likely to occur.
What should I avoid while taking biotin?
Follow your health care provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activities.
What are the possible side effects of biotin?
Seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Common side effects may include:
- Stomach ache
- mild rash.
What other drugs will affect biotin?
Taking certain medicines can decrease the levels of biotin in your blood, which can affect the dose of biotin you need. Ask your doctor or pharmacist, before taking biotin, if you are also using the following drugs:
- carbamazepine;
- phenobarbital;
- phenytoin; or
- primidone.
This list is not complete. Other drugs can interact with biotin, including over-the-counter or prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions appear in this product guide.
Where can i get more information?
Consult a licensed health care provider before using any herbal / health supplement. Whether you are treated by a doctor or a professional trained in the use of natural medicines / supplements, make sure that your health provider knows about all your medical conditions and treatments.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information that comes from Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, current, and complete, but no guarantee is given. Information about the medication included here may have new recommendations. The information prepared by Multum has been created for the use of the health professional and the consumer in the United States of America (USA) and for which Multum does not certify that the use outside the US. appropriate, unless specifically mentioned. Multum's drug information does not sanction drugs, nor does it diagnose the patient or recommend therapy. Multum's information on drugs serves as a source of information designed to assist the licensed health professional in the care of their patients and / or to serve the consumer who receives this service as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, the competence, experience, knowledge and opinion of the health professional. The absence in it of a warning for a drug or combination of drugs should not, in
any way, be construed as making the drug or combination of drugs safe, effective, or appropriate for any patient. Multum is not responsible for any aspect of the medical care you receive with the help of information that comes from Multum. The information included here has not been created with the intention of covering all possible uses, instructions, precautions, warnings, interactions with other drugs, allergic reactions, or side effects. If you have any questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.