Biotin + Calcium Pantothenate + Elemental Copper + Elemental Selenium + Elemental Zinc + N-Acetylcysteine

Dosage Forms Available

• Biotin + Calcium Pantothenate + Elemental Copper + Elemental Selenium + Elemental Zinc + N-Acetylcysteine may be available as tablets, capsules or other solid oral dosage forms.
• Ingredients and amounts can differ between products. Check the product label before taking it.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• The appropriate dose depends on the person’s age, diet, health condition, identified nutrient deficiencies and the amount of each ingredient in the product.
• Give this supplement to a child only when recommended by a doctor.
• Do not take more than the dose recommended by your doctor or stated on the product label.

Contraindications

• Do not take this supplement if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• People with Wilson disease or another condition that causes copper to accumulate in the body should not take a copper-containing supplement without specialist advice.
• Do not take it without medical advice if your zinc, copper or selenium level is already high.

Other Medications to Avoid With This Medicine

• Zinc can reduce the absorption of certain tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how much time to leave between these medicines and this supplement.
• Zinc can reduce the absorption of penicillamine. You may need to take the two products at different times.
• Minerals in dietary supplements can affect levothyroxine absorption. Take them at the interval your doctor recommends.
• N-acetylcysteine can increase the headache and low blood pressure caused by nitroglycerin.
• Taking another multivitamin or mineral supplement containing the same ingredients may result in excessive intake of zinc, copper or selenium.
• Tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines and nutritional supplements you take.

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose may cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, a metallic taste, weakness or symptoms affecting the nerves.
• Taking excessive amounts of zinc for a prolonged period can cause copper deficiency. Excess selenium can cause hair loss, brittle nails, a garlic-like smell on the breath and problems affecting the nerves.
• Seek immediate medical assistance if an overdose is suspected.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Do not take 2 doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Management of Side Effects

Most mild side effects are temporary. Consult your doctor if a side effect is severe, persistent or worsening.

• Taking the supplement with food may help reduce nausea and stomach discomfort.
• Drink enough water if diarrhoea or vomiting occurs.
• Stop taking the supplement and seek immediate medical help if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Driving and Operating Machinery

• This combination is not normally expected to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
• Avoid these activities if you feel dizzy or unwell after taking it.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Nutrient requirements can change during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use this combination only when a doctor considers it appropriate.
• Excessive amounts of zinc, copper or selenium can be harmful during pregnancy. Do not take several supplements containing the same ingredients.

Caution in Other Conditions

• People with liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor before using this supplement because the dose or monitoring requirements may need to be adjusted.
• N-acetylcysteine may worsen stomach discomfort in people with a peptic ulcer.
• People with a copper-storage disorder or high zinc, copper or selenium levels should use this supplement only under medical supervision.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Follow a balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, eggs, nuts and lean sources of protein.
• Food sources of biotin include cooked eggs, fish, nuts, seeds and sweet potatoes.
• Zinc, copper and selenium are available from many foods. Therefore, avoid taking several supplements containing the same nutrients.
• Regularly consuming large quantities of raw egg whites can reduce biotin absorption.
• Drink enough water if diarrhoea or vomiting occurs.