Hair, Skin & Nails

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 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.

It is not certain whether biotin is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Biotin should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

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.

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.

You should not use this product if you are allergic to 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.

Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

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

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include:

• upset stomach; or
• mild skin 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.

You should not use this product if you are allergic to 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.

Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

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

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.

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

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